It’s March in Central Florida. There isn’t a big event or parade to mark the occasion, just some subtle differences. There are more snowbirds on the roads, spring breakers filter in, and of course, it’s getting warmer.

This is also the time of year to start listening to your lawn again. The blades have been quiet for a few months, but the chatter is starting up again. Your grass is telling you that it needs water and for that to happen your irrigation system needs to be in tip-top shape.

The water requirements for your lawn and landscape begin changing in March. This is the driest time of the year for us. The weather will pretty much stay the same until the rainy season starts in June.

When to water
Starting now, it’s best to water twice a week for about twenty minutes. Set your irrigation timer to run either in the pre-dawn hours or at night. The sun is irrigation’s enemy; warm weather speeds the evaporation process. Also, it’s usually less windy at these times, which prevents water from blowing onto areas that don’t need it like sidewalks and driveways. Remember, you’re paying for every drop. 

While we’re focusing on water, look at your sprinkler heads; are they all pointed in the right direction? Take some time to do a test. Watch your system run. Make sure water is going where you need it to go. Sprinkler heads are vulnerable to lawnmowers, hard-playing kids, animals, and even aggressive grass. Make sure all your equipment is working and not being blocked by anything that’s grown over it during the winter.

Can test
This is also a great time of year to do the can test. Put small cans in the irrigated sections of your property, turn on your system, and let it run for a full cycle. When the last sprinkler stops, check the cans; each should have nearly an inch of water. Lawns only need about three-quarters of an inch of water.

We hope this blog helps. Keep in mind that your irrigation system is something that needs updating several times a year; the next time to do it will be in April when lawns need even more water.

Irrigation can be intimidating and making a mistake can be expensive. Replacing an entire dead lawn costs money, and you may be spending more on the water than you should be, and this is where we can help. Our irrigation experts will set your clocks, check your sprinklers and test your system every month. Contact us for a free estimate on our monthly irrigation services.