Smart Irrigation Strategies For Old Palm Landscapes

Keeping an Old Palm landscape lush should not mean guesswork or wasted water. If you are new to Palm Beach Gardens or refreshing your irrigation, the right approach starts with local rules, reclaimed water, sandy soils and plant choices. In this guide, you will learn smart, Old Palm specific strategies that reduce waste, protect your investment and keep curb appeal high year round. Let’s dive in.

Know the rules first

Old Palm follows regional watering guidelines. The South Florida Water Management District’s year round rule prohibits irrigation from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and limits watering to set days by address. Always follow the most restrictive local ordinance where you live, and confirm details on the District’s page for landscape irrigation rules.

Palm Beach County operates a robust reclaimed water program that supplies many golf courses and common areas in the area. Reclaimed water travels in a separate purple pipe system and is often exempt from some restrictions that apply to potable or well water. Review how reclaimed supply works and the use rules on the County’s Reclaimed Water page.

Old Palm and its golf course rely heavily on reclaimed water for irrigation. Published sources note that the course and community irrigation are largely supplied by reclaimed water, with reported use near 98 percent. If you plan changes, check community standards with the CDD and HOA, and see the course overview that highlights reclaimed use at Old Palm Golf Club and contact information at the Old Palm CDD.

Understand site conditions

Seasons and rainfall

South Florida’s climate features a wet season from roughly May to October and a drier cool season from November to April. You typically irrigate most in the dry months and when establishing new plantings. UF/IFAS recommends seasonal adjustments that track rainfall and cooler temperatures; see their guidance on Florida landscape irrigation.

Sandy soils and run times

Palm Beach County soils are mostly sandy, with low water holding capacity. That means shorter cycles, split watering to reduce runoff, and careful measurement of how much water each zone applies. UF/IFAS provides run time methods and catch can testing in its summary of turf and landscape irrigation recommendations.

Palms and turf have different needs

Many landscape palms become drought tolerant after they establish, although newly planted palms need regular deep watering to set roots. UF/IFAS explains palm watering during establishment and beyond in its palm care guidance. Lawns in the area often use St. Augustine or paspalum, which need different scheduling than trees and beds. Put turf, beds and palms on separate zones so you do not overwater one to meet another’s needs.

Use smart technology

Smart controllers and sensors

WaterSense labeled weather based controllers and soil moisture sensors adjust irrigation to real time conditions. When installed and programmed correctly, they help avoid unnecessary cycles and can save thousands of gallons each year. Explore certified options on EPA’s list of WaterSense labeled controllers.

Zone design and matched output

Group zones by plant type and water demand so lawns do not drive the schedule for low water beds. Match precipitation rates within each zone, and consider high efficiency rotary nozzles where runoff occurs. Use a catch can test and the UF/IFAS timer guide to convert inches of water to minutes per zone in Operation of Residential Irrigation Timers.

Micro irrigation for beds and palms

Low volume drip and micro spray deliver water right where roots can use it, with minimal evaporation. These methods are preferred for beds, island plantings and for palm establishment. SFWMD identifies low volume systems as efficient options within its landscape irrigation guidance.

Audits and ongoing maintenance

Even a smart controller wastes water if the system has leaks or poor coverage. Schedule regular audits to check pressure, alignment and uniformity, and correct issues before adjusting programs. Local Extension resources, including mobile irrigation labs, offer education and evaluations; see UF/IFAS’s mobile irrigation lab information.

Old Palm retrofit checklist

1. Audit your system. Perform a catch can test to measure application rates and inspect for leaks and misaligned heads. Follow UF/IFAS steps in the timer operation guide.

2. Separate by plant type. Put turf, beds and trees or palms on different programs so each gets the right frequency.

3. Upgrade the controller. Install a WaterSense labeled smart controller or a soil moisture sensor, and have a pro program it for local conditions using EPA’s WaterSense controller list.

4. Swap inefficient nozzles. Where you see runoff, change fixed sprays to high efficiency rotary nozzles and recalibrate runtimes.

5. Add micro irrigation. Use drip or micro spray in beds and for new palms, and hand water small areas with a self canceling nozzle as allowed by SFWMD guidelines.

Dial in scheduling

For turf, UF/IFAS recommends deep, infrequent irrigation, typically applying about one half to three quarters of an inch per cycle. On sandy soils, split longer runs into two shorter cycles to reduce loss. Use UF/IFAS tables to translate desired depth into minutes, and remember that minutes depend on your measured application rate. Start with the UF/IFAS summary of irrigation recommendations.

Adjust monthly to reflect season and rainfall. During cooler months, turf may need less frequent irrigation while established palms often need little supplemental water except in severe drought. Use the procedures in Operation of Residential Irrigation Timers to fine tune programs as conditions change.

Reclaimed water best practices

If your home is connected to reclaimed water, you gain resilience and may have different watering allowances than potable or well users. Reclaimed water often contains small amounts of nutrients, which can reduce the need for some fertilizer, so be careful to avoid over application. Review allowable uses and connection details on Palm Beach County’s Reclaimed Water page.

Confirm whether your address is on reclaimed water before planning changes. Follow all County and utility rules on use, and never use reclaimed water for drinking or filling pools. When in doubt, check with the CDD or HOA for community standards and approved contractors via the Old Palm CDD.

Contractors and rebates

Choose licensed irrigation professionals who understand South Florida soils, reclaimed water connections and SFWMD rules. Ask for a written audit, controller programming for seasonal adjustment and a post installation uniformity test. Extension programs and mobile labs can be a helpful resource; see the UF/IFAS mobile irrigation lab information.

Rebates for smart controllers and upgrades vary by utility. Check current offerings with your city or Palm Beach County Water Utilities, and review common rebate types on EPA’s page for WaterSense labeled controllers before you buy.

The bottom line

Smart irrigation in Old Palm blends local rules, reclaimed water awareness and plant by plant scheduling. With a quick audit, the right controller and micro irrigation where it matters, you can keep your landscape vibrant while using water wisely. This approach supports property value, curb appeal and the Old Palm lifestyle.

If you are planning a sale, starting a remodel or simply want your landscape strategy to match your home’s caliber, connect with Faxon and Stanko for nuanced, neighborhood specific guidance and trusted local resources.

FAQs

How do SFWMD watering rules affect Old Palm schedules?

• SFWMD prohibits irrigation from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and limits watering days by address, so set programs within those windows and confirm details on the District’s landscape irrigation rules.

If my Old Palm home uses reclaimed water, do restrictions still apply?

• Reclaimed water is often exempt from some potable or well restrictions, but it has specific use rules, so confirm what applies to your address on Palm Beach County’s Reclaimed Water page.

What is the best way to water new palms in Old Palm?

• Newly installed palms need regular deep watering during the first year or two for root establishment, then many species need little supplemental irrigation; see UF/IFAS palm care guidance.

Will a WaterSense smart controller save water in Palm Beach Gardens?

• Yes, when installed and programmed correctly, WaterSense labeled controllers adjust to weather and soil conditions to reduce unnecessary cycles; explore options on EPA’s controller list.

Who approves irrigation changes within the Old Palm community?

• Old Palm operates under a CDD and HOA that set landscape and contractor standards, so coordinate planned changes through the community, starting with contacts at the Old Palm CDD.

How often should I adjust irrigation for South Florida seasons?

• Review and adjust monthly to reflect rainfall and cooler weather, using UF/IFAS procedures and tables in the irrigation recommendations and timer operation guide.