Property owners encouraged to ‘Skip a Week’ in lawn irrigation during cooler months

Overwatering in winter can lead to pest infestation and disease, Southwest Florida Water Management District points out

Image courtesy of the Southwest Florida Water Management District

Representatives of the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) are reminding residents who irrigate their lawns to “Skip a Week” or more of watering during the cooler months of January and February.

“According to research by the University of Florida, grass doesn’t need to be watered as often during the cooler months,” a SWFWMD news release says. “One-half to three-quarters of an inch of water every 10–14 days is sufficient,” the release continues. “In fact, if your lawn has received any significant rainfall, then you can turn off your irrigation system and operate it manually as needed.”

Homeowners can use the following tips to determine when their grass needs water, the release points out:

  • Grass blades are folded in half lengthwise on at least one-third of your yard.
  • Grass blades appear blue-gray.
  • Grass blades do not spring back, leaving footprints on the lawn for several minutes, after someone walks on the grass.

“Watering only every other week at most during the winter will help conserve drinking water supplies that the public needs for critical uses during the dry season,” the release explains.

For additional information about water conservation, visit the SWFWMD website at WaterMatters.org/SkipAWeek.