Florida Lawn Care Calendar
— Month-by-Month Guide

Raise mower height to 4–4.5". Mow only when grass exceeds 5–6". St. Augustine growth is minimal in dormancy — over-mowing in winter causes scalping stress.

Reduce to SWFWMD minimum schedule (typically 1x/week or as needed). If temperatures drop below 40°F, run irrigation briefly before frost to protect roots.

Do NOT fertilize St. Augustine or Zoysia in January–February. Fertilizing during dormancy promotes tender growth vulnerable to frost damage and wastes inputs.

Good window for pre-emergent herbicide in late February (before spring green-up) to prevent summer weed emergence. Consult a licensed lawn care professional for product selection.

Best time to plan spring projects — schedule sod installation, irrigation upgrades, and landscape improvements before the April–June rush fills contractor calendars.

Resume normal mowing schedule as growth resumes. Lower mower height gradually from winter setting back to standard 3–4". First mowing of the season should be a light cut — don't scalp dormant grass.

Increase to 2x/week as temperatures rise and dry season extends. Check and test all irrigation zones — heads, nozzles, and controller settings. Spring is prime time for irrigation repairs before summer demand.

First fertilizer application of the year in mid-to-late April when grass is fully green and actively growing. Slow-release nitrogen is standard for Florida lawns. Follow St. Johns River and SWFWMD fertilizer blackout dates.

Post-emergent weed control as needed. Crabgrass, doveweed, and various broadleafs emerge in spring — treat before they set seed.

April is the single best month for sod installation across the Gulf Coast. Warm soil, approaching wet season, and mild temperatures create optimal establishment conditions.

Peak mowing season begins. Weekly mowing is often not enough — St. Augustine can require mowing every 5–6 days during peak wet season growth. Keep mower blade sharp to avoid tearing.

As wet season begins in June, dial back irrigation controller to avoid overwatering during rainy weeks. Rain sensors are required by law — ensure yours is functional. Overwatering in wet season causes fungal disease.

Second fertilizer application in June. Slow-release nitrogen formula. Note: fertilizer blackout dates apply in many coastal counties during the wet season — check your county's schedule before application.

Brown patch, large patch, take-all root rot, and gray leaf spot are all active in Florida's summer heat/humidity combination. Monitor for irregular brown patches and contact a licensed lawn care professional early — these diseases spread fast.

Chinch bugs become very active in May–June. Look for yellowing irregular patches in full-sun areas (particularly along driveways and curbs). Early detection is critical — chinch bug damage looks like drought stress and is often missed.

Peak growth — some weeks require 2x mowing. Mow in the morning or evening; never during peak heat (10am–4pm). Raise mower height slightly to help grass handle heat stress — scalping in August causes die-back.

Most of irrigation demand is met by rainfall during peak wet season. Check soil moisture — if soil feels saturated, skip your scheduled irrigation day. Skip irrigation during and immediately after significant rain events (1"+).

Many counties prohibit fertilizer application during summer wet season months (June–September). Even where permitted, avoid fertilizing before heavy rain events — nitrogen runoff into waterways is a serious concern and can result in fines.

July–August is peak fungal disease season. If you see circular brown patches after wet periods, do not increase irrigation — the disease thrives on moisture. Contact a lawn care professional immediately for diagnosis and fungicide treatment.

Mid-summer is peak chinch bug season. Pull back grass at damage edge — you may see the small black insects with white wings. Treatment with appropriate insecticide must happen before damage spreads.

Mowing frequency begins to taper as wet season winds down and growth slows. Lower mower height gradually back to standard as grass hardens off for fall.

As dry season begins in October, gradually increase irrigation back toward 2x/week schedule. Transition irrigation controller settings before the rains stop completely.

Last fertilizer application of the year in October — use a low-nitrogen, high-potassium formula to harden the grass for winter. Potassium improves cold tolerance and disease resistance going into dormancy season.

October is a second viable sod installation window for coastal Gulf Coast markets. Soil still warm enough for establishment before cooler months arrive. Inland markets (Parrish, Riverview) are riskier.

Fall is the ideal time for core aeration in Florida — allows oxygen, water, and nutrients to penetrate compacted soil before winter dormancy. Follow with topdressing if needed.

Mowing frequency drops significantly as growth slows. Raise mower height to 4"+ as grass transitions toward dormancy. Final cut of the year should leave grass slightly taller than summer height.

Dry season irrigation is critical — November through April, rainfall is minimal. Maintain 2x/week schedule minimum. St. Augustine without irrigation in dry season will stress and thin significantly.

Do not fertilize after late October. Winter fertilization promotes frost-tender growth in a season when cold snaps are possible. Save fertilizer inputs for spring green-up.

Late November is the ideal timing for pre-emergent herbicide application targeting winter weeds (annual bluegrass, chickweed, henbit) before they germinate. Consult a lawn care professional for appropriate product and rate.

On frost advisory nights (<40°F), run irrigation briefly before dawn. The latent heat from water freezing on the grass is actually protective. St. Augustine can be damaged by repeated frosts — especially on inland properties.