Whether you’re staying in Florida this summer or elect to leave your irrigation system turned on while you’re away, here are some tips to water smart.

• Inspect your irrigation system to ensure it is in proper operational condition and your irrigation zones are set appropriately.
• Maintain a lawn height of 2.5 to 3 inches to help protect the roots from heat stress and reduce the loss of moisture to evaporation.
• Avoid planting turf in areas that are difficult to irrigate properly, such as steep inclines and isolated strips along sidewalks and driveways.
• Aerate clay soils at least once a year to help the soil retain moisture.
• Promote deep root growth through a combination of proper watering, aerating, appropriate fertilization, thatch (grass clippings) control and attention to lawn height. A lawn with deep roots requires less water and is more resistant to drought and disease.
• Mulch around plants, bushes and trees helps the soil retain moisture, discourage the growth of weeds and provide essential nutrients.
• Plant in the spring or fall, when watering requirements are lower.
• When choosing plants, keep in mind that smaller ones require less water to become established.
• Use porous materials for walkways and patios to keep water in your yard and prevent wasteful runoff.
• Install a rain sensor on your irrigation system to prevent the system from watering while it is raining, or right after it has rained.