In Florida, our winters are exceptionally mild, yet any subtle temperature drops affect your home landscape. The grass here is resilient but enters a dormant phase as cooler weather approaches. It’s essential to transition your lawn care routine to meet the winter demands so your grass is green when spring returns. But with a few simple adjustments, you can protect your lawn from dying off and set the stage for vibrant growth in the new season. 

Heron Home & Outdoor has a wealth of local expertise when it comes to lawn and grass care and provides customized services for your unique landscape. 

How to Keep Grass Green During Winter

When winter comes around, your lawn needs that cozy layer of care to stay vibrant. Here are some winter care tips and considerations:

• Aeration: Before winter fully sets in, give your lawn a good aeration. This process allows your grass to breathe, welcoming in water, nutrients, and warmth deep into its roots.
• Grass Type: It might sound a bit like planning ahead for next winter, but choosing grass types that thrive in cooler temperatures can make a world of difference. Rye or bluegrass varieties stand strong against Florida chill.
• Mowing: As winter approaches, adjust your mowing height. Keep it a tad longer than usual to protect roots from cold snaps, but not so long that it invites pests to hibernate within. It’s all about finding that perfect haircut that looks good and does good.
• Watering: Keep watering (but less frequently) for a deep, quenching soak. Remember, early morning is your ally here, too, avoiding evaporation and ice formation.
• Fertilizing: A well-timed application of fertilizer in early winter can equip your lawn with the nutrients it needs to face the winter. It strengthens your grass, making it more resilient to the cold and aiding in green, spring revival.

Lawn Watering in Winter

Even in winter, your Florida lawn needs water, just not as often. As temperatures come down, cutting back to a once-a-week watering schedule will do. So keep an eye on your grass — is it wilting or changing color? If so, it’s time to water. 

What Time of the Day Should You Water Your Lawn?

The sweet spot for watering is around 3 to 6 a.m. Aim for about 3/4″ of coverage, reaching 8-12 inches down to appease thirsty roots. This time frame allows the water to seep deep into the roots without the sun hastily evaporating it away. Plus, it helps prevent the spread of fungal diseases that love to party on wet grass under the sun. As they often say, timing is everything — especially when it comes to watering your Florida lawn. 

We also recommend using an irrigation system to make this schedule feel like a breeze rather than a chore. You can set them to water in those perfect pre-dawn hours, minimizing evaporation and disease risk. Set it, forget it, and let the system do the early morning rising for you. 

By watering at the right time with the right amount, your lawn can have the right amount of hydration for all seasons. The result is less waste, less risk of plant disease, and an always inviting, lush green canvas.

Winterizing Your Florida Lawn: Pro Tips

Ready to prep your Florida lawn for the cooler months? Here are some tips from the pros:

1. After September, put the fertilizer away. Fertilizing late can stimulate growth, making your grass more vulnerable to chills.
2. Get comfortable with a slightly shaggier lawn. A little extra length protects roots from the nip in the air.
3. Check your irrigation now, not later. We’re sticklers for a balanced sprinkler system, pivotal to your lawn’s health even when it’s sweater weather for your palms.
4. Think about overseeding with winter-friendly grasses. They’ll keep your lawn lively and bow out when the heat returns, making room for your regular turf to take the stage again.
5. Bring in lawn and grass professionals like Heron Home & Outdoor. We can figure out exactly what your lawn needs to stay pristine all year round.

Turn to Heron Home & Outdoor for Winter Lawn Services

In Florida, our lawns need a gentle nudge to help them hibernate healthily. If you’re feeling lost, or just want to deepen your lawn care craft, Heron Home & Outdoor is on standby. Connect with a local lawn specialist like us, and we’ll assess your grass’s pH levels, remove pesky weeds, and more. 

Reach out to us today for a free service quote, and let’s keep your green space glorious!