Family Life Magazine

Watering your Florida Lawn Efficiently
Family Life Solutions (Jeff chg section name from Family Life)
Published: July / August 2008

Water is an essential element in all living plants and turf. It combines with carbon dioxide and sunlight for photosynthesis. The food manufactured by photosynthesis and nutrients absorbed by the roots are transported by water to all parts of the turf. Florida is known for its sandy soils so it is imperative to have an efficient watering program including three basic steps:

1) determining when water is needed,

2) determining how much should be applied and

3) deciding how water is to be applied.

In general lawns need ¾” – 1” of water per week to maintain a health color and active growth. The best time to water your lawn is early in the morning. Avoid watering in the afternoon due to excessive evaporation and at night due to potential increased chances of some diseases gaining a foothold.

Types of turf common in our area:

• St. Augustine- needs a minimum 1” of water per week.

• Bermuda- needs a minimum ¾” of water per week.

• Bahia- needs a minimum ½” to ¾” of water per week.

Florida Ground Control is very excited about a new cost effective product that will keep your lawn green and healthy. EcoSential Moisture Manager is a proprietary blend of patented soil moisture management technology and advanced naturally derived soil surfactant. EcoSential Moisture Manager works around the clock to capture moisture that would otherwise be lost to evaporation. This will cut back on the volume and frequency of irrigation and conserving our precious water resources.

Benefits of EcoSential Moisture Manager

• Reduces watering up to 50%.

• Controls and/or eliminates dry spots.

• Provides drought protection.

While moisture manager is effective in all types of soil and soilless mixes the most dramatic results are noted on sandy and well-drained areas.

If you would like more information or a free quote on this product please call our office at 727-525-0939. Florida Ground Control also specializes in Irrigation, Landscaping, and full service Maintenance. Please visit our website at www.floridagroundcontrol.com