So, in the first place, your biggest challenge will be achieving optimum water usage. That means
- Enough water to keep your turf healthy; while
- Making sure to conserve water to preserve your green footprint; and
- Observing local water restrictions (for example, are you in a part of Florida where there are designated “watering” days?)
Hopefully, you’ve already taken the first smart step (or are about to – it is the time of year when many of those managing HOAs and community associations get a new budget, of course) and invested in a smart irrigation system.
So, the next step is using smart technology to achieve best practice. But you don’t have to go it alone.
Here are our top tips for commercial lawn care:
Take advantage of winter to fix or upgrade
These months are great for fixing or upgrading your irrigation system - from the pump station to the sprinklers - or looking at a smart irrigation solution if you don't have one already. Without Florida’s summer sun threatening plant life during renovations, you can take time to make improvements.
Instruct a water audit and avoid water bill spikes
Did you know that according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, a 1/32” diameter hole in a hose, emitter or faucet could waste more than 6,000 gallons of water waste in one year? Avoid water bill spikes and environmental errors by requesting a complete water audit every two to three years.
Experts will check for leaks and inefficiencies, fix any issues and leave a report detailing exactly where your water is going and how efficient your watering strategy is.
Have regular check-ups
An audit shouldn’t be your irrigation system’s only health check, however. Monthly maintenance should include checking for faults and wet checks plus an inspection of nozzles and cleaning parts.
Are you hitting the spot?
Make sure your water is reaching the target areas. Accidental irrigation of parking lots or sidewalks isn’t just a waste of money, it’s a major environmental concern, too.
Create an effective watering schedule
Did you know the best time to water is between 4am and 10am? And that’s not just because your customers or residents will avoid a surprise spray! Cooler temperatures and calmer winds allow water to soak well into the soil so it will be absorbed by the roots before the sun rises and evaporation begins. This strategy also prevents the spread of disease as a wet turf at night is a magnet for fungal growth.
Stop the daily sprinkle - less and more
Another tactic to ensure penetration of the root system is a deep and infrequent irrigation strategy. At least an inch of water per week – all at once or split between two sessions – is recommended for a strong, long-lasting lawn. Despite what you may think, sticking to frequent, shallow watering will result in moisture (and therefore nutrients) evaporating before hitting the roots.
Plan your zones for a water-conscious landscape design
The most impactful irrigation systems acknowledge the mini-ecosystems within an overall landscape. Well-established trees, for example, don’t need as much hydration as their newer counterparts so timers should meet these unique needs.
Still in the planning stage? Ask your contractor about ‘hydro-zoning’ to ensure they design a water-conscious landscape along with an irrigation and water delivery system that provides best-in-class irrigation to match.
Take advantage of non-potable water sources
Connecting to reclaimed water = saving money and conserving water. Concerned about safety? Don’t be. Wastewater treatment plants have been removing contaminants from Florida’s water for over 40 years now and the end result is water that’s absolutely safe to use for irrigation - leaving the good stuff for us to drink!
Remember that irrigation isn’t seasonal here
With summer showers keeping us well-hydrated here in Florida, you may imagine that your irrigation system becomes redundant at that time of year. But irrigation isn’t just there to supplement at drier times. In fact, it can be just as essential after a downpour. Firstly, an abundance of rainfall = excessive run-off. In other words, the soil doesn’t have the capacity to absorb the influx of water so it’s unused. Secondly, yes, we expect rain in summer – but it’s not guaranteed or consistent. In 2019, for example, we saw 15.3 inches of rainfall in August compared to just 4.41, 5.36 and 2.68 inches in June, July and September respectively.
Finally, consider an upgrade if necessary (and within budget)
The Internet of Things is rapidly evolving and clever new gadgets – for example, a timer or a moisture sensor – could be a great way to save money and boost efficiency. Keep up with smart technology and don’t be afraid to explore a retrofit.
Incorporating some of the above practices into your HOA landscape care (or ensuring your landscape company does) could result in you not only reducing water bills and satisfying Florida’s water ordinances; but most importantly, continuing to ensure your HOA Board and homeowners love their lawns!
