• Calibrate your irrigation to irrigate by amount (¾ inch per watering) instead of minutes.
• Make sure you have a functioning rain shut-off device on all automatic lawn irrigation systems.
• Use mulch liberally around plants to conserve moisture.
• Inspect irrigation systems to see that they are functioning properly (head to head coverage).
• Convert tree and shrub zones to low volume micro-irrigation.
• Irrigate grass only when it starts to wilt.
• Defer installation of sod until the rainy season begins.
• Reduce amount of existing grass.
• Install drought-tolerant plants such as oaks, palms, lantana, crape myrtle, and many perennials. Irrigate shrub/tree beds separately from turf. They need water less often.
• Group plants with similar water requirements together

Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
The water efficiency ordinance focuses on irrigation system efficiency and limiting plants requiring the most supplemental irrigation. This applies to new construction and extensive remodeling. Grass and flowers are limited to 50 percent or less of the irrigated area. Separate irrigation zones are required for grass and tree/shrub/groundcover beds. Low volume micro-irrigation is required for plant beds. No plant root balls or spray irrigation is permitted under roof overhangs. No grass should be planted in strips narrower than four feet except next to contiguous properties.

Preparing your lawn for drought
Turfgrasses, like all green plants, require water for growth. Supplementing inadequate rainfall with irrigation water can produce a better-quality lawn. The quest for better lawns has produced management practices that have intensified to the point that today many lawns will not thrive without supplemental irrigation. In order for a lawn to survive with little or no water, it is necessary to condition the lawn before a drought occurs.

The impact of drought conditions on lawns could be severe if watering restrictions are increased or supplemental irrigation is completely eliminated. Many lawns would not be able to survive. That is why it is important to prepare lawns for drought ahead of time.

Mowing Practices

• Use the highest setting on the mower. The higher the cut, the deeper and more extensive the root system.
• Never mow off more than one-third of the height of the lawn at any one time.
• Adjust the frequency of mowing to the growth of the turf.
• Keep the mower blades sharp.

Fertilization Practices
Fertilization practices can enhance drought tolerance of turfgrasses if properly done. All the drought conditioning accomplished by proper irrigation and mowing practices can be eliminated by excessive nitrogen fertilization. Apply just enough nitrogen to obtain a small but continuous amount of growth.

Pest Control
Pest control on lawns should be done with a great deal of care because pesticides can add an extra stress of chemical damage to plants. Once a pest problem has been diagnosed, it should be promptly treated following recommendations from your Sarasota County Extension office.

Alternatives to Turfgrass
People often attempt to grow turf where it will not survive without extraordinary care. High-quality turf cannot be achieved without supplemental irrigation. Alternatives such as mulched beds or groundcovers may be more suitable. Plant materials not requiring supplemental irrigation are good choices. Consult your Sarasota County Extension office for the plants that grow best in Sarasota.