Micro-irrigation

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. Year-round restrictions allow non-turf areas watered by micro-irrigation to be irrigated at any time. Other 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 in less plant disease and longer-lasting blooms.

  • Weed growth is reduced. 

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 using retrofit kits available at locations where irrigation system materials are sold. 

More Efficient Irrigation -- Maximum Flow Rate for Micro-irrigation is 30 gallons per hour.

  • Runoff is reduced. A lower flow rate allows more water to get to plant roots. Wind does not degrade micro-irrigation efficiency.  The reduction in run-off also reduces the levels of debris reaching and clogging our draining systems and the levels of nitrogen reaching and polluting our surface waters.

  • 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. 


Find additional information on this topic in the Guide to Micro-Irrigation for West-Central Florida Landscape