Q: When can I water my lawn?
- A1: March-November (Daylight Saving Time)
- No watering from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Odd number addresses, or addresses ending with letters N-Z, or no address may water only on Wednesday and Saturday
- Even number addresses or those ending with A-M may water only on Thursday and Sunday
- Non-residential addresses may water only on Tuesday and Friday
- Apply up to ¾-inch or less of water each cycle
- A2: November – March (Standard Time)
- No watering from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Odd number addresses, or addresses ending with letters N-Z, or no address may water only on Saturday
- Even number addresses or those ending with A-M may water only on Sunday
- Non-residential addresses may water only on Tuesday
- Apply up to ¾-inch or less of water one time per week
Q: Can hand-watering of turf and ornamental plants be performed anytime?
- A: Hand-watering can be done anytime.
Q: What City of Jacksonville rules and regulations govern irrigation and fertilization?
- A: Ordinance Chapter 366.501 (Irrigation); Ordinance Chapter 366.601 (Fertilizer)
Q: How can I get a copy of this ordinance?
Q: How can I get an electronic copy of the irrigation and fertilizer brochure?
Q: Can violators of the irrigation schedule and fertilization practices be fined?
- A: Yes, violators of the irrigation schedule and fertilizer ordinance requirements may be issued a warning or a ticket.
Q: Will special watering allowances be granted for veriticutting (removing vertical growth that occurs around a grass plant)?
- A: No special watering allowances shall be granted for veriticutting.
Q: Can too much water hurt the turf or the ornamental plants?
- A: Over watering promotes shallow root systems, makes grass and plants susceptible to diseases and pests.
Q: How do I calibrate my system for 3/4 - inch?
- A: Measure how much water your sprinkler is applying by placing some straight sided cans (tuna cans work great) to catch the water. Run the system long enough to collect a measurable quantity and note the time required. Adjust your run time so you do not exceed more than 3/4 -inch of water.
Q: How do I use less water in my landscape?
Q: What kind of turf fertilizer should I use?
- A: Consider buying package lawn fertilizer with at least 50% of the nitrogen in slow-release form. The three numbers in bold letters on most fertilizer bags represent Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium respectively. Use fertilizer with Nitrogen to Potassium ratio of 1:1 or 2:1. The middle number, Phosphorous, should be between zero (0) to 2. See the label for usage.
Q: What setting should I use on my spreader?
- A: Most fertilizer product label contains directions for determining the settings for your spreader.
Q: Can I store unused fertilizer for next year?
- A: Yes, unused fertilizer can be stored and reused provided the bag is properly closed and stored in a dry place. Be sure to breakup any clumps before placing in the spreader.
Q: When should I apply fertilizer?
- A: You can apply fertilizer anytime during the growing season. It is recommended withholding application of fertilizer to a lawn that is experiencing stress from prolonged periods of summer heat and drought.
Q: I am planning to de-thatch my lawn. Should I apply fertilizer before or after I de-thatch?
- A: Apply fertilizer after you de-thatch.
Q: Can I water in my fertilizer or pesticide after application?
- A: Yes, you are encouraged to water in fertilizers with 1/4-inch of water within 24 hours of application. Pesticides should also be watered in using 1/4-inch of water if it is required on the pesticide label or by your pest control operator.
Q: What is the fertilizer-free zone?
- Fertilizer must not be applied to impervious (non-porous) surfaces. Fertilizer may not be applied within 10 feet of any water body or wetland.