Irrigation 

WHY Is Proper Irrigation Coverage So Important??

What Should You Be Asking Your Irrigation Company??

We are NOT an irrigation company but we DO want to make & keep your grass GREEN!

Contact the office for referrals of local irrigation companies in your area. (941) 231-7285

QUICK FACTS ON IRRIGATION

• Irrigation is designed to have head to head coverage or 200% coverage
• Early Morning Waterings is the Best Time of Day
• Longer waterings create a better root system
• If you are seeing the leaves curl it is dry – water longer or check coverage
• Irrigation is meant to be a supplement to rain. Even the best coverage and long durations of watering you can still experience drought stress

WHAT WE HEAR THE MOST

1. But I am watering enough!

• One clogged or broken head and affect the entire zone
• Irrigation should be physically checked monthly to make sure pressure and the heads are spraying in the correct areas (remember 200% coverage)
• New plant growth can hinder the spray of the irrigation causing drought stress

2. That brown spot must be fungus or an insect.

• Most issues in the lawn start with a type of stress allowing more issues to arise. Most common seen is drought stress. 

3. But it has been raining!

• 1 week of rain does not correct the month of no rain. Please leave your irrigation running

For referrals for local irrigation services, contact our offices today! We'd be happy to help you keep your lawn green year-round! (941) 231-7285

Frequently Asked Questions About Irrigation in Bradenton

How often should I water my lawn?

For optimal health, your lawn should receive about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, spread across two to three watering sessions. This frequency helps maintain moisture without causing root rot or disease. During hot or dry periods, you may need to increase watering slightly, but always adjust based on rainfall and soil conditions. Watering deeply but infrequently encourages roots to grow deeper, making your lawn more drought-resistant. Morning watering is ideal, as it reduces evaporation and allows the grass to dry before nightfall, minimizing the risk of fungal growth.

What is the ideal duration for each irrigation session?

Each irrigation session should last between 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the soil type and your lawn’s needs. Sandy soils may require shorter, more frequent sessions, while clay soils benefit from longer, less frequent watering to avoid runoff. The goal is to ensure water penetrates the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches, promoting deep root growth. Shallow watering can lead to weak roots and a less resilient lawn. If you notice runoff before reaching the desired duration, consider splitting the watering into shorter cycles.

How can I tell if my lawn is getting enough water?

To check if your lawn is properly hydrated, perform the screwdriver test: insert a screwdriver into the soil. It should easily penetrate to a depth of 6 inches if the soil is adequately watered. Additionally, observe the grass color and texture; well-watered grass is vibrant and springs back when stepped on. Wilting, dull color, or footprints that remain visible indicate the need for more water. Monitoring your lawn’s appearance and using a rain gauge or moisture sensor can help you adjust your irrigation schedule to meet your lawn’s specific needs.

Should I water my lawn during the rainy season?

During the rainy season, it’s essential to monitor weather patterns and adjust your irrigation accordingly. If rainfall consistently provides enough moisture, you can reduce or even skip watering to prevent overwatering, which can lead to fungal diseases, shallow root growth, and other issues. Installing a rain sensor on your irrigation system can help automate this process by temporarily shutting off watering during and after rainfall. However, if rain is sporadic, continue watering as needed to maintain consistent soil moisture levels, ensuring your lawn remains healthy and vibrant throughout the season.

For a year-round green lawn, contact our offices for reliable referrals to local irrigation companies! (941) 231-7285