Introduction
Winter in Central Florida isn’t as harsh as in other parts of the country, but your lawn still needs special care during the cooler months. While your grass may not go completely dormant, seasonal changes impact its growth, water needs, and overall health.
By making a few adjustments to your lawn care routine, you can keep your grass healthy and prepare it for vibrant spring growth. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about winter lawn care in Central Florida, including mowing, watering, fertilization, weed control, and more.
Understanding Central Florida’s Winter Lawn Growth
Unlike northern states where grass goes dormant, many Florida lawns continue growing during winter—just at a slower pace. The most common warm-season grasses in Central Florida include:
• St. Augustine Grass (most common)
• Zoysia Grass
• Bermuda Grass
• Bahia Grass
These grasses thrive in warm weather, but their growth slows when temperatures drop below 55°F. While you won’t need to mow as frequently, your lawn still requires care to stay healthy.
Adjust Your Mowing Routine
In winter, your grass grows slower, so you should adjust your mowing frequency accordingly. Here’s how:
• Reduce mowing to every 2–3 weeks instead of weekly.
• Keep your mower blade sharp to avoid tearing grass blades.
• Don’t cut too short—raise your mower height to leave grass about 3–4 inches tall to help insulate roots from potential cold snaps.
Letting your grass grow slightly taller also helps block sunlight from reaching weeds, reducing their spread.
Modify Your Watering Schedule
Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes homeowners make during winter. Since grass isn’t growing as quickly, it requires less water.
• Water once or twice a week instead of the summer schedule of 2–3 times a week.
• Water in the early morning to prevent fungal growth and minimize evaporation.
• Adjust your irrigation system based on rainfall—Central Florida winters usually see some rain, which may be enough to sustain your lawn.
Winter Fertilization: Yes or No?
Unlike fall and spring, winter isn’t the ideal time to fertilize your lawn. Applying fertilizer during the cooler months can:
• Encourage weak, tender growth that’s vulnerable to cold snaps.
• Increase the risk of fungal diseases.
• Waste nutrients, as the grass isn’t in peak growing mode.
What to Do Instead:
• If you must fertilize, use a potassium-rich winterizer to strengthen roots.
• Apply fertilizer in late fall (October–November) to sustain grass through winter.
• Wait until early spring (March–April) for a full nitrogen-based fertilizer application.
Keep Weeds Under Control
Winter is when pesky cool-season weeds try to take over your lawn. Without proper control, they can outcompete your grass and cause problems in the spring.
• Apply a pre-emergent herbicide in early winter to prevent weed seeds from sprouting.
• Spot-treat any weeds that appear using a post-emergent herbicide safe for your grass type.
• Maintain proper mowing and watering habits—healthy grass naturally chokes out weeds.
Common winter weeds in Central Florida include:
• Crabgrass
• Dollarweed
• Chickweed
• Clover
Stopping them early prevents bigger problems later!
Watch for Lawn Pests and Diseases
Winter is prime time for certain lawn diseases and pests, especially if your grass is overwatered or stressed. Keep an eye out for:
• Brown Patch Fungus – Yellow or brown circular patches caused by excessive moisture.
• Dollar Spot – Small, silver-dollar-sized patches of dead grass.
• Chinch Bugs – Even in winter, these pests can cause dead patches in St. Augustine grass.
Preventative Measures:
• Avoid overwatering.
• Improve drainage if your lawn stays too wet.
• Apply a fungicide if necessary to stop disease spread.
If you notice persistent issues, professional lawn treatment services can help.
Overseed with Ryegrass for a Green Winter Lawn
Want your lawn to stay green all winter? Overseeding with ryegrass is a popular option in Central Florida.
How It Works:
• Ryegrass is a cool-season grass that thrives in winter.
• It provides a lush green appearance while warm-season grass slows down.
• It naturally dies off in spring as temperatures rise, allowing your regular grass to take over.
When to Overseed:
• Best done in late fall (October–November).
• Water lightly after seeding until it establishes.
This is a great option if you want to maintain curb appeal during winter.
Prepare for Spring Growth
Winter is a great time to prepare for your lawn’s spring resurgence. Use these months to:
• Test your soil pH to ensure nutrient balance.
• Dethatch or aerate if your lawn has compacted soil.
• Plan your early spring fertilization and weed control strategy so your lawn gets a strong start.
By maintaining a healthy lawn through winter, you’ll have an easier time transitioning into spring growth.
Why Choose Evergreen Lawn & Pest Control for Your Lawn Care Needs?
Caring for your lawn year-round can be time-consuming, but our team at Evergreen Lawn & Pest Control makes it easy. We offer:
• Seasonal lawn treatments customized for Florida lawns.
• Weed and pest control programs to keep your grass healthy.
• Irrigation maintenance services to ensure proper watering.
Whether you need help preventing winter weeds or preparing for spring growth, we’re here to help.
Conclusion
Winter lawn care in Central Florida is all about balance—mowing less, watering smartly, and preventing weeds and diseases before they become major issues. By following these tips, your lawn will stay healthy through the cooler months and be ready to thrive in the spring.
If you want expert help keeping your lawn in top shape, contact Evergreen Lawn & Pest Control today! Our team is ready to provide the best lawn care services tailored to Florida’s unique climate.
