💧 How Often Should You Water Your Lawn in South Florida This Time of Year?

Keeping your lawn lush and green in Vero Beach, Florida takes more than just sunshine — it takes smart watering. As we move out of the rainy summer months and into our drier fall season, your lawn’s watering needs will begin to change. At Green Island Lawn & Pest, we help homeowners across the Treasure Coast keep their grass healthy, resilient, and vibrant all year long.

Here’s what you need to know about how often to water your lawn in South Florida this time of year.

🌤 Understanding Our Local Climate

South Florida has two very distinct seasons when it comes to rainfall:

• Wet season (May–October) – frequent showers and high humidity

• Dry season (November–April) – cooler, drier air with less consistent rain

Right now, as we transition into fall, rainfall starts to taper off. Your irrigation system may need to do more of the work — but that doesn’t mean you should water every day. Overwatering can be just as damaging as underwatering.

💦 How Often Should You Water?

During this time of year, lawns in Vero Beach typically need about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall. That usually means watering twice per week for most established lawns.

If your lawn is sandy (as many are here along the coast) or sits in full sun, you may need to water a bit more frequently — up to three times a week during especially dry spells. However, if we’ve had steady rain, it’s best to skip a scheduled watering to prevent soggy soil and fungal issues.

Rule of thumb:

Deep, infrequent watering promotes strong root growth. Shallow, daily watering encourages weak roots and invites disease.

🕗 Best Time of Day to Water

Always water your lawn early in the morning, ideally between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m.
This timing allows the water to soak into the soil before the Florida sun causes evaporation. It also gives grass blades time to dry before nightfall, which helps prevent fungus and mildew.

Avoid watering late in the evening or during the hottest part of the day.

📋 Sample Fall Watering Schedule

Here’s a simple schedule you can follow for an established St. Augustine or Bahia lawn:

• Monday (early morning): ½ inch of water

• Thursday (early morning): ½ inch of water (skip if it’s rained recently)

Check your soil moisture midweek. If the top inch feels dry, your lawn may need a little extra water. If it’s still damp, hold off.

⚠️ Don’t Forget Local Watering Restrictions

In Indian River County, the South Florida Water Management District limits irrigation days to conserve water.

• Odd-numbered addresses: Water on Wednesday and Saturday

• Even-numbered addresses: Water on Thursday and Sunday

• No watering between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Always verify current restrictions on the SFWMD website — fines can apply for violations, and following the schedule helps preserve our shared water resources.

🌱 Signs Your Lawn Needs Water

Watch for these signs of drought stress:

• Grass blades fold in half lengthwise

• Footprints stay visible after walking on it

• Color fades from bright green to bluish-gray

If you see these symptoms, it’s time to water — deeply and evenly.

💚 The Green Island Lawn & Pest Difference

At Green Island Lawn & Pest, we understand Florida lawns better than anyone. Our experts know the unique challenges of coastal soils, heat, and humidity, and we customize every service for your lawn’s specific needs.

From proper irrigation guidance to pest and fertilization programs, we’ll keep your yard healthy, green, and worry-free all year long.

📞 Need Professional Lawn Care in Vero Beach?

If your lawn is struggling — dry spots, brown patches, or fungus — let us help.
Call Green Island Lawn & Pest at (772) 766-0622 or visit www.greenislandpest.com to schedule your free lawn evaluation today.

Let’s keep your lawn Green Island beautiful. 🌿