{"id":154907,"date":"2026-02-13T22:51:06","date_gmt":"2026-02-13T22:51:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/154907\/"},"modified":"2026-02-13T22:51:06","modified_gmt":"2026-02-13T22:51:06","slug":"expert-shares-tips-to-cut-back-on-watering-your-lawn-amid-water-shortage-warning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/154907\/","title":{"rendered":"Expert shares tips to cut back on watering your lawn amid water shortage warning"},"content":{"rendered":"

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – A water shortage warning <\/a>has been issued for the entire Big Bend of Florida, and officials are encouraging everyone to conserve water when irrigating their yards.<\/p>\n

Cutting back on watering your lawn can be easier said than done, but Fielder Tree Service in Leon County offered some tips.<\/p>\n

Arborist Michael Cross with Fielder Tree Service said to only run sprinklers early or late, not when the sun is highest in the sky.<\/p>\n

Also, don\u2019t let the water overspray hard surfaces like sidewalks or pool decks. Laying mulch can help with that, Cross said.<\/p>\n

Cross also said it\u2019s important know how much water your sprinklers are putting out.<\/p>\n

\u201cAn average lawn needs about a half an inch to three-quarters of an inch of rain per session,\u201d Cross said. \u201cAnd what I find interesting is that most people don\u2019t really know the volume of water they\u2019re putting out. They focus more on the time.\u201d <\/p>\n

More news out of the Big Bend:<\/p>\n

Cross suggested setting up a rain gauge and moving it around your yard, which could help you cut back or rethink how you\u2019re using your sprinklers.<\/p>\n

Another tip, Cross said, is cutting your grass longer. The taller blades help with shade and lock in moisture. <\/p>\n

You can also consider which parts of your property could go without as much water.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, if you have a section over here that\u2019s maybe a natural buffer zone, let that go a little bit. Let nature run its course, but if you\u2019ve got valuable, high-value plants or maybe some section of the yard that\u2019s sentimental, put more time and water into that area,\u201d Cross said.<\/p>\n

Cross said thinking about ways to conserve now, while the warnings are voluntary, will put you ahead of the game if we see mandatory restrictions in the future.<\/p>\n

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