If you’ve lived through a Florida summer, you know: the heat is no joke. Between scorching midday sun and sudden afternoon downpours, keeping your lawn healthy can feel like a full-time job. But here’s the good news — with the right watering schedule and smart irrigation tools, you can keep your yard lush without wasting water. So, what’s the best time to water your lawn during Florida’s summer? The experts at Shaffer’s Irrigation and Outdoor Lighting are here to break it down.
When Is the Best Time to Water in Summer?
The best time to water your lawn is early in the morning, between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m.
Why?
-
The air is cooler, so less water evaporates.
-
Winds are calmer, ensuring better spray coverage.
-
Grass has time to dry during the day, reducing fungal risks.
PAA question homeowners often ask:
“Can I water my lawn at night?”
We don’t recommend it! Nighttime watering can leave grass damp for too long, encouraging mold, mildew, and fungus. Midday watering? Most of it evaporates before reaching the roots.
How Often Should I Water My Lawn?
In Florida’s summer heat:
-
Established lawns need ~1 to 1.5 inches of water per week (including rainfall).
-
Newly seeded or sodded areas may need more frequent, light watering.
It’s usually best to water 2–3 times per week rather than daily. This encourages deep root growth, making your lawn more drought-tolerant.
How Can Timers and Smart Controllers Help?
Manually turning on your sprinklers? Forget about it. Florida’s weather is too unpredictable — and you’re too busy!
That’s where Shaffer’s timers and smart controllers come in.
Benefits of smart irrigation:
-
Set precise watering schedules for different zones.
-
Automatically skip watering after rain.
-
Adjust run times based on temperature, humidity, and seasonal changes.
-
Control everything remotely from your phone.
Common homeowner question:
“Will a smart controller save me money?”
Yes! By avoiding unnecessary watering, you can significantly lower your water bill — and your lawn will still look its best.
Explore Shaffer’s smart irrigation upgrades here.
Should I Adjust My System When It Rains?
Absolutely. Florida’s summer storms can dump inches of rain in a single afternoon, and you don’t want your sprinklers running on top of that.
Here’s how to handle it:
-
Install a rain sensor (Shaffer’s can help) to pause irrigation automatically.
-
Use a smart controller that pulls real-time weather data.
-
Manually suspend the system if you know a big storm is coming.
This not only saves water — it protects your lawn from becoming oversaturated.
Want a Customized Watering Plan?
At Shaffer’s Irrigation and Outdoor Lighting, we specialize in creating smart, efficient irrigation systems for Port Charlotte homeowners. Whether you need a seasonal tune-up, new timers, or a full system upgrade, we’re here to help.
Call us today at 941-625-5875
Visit shaffersirrigation.com
Or check us out on Google Maps
Let’s make sure your lawn stays green and healthy — no matter how hot Florida’s summer gets!