Discover simple landscaping tips and explore best management practices for your irrigation system:
New Lawns and Landscapes
Although we allow a 60-day establishment period for new sod, we recommend our customers follow the 30-day establishment schedule below that has been researched extensively by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS).
30-Day Establishment Schedule (Recommended)
| Watering Days | Watering Times | |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Immediately after installing the new plant material. | Water 3 times at 6-hour intervals (Spray heads = 6 minutes / Rotor heads = 18 minutes). |
| Days 2-10 | New plant material may be watered on any day of the week. | Before 8am OR after 6pm; water twice/day at 12-hour intervals (Spray heads = 8 minutes / Rotor heads = 24 minutes). |
| Days 11-15 | New plant material may be watered on any day of the week. | Before 8am OR after 6pm; water once/day (Spray heads = 16 minutes / Rotor heads = 48 minutes). |
| Days 16-30 | New plant material may be watered on any day of the week. | Before 8am OR after 6pm; water once/day (Spray heads = 20 minutes / Rotor heads = 60 minutes). |
Important! Once you complete the establishment period, you will need to update your irrigation controller so you're only watering on your allowed watering days and hours.
60-Day Establishment Schedule
| Watering Days | Watering Times | |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Immediately after installing the new plant material. | No restriction. |
| Days 2-30 | New plant material may be watered on any day of the week. | Before 8am OR after 6pm. |
| Days 31-60 | Even-numbered addresses may water on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Odd-numbered addresses may water on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. | Before 8am OR after 6pm. |
Important! Once you complete the establishment period, you will need to update your irrigation controller so you're only watering on your allowed watering days and hours.
Established Lawns and Landscapes
MY ALLOWED WATERING DAYS AND HOURS
Anyone who uses any source of water (including wells) to water their lawn or landscape inside City of Tampa limits must follow Tampa's water use restrictions.
HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR LAWN'S DROUGHT TOLERANCE
- Irrigation
- Mowing
- Fertilization
- Pest control
- Alternatives to turfgrass
DISCOVER WATER AND MONEY SAVINGS
- Personalized review of your water use
- Seasonal water budget
- Learn how to set your irrigation controller and rain sensor
- Learn how to check your irrigation system for leaks
How to Set Your Irrigation Controller to the New Water Restrictions
Starting December 1, 2023, everyone in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties will need to comply with once-a-week water restrictions; this includes the City of Tampa.
ORBIT Controller Set Up
RAIN BIRD (SST) Controller Set Up
RAIN BIRD (ESP) Controller Set Up
Seasonal Watering Guidelines
Are you new to Florida seasons? Generally, our water resources are at their lowest point in the spring, and our rainy summer season replenishes our water resources. When the rainy season ends, the shorter, cooler days of winter mean you can have shorter irrigation run times. During the cooler season when your lawn is dormant and growing slower, overwatering can lead to diseases and fungal infections.
These seasonal guidelines assume that you will not be watering your lawn in the rain. Tampa Water Department customers can request a free rain sensor to connect to their irrigation controller.
Seasonally adjusting your irrigation controller based on these UF/IFAS guidelines for our region is an excellent way to maintain a quality lawn and landscape. It's also a great way to get three low months of water use each year and, therefore, maintain a lower sewer max on your utility bill which saves you more money.
Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM
Level up your landscape and turn it into a Florida oasis using these nine principles:
Rain Sensors Save Water
All automatic irrigation systems are required by Florida law to have a working rain sensor or other moisture-sensing device. Tampa Water Department customers can request a FREE rain sensor while supplies last.
