The weather is heating up for Floridians and summer has officially begun in Citrus County. With summertime sunshine also comes the beginning of our rainy season. Homeowners who pride themselves in having a beautiful lawn and garden should take note of these helpful lawn maintenance tips.
Watering Practices for Citrus County Homeowners
Experts from Citrus County Utilities recommend only one scheduled irrigation of ½” to ¾” each week. If your lawn shows signs of need and rain is scarce, water again the ½” to ¾” of rotor head zone. Also, take note that irrigation should occur before 10 A.M. or after 4 P.M. Watering days are Wednesday and Saturday for odd addresses in Citrus County. Alternatively, even addresses may water on Thursdays and Sundays.
Maintaining a Lush Lawn
If you’re curious about ways to improve your lawn’s health, there are two very important practices you should adopt. First, the mowing height of your grass. Secondly, the frequency of how often you mow.
How Low Should You Go?
For most homeowners in Citrus County, the lawn consists of either a Bahia or St. Augustine grass. Their coarser leaves should be kept between 3-4” in height. Also, be sure to set your lawn mower deck at the perfect height for your grass type.
During summer growth seasons, homeowners should mow a minimum of once a week to maintain the suggested length of blades. Your main goal is to never remove more than 1/3 of grass blade each time. Consequences of cutting off more than that could result in turf stress, which causes more insects, lawn disease and sometimes sunburn on your lawn.
Replacing Sprinklers Saves Money
Did you know that a missing or broken sprinkler head on your lawn could potentially waste 25,000 gallons of water? As a result, you’ll spend almost $300 over a 6-month period? Prevent wasting precious water and your money by taking initiative.
Perform a Sprinkler Check
First, check your sprinkler system for missing, broken or clogged heads. Next, check the connection of sprinkler heads to hoses and pipes. Large pools of water in your lawn or garden can be signs of a leak in your watering system. Also, be sure to redirect any sprinklers that are spraying onto your driveway or home towards your landscape. Lastly, make sure to update your sprinkler watering schedule. Better yet, purchase a Water Sense controller for your system to do the scheduling for you. In fact, Citrus County utilities will give a $150 account credit for all Water Sense controllers.
What Citrus County Homeowners Should Plant
Since the temperature is heating up, you’ll want to introduce plants that can withstand the heat. Experts suggest bedding plants such as salvia, wax begonia, ornamental pepper, celosia, Angelonia, vinca, portulaca and coleus. If you’re into planting herbs, basil, oregano, Mexican tarragon and rosemary are your best bets. Fresh vegetable enthusiasts should plant southern peas, eggplant, okra and sweet potato.
Protect Your Lawn this Summer
Your biggest enemy to your lawn and gardens will be from chinch bugs, especially in St. Augustine grass. Newly hatched mole crickets will cause issues for bahia grass lawns. In short, by correctly mowing your lawn, you can discourage insects, lawn diseases, weeds and encourage healthy growth for a luscious lawn this summer.
Make the Move to Sugarmill Woods
There is something for everyone when you are at your leisure in Citrus County Florida. So, if you are looking for an idyllic setting to call home, contact one of our friendly professionals at Coldwell Banker Next Generation Realty of Citrus. Speak with a professional today in our Sugarmill Woods office (352) 382-2700.
When you’re ready to build, contact the trusted professionals at Edward Russell Johnston Inc. Over 42 years of experience building beautiful homes in Sugarmill Woods and across the Nature Coast. Call them today at (352) 795-2200.
