Avoid Overwatering Your Lawn During the Rainy Season

Did you know that over-watering can weaken your lawn's roots, and stimulate the growth of fungus and other lawn diseases? Despite near-daily rains during the summer, many residents leave sprinklers to run on an automatic daily cycle, wasting millions of gallons of water and thousands of dollars worth of electricity.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District suggests that you follow these tips when you "watch the weather, wait to water":

Water only when your yard needs it

The simplest way to determine if your yard needs water is to look for these visual clues:

• 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 walking on it.

Check the forecast

If your yard is showing signs that it needs water, check your local forecast to see if rain is on the way.

• Use a rain gauge to determine how much rain your yard has received.

• Check your rain sensor

• If you have a rain sensor, make sure that it is working properly.

• Take full advantage of the rain

• Make sure gutter downspouts are directed into landscaped areas or lawn.

• Use a rain barrel to capture excess rainwater.