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Q&A: Now Is Not The Time To Resod Your Yard

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By NEIL JOHNSON

njohnson@tampatrib.com

Published: November 20, 2008

In an effort to combat a tight water supply, the Southwest Florida Water Management District has prohibited the resodding of lawns in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties.

The regulation is in effect until June 30.

I'm building a house. Does this mean I can't water my new lawn?

The ban does not apply to new construction. New lawns can be watered every day for 30 days and every other day for the next 30 days. After that, you must comply with your regular weekly watering day.

What if I have already contracted to have my lawn replaced?

The new rule does not apply to lawns that were under contract by Oct. 28, even if work has not started. But you will need to show a valid, signed contract.

Isn't the summer rainy season the best time to replace my sod?

Actually, no, according to Frank Favata, owner of Jimmy's Sod in Tampa. He said this is the best time to replace sod, with grass under less stress. Summer heat places more stress on the lawn, and more water is lost to evaporation.

Also, the increased humidity of summer makes the sod vulnerable to fungus, Favata said.

However, scientists at the water management district think the summer rainy months are the best time to replace a lawn.

Are there other new restrictions?

New rules also prohibit micro-irrigation or hand watering of nonturf landscaping between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Also, the district wants local utilities to stop issuing warnings and fine residents violating water restrictions, even for a first offense.

How much water will the ban on replacing lawns save?

It's difficult to give an exact amount, but in general, about 75,000 gallons for every lawn that isn't replaced. That's based on replacing sod on a typical quarter-acre lot, half of which is grass.

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