For an established St. Augustine lawn, decide when to irrigate from the condition of the grass, recent rainfall and your current local watering rules. Set run time by measuring how much water each zone applies. A fixed number of minutes or automatic weekly frequency will not suit every yard.
How Often Should I Water Established St. Augustine Grass?
UF/IFAS recommends watering as needed, when roughly 30–50% of the lawn shows signs such as folded blades, a blue-gray appearance or footprints that remain visible. Rainfall and seasonal conditions change how quickly that happens.
An allowed watering day is not a requirement to water. Check the lawn before running the system and follow the restrictions for your address and water source.
How Long Should Each Sprinkler Zone Run?
UF/IFAS generally recommends applying about ½–¾ inch per irrigation event for established lawns, depending on soil and site conditions. The minutes needed depend on the equipment and its coverage; spray and rotor zones should not be assigned one universal run time.
Measure the Output of Each Zone
Use the UF/IFAS sprinkler calibration method: place five to ten straight-sided containers around a zone, run it for 15 minutes, then measure and average the collected depths. Repeat for each zone. Use the measured application rate to calculate a suitable run time.
For example, if a zone averages ¼ inch in 15 minutes, it would take 30 minutes to apply ½ inch. That is an illustration, not a setting for every system. Uneven readings are a reason to investigate coverage before simply adding time.
What Time of Day Should I Water?
UF/IFAS identifies early morning, around 4–8 a.m., as an efficient window. Use only the days and hours currently permitted for your property. Do not rely on an old statewide schedule or assume hand watering is always exempt.
Where Do I Check Current Watering Restrictions?
Central Florida crosses more than one water management district. Find your district through Florida DEP, then check the district and your local water utility for current rules. Confirm your address, water source, allowed days and hours, and any temporary drought restrictions. If you are in the St. Johns district, consult its current watering restrictions.
Does This Apply to Newly Installed Sod?
No. Newly installed sod needs establishment care specific to the installation and current local rules. Follow your installer's instructions and confirm any new-landscape watering provisions before laying sod. See when an existing lawn may need replacement and what to plan.
What if Dry or Wet Spots Keep Returning?
Document where the problem occurs and check for uneven coverage, damaged heads or water collecting on the surface. Seek a site-specific assessment rather than increasing the timer across the whole lawn.
If irrigation changes are part of a complete landscape project, learn about our landscape irrigation services and landscape design and installation. Mansfield projects start at $3,500. Call (352) 561-8537 or request a free estimate to discuss your scope.
Reviewed October 19, 2026 using the linked UF/IFAS and water-management resources. Check current local restrictions before changing irrigation settings.
