New to lawn care, and not sure where to start? Don’t stress! Even in our hot and humid climate, the lush lawn of your dreams is well within reach if you follow these simple Florida lawn care tips.

Water Regularly

Especially with our sunny weather, it’s crucial to give your lawn the right amount of water. Underwatering can cause dry spots and browning, while overwatering can lead to rot, mold, and fungus growth. Discovering exactly how much you should water your lawn will keep it happy and healthy. 

To find the right amount of water for your lawn, pay close attention to wilt. When the blades fold in length or you begin to notice long-lasting footprints, it’s time to increase the amount or frequency. If your lawn develops a spongy texture or has excess runoff, you are likely overwatering and may want to cut back. A lawn professional can also help you calculate the perfect watering schedule for your grass. 

When watering your lawn, it’s also important to keep these tips in mind:

• Water between the hours of 3-9 AM to avoid fungus, evaporation, and other issues
• Watering frequency will change depending on the season and weather conditions
• Always remember to adhere to local ordinances during water restrictions

Master Your Mowing Technique

Mowing your lawn keeps the grass looking tidy, uniform, and beautiful.  These are the three main points to keep in mind when you or a service mows your lawn:

• Blades: Dull lawnmower blades can lead to browning, while sharp ones will allow the grass to heal faster. Most lawnmower blades should be sharpened after every 20-25 hours of use, and you should always carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions or request the help of a professional when sharpening the blades. 
• Height: Cutting your grass too short will inhibit photosynthesis and could cause problems. Though each grass type has a different ideal height, try keeping it at least 2 ½” long.
• Frequency: Most healthy, fast-growing lawns should be mowed roughly once per week. However, it’s important to keep in mind that you should never cut more than ⅓ of the leaf surface. Using the growth rate can help you find the perfect frequency for your lawn.

Control Weeds & Pests

If there’s one Florida lawn care tip that can apply to anywhere else, it’s control your weeds and pests. In addition to looking unsightly, infestations and weed growth will make your lawn more susceptible to disease. Knowing how to identify the common weeds and pests in Florida can help you catch infestations early. Here are some main signs to look out for:

• Patches or strips of dying grass
• Dirt mounds or burrows
• Holes throughout the lawn
• Damaged blades of grass

If you notice any of these signs, contact a professional as soon as possible. Lawn infestations and weed outbreaks can be difficult to deal with on your own, and they can quickly take over your yard. An expert can help identify and treat the root cause of your problem so your grass can stay green and healthy. 

Fertilize to Promote Growth

Fertilizing your lawn is a great way to supply your grass with the nutrients it needs to thrive. However, it can be a tricky process, from finding the right treatment to applying it properly. Though there are hundreds of fertilizer formulas to choose from, most fall into these three categories:

• Organic: Typically made using compost or manure, organic fertilizers are all natural and slowly break down into the soil over time. 
• Granular: Granular fertilizer comes in small dry pellets of compounds such as potassium nitrate and ammonium sulfate. These are generally cheaper and will release nutrients over the course of 1-3 months. 
  
• Water Soluble: Most water-soluble fertilizers are ammonium-based, so they will be absorbed quickly by your lawn. These are best applied early in the morning when there is dew on the grass.

When applying a fertilizer treatment, it’s important to use the right amount. Too little won’t yield results, while too much could cause fertilizer burn and kill your grass. Be sure to carefully follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, or work with a lawn care expert to find the perfect amount. 

Timing and weather patterns play a factor, too. Fertilizing your lawn when the weather is hot could burn and kill off your grass. Meanwhile, applying a treatment too close to rain will just wash it away. Try choosing a cool day that is a few days after rain for best results. 

Fertilizing can be a tricky process. If done improperly, it could have negative consequences like root burn or disease. To ensure great results, consider working with a professional for fertilizer treatments. 

Aerate Your Lawn

Lawn aeration is the process of poking small holes throughout the surface of your lawn. This is a great way to prevent soil compaction while also allowing oxygen and other nutrients to reach deep into the roots, which promotes stronger and healthier growth. With the right tools, aeration can be a fast and easy process. Though each type of grass has different needs, it’s generally best to aerate in the spring or fall. 

Change Your Approach with the Seasons

Lawn care tips change as the seasons change, so it’s important to update your lawn care regimen to keep up. Knowing what steps to take during different times of the year will keep your lawn healthy even with added sunshine or rain. Here are the main ways you should adjust your lawn care during each season:

Spring

Spring is the start of the growing season, so it’s the perfect time to aerate your lawn and apply a fertilizer treatment. Now is also a good time:

• Sharpen your mower blades
• Set a regular mowing schedule
• Update your watering routine

Summer

As the sun blazes, you’ll need to take special care of your lawn to keep it from wilting or dying. Follow these summertime lawn care tips:

• Stay on top of your watering schedule
• Watch out for pest infestations
• Mow regularly with sharp blades
• DO NOT fertilize when it’s hot outside

It’s also important to remember that June 1st marks the start of hurricane season here in Florida. While you can’t totally prevent damage to your lawn during a serious storm, pruning nearby trees and storing your tools indoors can limit the risk of damage to your property.

Fall

Fall is when temperatures drop and grass growth slows down. Update your autumn lawn care regimen in these ways:

• Cut back on mowing and watering
• Regularly rake leaves and debris
• Aerate and apply topseed

Winter

In most places in Florida, lawns do not go fully dormant in the winter. However, they will grow very slowly and won’t need as much – if any – mowing or watering. The best way to care for your lawn during this time of year is to reduce foot traffic to prevent trampling or damage.

Get Professional Lawn Care

If you want to keep your grass looking great all year long, it can be a lot of effort. That’s why these Florida lawn care tips are designed to help you work smarter, not harder. If you’re still having trouble, then professional lawn care services could be a great fit for you. 

Here at Heron Home & Outdoor, we strive to provide you with exceptional service and outstanding results. Our knowledgeable, certified technicians have the equipment and expertise needed to keep your lawn looking lush and green all year long. From lawn pest control to regular maintenance, we offer custom treatments that will take your yard to the next level.

Just give us a call to get an instant quote!