How can I conserve water? - Yard
Depending on the size of your yard, the majority of your water use could go to irrigation. Being able to program your irrigation clock is important. New homeowners may never change the settings that were established when they moved in and since many systems irrigate in the late night or early morning hours, it is likely that residents don't know how many days a week their irrigation is running or how long each zone runs. Irrigation timers may not have a back-up battery installed so if the power goes out, the timer will be reset and will need to be reprogrammed. Most irrigation timers have a manual available for download online if the original has been misplaced.
Check to make sure all of the sprinkler heads are in proper working order by turning on your irrigation system. Heads can be damaged, lines can be ruptured by roots, etc. and should be repaired immediately. It is advised that the same brand of heads be used throughout the irrigation system for optimal performance in terms of pressure and coverage.
Consider using micro irrigation whenever possible. Micro irrigation consists of sprayers, drip hoses, bubblers, misters, etc. that apply water directly to the root zone of the plant rather than broadcasting water over a wide area. Micro irrigation is ideal for planted beds, shrubs, and newly planted trees.
Consider reducing the amount of grass in your yard by installing Florida friendly/native plants. Planted beds of this type are attractive, require little to no water once established, and can attract a variety of wildlife. If you go to a home improvement store's garden center, the label will typically tell you the water requirements of the plant. If you would like to have a native garden, you may want to go to a local native plant nursery. A Florida native plant is defined by the Department of Environmental Protection as "a species that occurred in Florida at the time of European contact or 1500s".
Florida natives are adapted to the conditions in Florida and are less likely to require irrigation, pesticides, and fertilizers. You could also consider replacing your current grass with a more drought tolerant species such as Bahia. Species that are drought tolerant will tend to look healthier for longer during periods of drought with less irrigation.
