Here it is the beginning of June and the beginning of hurricane season. Some areas are experiencing exceptional drought.
Water is a precious and limited resource. Here in Florida, way too much of it goes to irrigating the landscape and much of that is needless. Over-irrigation causes more problems than it fixes. Too much water on the turf and other landscape plants makes the plants more susceptible to insects and diseases. Over-irrigation stresses the roots not just from disease, but from the lack of oxygen. Yes, roots need air, too, and over-irrigation makes roots grow shorter instead of deeper. Also, too much water moves nutrients and other possible pollutants into the water table, lakes and streams.
So water it right. Here are a few ideas to help get it right.
Watering every day is forbidden by most regulations and ordinances, and not healthy for plants. Once trees, shrubs and the turf are established, then irrigation systems are needed only for the turf. The general rule is apply 1/2 inch to ¾ of an inch of water once to twice per week and this includes counting rain as an application.
To read the full original article, please click here.
