One-half to an inch of water should be applied at that point, Williams said. Then wait for the telltale signs before watering again. Using this method will not only conserve water, it will develop stronger lawns and plants with deep roots. Frequent, shallow watering creates an unhealthy lawn and puts a strain on lawn wells, which may cause them to be depleted of freshwater and further damage plants from saltwater intrusion in lawn sprinklers, Williams said. I've gotten a lot of calls, especially from the Destin area, where this is happening.
Azaleas are some of the first plants to show saltwater damage.
First signs are leaves that appear burned around the edges. Oleanders and Indian hawthorne are two examples. Besides adequate, deep watering, mulching also helps plants in backyards.