Tips for Winterizing Your Lawn in Florida

Keeping your lawn looking great all year is more involved than many people think. It means continuing yard maintenance all the way through winter, and it doesn’t stop at watering. Lawn winterization is all about ensuring your lawn is healthy enough to survive the cooler temperatures of winter. Even though Florida winters are warm compared to the rest of the country, your lawn needs a little extra help adjusting to the temperature change.

Many people don’t know what goes into maintaining their lawn throughout the winter, which is why All Florida Pest Control is here to help with some lawn winterization tips.

Lawn Winterization Steps

As winter approaches, you’ll need to change up your lawn care process. You might need to add a step or reduce the frequency of another. Broadly speaking, here are some of the changes you should consider making:

• Aerate your lawn. Aeration, a process of strategically poking holes in the lawn thatch, makes it easier for water and nutrients to reach your lawn’s roots. This can give them extra strength to make it through winter.
• Plant a hardier grass type. Ryegrass and bluegrass are excellent, hardy types of grass that are more likely to survive the cold temperatures of a Florida winter.
• Keep mowing, but let the grass grow longer. Having a little extra length will help protect the roots from the cold. An overgrown lawn can be a great hiding place for lawn pests, though, so don’t stop mowing entirely.
• Keep watering, but do it less often. Grass needs less water during the colder months, so be careful not to overwater. If you have a lawn sprinkler system, make sure it’s working before the temperatures drop.
• Fertilize your lawn until fall. Fertilizer will give your lawn extra nutrients to prepare for winter, but be careful not to give it too much; new growth is much more likely to die if a freeze occurs.

Making a Lawn Watering Schedule for Winter

Even when the weather gets cold, your lawn will still need water. Sticking to a once-a-week watering schedule is a good rule of thumb, but keep an eye on your lawn for signs to change that. If your lawn gets muddy with excess water, dial it back; if your lawn wilts or starts to look crispy, it might need a bit more.

When Should I Water My Lawn in Winter?

During the winter (as well as every other season,) watering your lawn in the early morning will produce the best results. By watering your lawn before the sun rises, you can avoid any evaporation that occurs during the day as well as any freezing that could happen during the night. This gives your lawn extra time to drink up!

Other Lawn Concerns

Like we said earlier, it doesn’t stop at watering. The leadup to winter is also a great time to check your lawn for signs of unwelcome guests, such as pests, fungal growth, and weeds. If you notice any of the following, it might be time to call one of the pros at All Florida Pest Control.

• Fire ant mounds. Fire ants are exceedingly common in Florida, and they can be hard to deal with without professional help. If you notice fire ant mounds in your yard, don’t hesitate to call for help.
• Fungal growth in your lawn. Fungus is another common issue that can cause extensive damage to any lawn during winter. Brown patch fungus is most common in areas with high humidity – which makes Florida the perfect place for it to grow. These and other fungal growths are best handled by pros.
• Excessive weed growth. Weeds can keep growing throughout mild Florida winters. They’ll grow wherever your lawn has gaps, taking up space and depriving your lawn of nutrients. If you see weeds growing in your lawn, pull them up and consider reseeding.

All Florida Pest Control Can Help With Lawn Winterization in Florida

As winter approaches and the weather cools down, it’s important to remember your lawn’s health. With a few changes and a little extra care, you can keep your lawn good-looking and hardy all year long. If you need help keeping your lawn in good shape to face the winter chill, count on the All Florida Pest Control team to give you a hand.

Give us a call to get started with prepping your lawn for winter.