One Step to a Better "Florida Yard"

MICRO IRRIGATION, the application of water at a slow rate, is a more efficient way to irrigate trees, shrubs and ground covers. Benefits of micro irrigation include: 

BETTER PLANT GROWTH

• A better soil water / oxygen balance is achieved, resulting in faster growth and less plant loss.

• Foliage and flowers are not wetted, resulting reduction of plant disease and longer lasting blooms.

• Weed growth is reduced, as very little soil surface is wetted. 

EASY INSTALLATION

• Drip tubing is generally installed just beneath the mulch, reducing labor costs to install, eliminating damage to plant roots and reducing water loss to evaporation.

• Existing in-ground sprinkler systems can be easily modified. Use retrofit kits available at garden centers and home improvement stores to convert spray heads to micro irrigation. 

MORE EFFICIENT IRRIGATION

• Runoff is reduced. A lower flow rate allows more water to get to plant roots. Wind does not degrade micro irrigation efficiency.

• The ability to precisely control water placement allows the irrigation of narrow and irregularly shaped areas without wasting water on buildings and paved areas. 

MORE SELECTION

• Drip systems range from small emitter tubes to highly controlled emitter pipes.

• Micro-sprays are similar to regular spray heads except water is applied at a slower rate of flow.

• Bubblers are used to apply water to trees and shrubs to avoid overspray. 

A PDF version of A Guide to Micro-Irrigation for West-Central Florida Landscapes is available from the Southwest Florida Water Management District (1.5 MB).