In Pinellas County, we have been experiencing drought conditions for quite some time. We have had some rainfall, but it has not been frequent or consistent, which is causing problems for some people that do not have irrigation systems. While we are no longer in a modified stage 1 water shortage, there are still restrictions in place limiting most customers to only water 2-3 times per week. Most established plants and turf grass will not need additional watering, but if you are installing new plants, transplanting, or installing new sod, then you will need more irrigation during the first 30 days after planting. If your plants are losing their vibrancy, or you notice yellow leaves, you may want to check the moisture level in the soil by feeling a few inches below the surface to see if the soil feels dry or moist. If the soil falls through your fingers, it may need some additional hand watering to help the plant during times of little rainfall.
If your yard contains turf grass that is starting to turn brown, it may be part of the natural cycle of the grass as it will enter its dormant stage during late fall & winter. If you are watering 2-3 times per week and have inspected your irrigation system to make sure it is operating correctly then your grass may be brown due to the normal cycle of the grass type. Newly planted grass may need to be watered more often, but once it is established, overwatering could poorly affect the grass. Cut back on mowing your grass until the grass blade is the correct length for the grass type and do not apply fertilizer during this time. The blades of the grass support the root system, cutting the grass too short will create shallow roots, adjust your mower to the highest setting for the grass type and make sure your blades are sharp for the best results. Water your yard and plants deeply by applying ½ to ¾ an inch of water to the landscape. This will allow the water to seep down to the roots 8-12 inches below the surface and promote strong, deep root growth. When plants develop a deep root system, they are better able to withstand periods of low rainfall. When the roots are deep, they are less susceptible to leaning or falling over in fierce winds. Watering for a longer period, less days per week, is an effective way to strengthen the plants’ roots and provide the correct amount of water for the plants. Plants will typically enter a dormant period during winter and do not like to be overwatered. Signs of overwatering can be similar to underwatering, make sure to feel the soil if you are not sure your plants have enough irrigation. If the soil falls through your fingers, then you may need to water more. Mulch is a wonderful way to keep moisture in the soil and prevent runoff. The mulch will help keep the soil warmer in the winter and cooler during the summer. We recommend using organic mulches such as pine bark, cypress, or eucalyptus. When these mulches break down, they will provide nutrients for the plants, just make sure to keep the mulch away from the base of plants. Remove weeds before applying new mulch, this will help remove unwanted plants that could be taking up water and the new mulch will help reduce future weed growth. Herbicides are not recommended as they can be detrimental to your plants, and they don’t work as well when the weeds are in their dormant stage. These are some basic steps you can take to help protect your plants and ensure you will have a vibrant, thriving landscape in Spring. You can also consider replacing dying plants with drought-tolerant or native options that will do better during periods of low rainfall. Properly pruning your plants during the optimal times of year can also help reduce the water requirements during the dormant season and times of drought. Inspect your irrigation system often and make sure it is adjusted based on the rainfall in the area and the moisture level in the soil. Overwatering your plants can also cause browning and disease, so it is important to feel the soil before deciding to adjust your irrigation. If you have any questions about your landscape, give us a call or send a text to schedule an onsite consultation to discuss the best strategy to help your landscape look amazing.
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AuthorPlant and Flower enthusiast who enjoys creating Florida-Friendly landscape designs. Archives
January 2025
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