Smart Watering Tips for NE Florida
Spring Success Starts with Smart Watering
lA Note from
Matthew Barlow
Do April showers bring May flowers? Maybe up North—but here in NE FLorida, we usually face dry conditions during late winter and early spring. Every year is a little different, but as the weather warms up, it’s important to keep a close eye on anything you’ve recently planted. If you haven’t checked your irrigation system yet, now’s the time. A little extra attention now can make all the difference in helping your new landscape take root and thrive.
Matthew’s Garden Tips
Essential Watering Tips for Freshly Planted Landscapes
Spring Plantings Need a Little Extra Love 🌿
It’s planting season in Northeast Florida! But even the healthiest new trees, shrubs, and flowers need consistent care to thrive—especially when it comes to watering. Nursery plants are used to daily water and need time to adjust to life in your yard.
Why Watering Matters
Sprinklers alone often aren’t enough. New plantings need targeted hand watering or a drip system to get their roots established and ensure long-term success
Watering Guidelines
💧 1-gallon plants & flowers
Hand-water daily for 2 weeks, then every other day, tapering to 2–3 times a week. These small plants dry out fast and need regular moisture, especially in warmer weather.
💧 3-gallon shrubs
Apply at least 1 gallon of water to the root ball every other day for 2 weeks, then twice a week for 2–3 months. These shrubs take up to 7 months to fully establish, so early care is essential.
💧 Large shrubs & trees (15-gal+)
Use a slow hose soak at the base for 10–15 minutes daily for 1 month, then every other day for 1 month, and twice a week for the next 3 months. Deep watering encourages strong root systems.
💧 Extra-large trees (4”+ trunk)
Drip or hand water daily for 6 weeks, then every other day for 5 months, tapering to weekly. Larger trees take longer to adjust and need ongoing care for up to 15 months.
When to Water Less
✔️ After heavy or frequent rain
✔️ In consistently damp soil
✔️ In deep shade or with drought-tolerant plants (though they still need help early on)
GARDENING PRO TIP
Water in the morning or late evening.
Never between 1–4 p.m. when most water is lost to evaporation.
Inside Matt’s Garden Shed
Where Matt shares his favorite go-to products every gardener should keep on hand.
From tried-and-true essentials to clever time-savers, these picks help make lawn and garden care easier and more effective.
Chad’s Lawn Care Advice
Lawn Watering Tips
With the arrival of daylight saving time, Duval County’s watering restrictions have shifted—and with spring heating up, it’s time to make sure your lawn is getting exactly what it needs to stay healthy and green.
Know Your Watering Days – Duval County Restrictions
Here’s a quick guide to the current watering schedule in Duval County, now that we’ve sprung forward:
Watering Guidelines for Established Lawns
A healthy lawn requires different amounts of water depending on the season and temperature. Here’s a simple breakdown:
Newly Installed Sod—Especially St. Augustine
New sod needs extra attention to take root and thrive, especially in Florida’s fluctuating spring weather. Here’s what to know:
- Week 1–2: Water daily, ideally in the morning. St. Augustine sod typically needs ¼ to ½ inch of water per day, depending on temperature and wind.
- Week 3–4: Water every other day.
- Week 5–6: Transition to your regular watering schedule based on season and temperature.
- Avoid mowing until roots are established (usually around week 3).
- Avoid foot traffic (and furry feet!) during this establishment period.
☀️ Hot and dry weather? You may need to water twice daily in the first two weeks. Cool and cloudy? Scale back a bit.
LAWN CARE PRO TIP
If your lawn has just been sprayed for pests, weeds or fertilization, please keep children and pets off the turf for at least 2 hours, or until the grass is completely dry to the touch. This helps avoid irritation and ensures the product has been absorbed properly.
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