🇺🇸 Florida Lawn Care Guides
Year-Round Growing
Florida Climate & Growing Conditions
Growing Zone
USDA Zones 8a-11 (Subtropical to Tropical)
Annual Rainfall
52-64 inches annually, 60-70% during wet season (May-Oct)
Temperature Range
Winter: 48-71°F, Summer: 75-91°F (varies by region)
Growing Season
Year-round for South Florida, March-November for North/Central
Year-Round Lawn Care Calendar
October Tasks
Important fall feeding with potassium at 0.5 kg K/100m² for winter prep
Apply pre-emergent for winter weeds (annual bluegrass)
Overseed thin areas of Bahiagrass or common Bermuda
Reduce frequency as temperatures drop, maintain 15-20mm weekly
Pro Tip: Tasks marked as high priority should be completed first for optimal lawn health. Adjust timing based on your specific microclimate and recent weather conditions.
Popular Grass Types
St. Augustinegrass (Floratam, Palmetto, Raleigh)
Stenotaphrum secundatum
Florida's most popular lawn grass with broad blades, excellent shade tolerance, and lush green appearance. Ideal for Florida lawn care.
Advantages
- ✓Superior shade tolerance (4-5 hours direct sun sufficient)
- ✓Salt tolerance up to 6 dS/m for coastal properties
- ✓Dense growth suppresses weeds naturally
- ✓Adapts to various soil types from sand to clay
- ✓Heat tolerance optimal at 80-91°F
- ✓Palmetto variety excels in shade (50% better than Floratam)
Considerations
- •Susceptible to chinch bugs (Florida's #1 lawn pest)
- •High risk of Large Patch disease in cool, wet conditions
- •No viable seed - must be installed as sod ($5-6.50/m²)
- •Gray Leaf Spot vulnerability during humid summers
- •Requires regular thatch management
Mowing Height
3-4 inches summer, 4-5 inches winter for optimal health
Water Needs
20-25mm weekly (dry season), 12-15mm (wet season)
Best For
Most Florida lawns, especially shaded yards and coastal properties
Why Florida Matters for Lawn Care
Market Rank
#1
in US lawn care market value
Grass Types
Various types
Key Feature
Year-Round Growing
Coverage
3 cities with local expertise
Browse Cities in Florida
Common Lawn Problems
🔍Symptoms to Look For
- •Irregular yellow patches that turn brown and die
- •Damage starts near driveways and sidewalks (heat stress areas)
- •St. Augustine grass primarily affected
- •Patches expand rapidly in hot, dry conditions
⚠️Common Causes
- •Blissus insularis infestation in St. Augustine lawns
- •Thatch buildup provides ideal habitat
- •Drought stress makes grass more susceptible
- •Over-fertilization with nitrogen
Treatment Options
- ✓Apply insecticide when population exceeds 20-25 bugs/ft²
- ✓Use flotation test (coffee can method) for accurate counting
- ✓Rotate between pyrethroid and neonicotinoid products
- ✓Maintain proper irrigation to reduce stress
Prevention Tip
Regular thatch management, proper fertilization, maintain adequate soil moisture, use resistant St. Augustine varieties
Need Help? Our AI lawn expert can help diagnose your specific lawn problems. Upload a photo for instant analysis and personalized treatment recommendations.
Annual Maintenance Schedule
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
Mowing | Most months |
Watering | Seasonal |
Pest Control | Most months |
Fertilizing | Most months |
Weed Control | Seasonal |
Aeration | As needed |
Seeding | As needed |
Growing Season (Sep-Apr)
- • Weekly mowing during peak growth
- • Regular fertilization every 6-8 weeks
- • Deep watering 2-3 times per week
- • Monitor for pests and diseases
Dormant Season (May-Aug)
- • Reduced mowing frequency
- • Minimal fertilization
- • Water only during dry spells
- • Focus on weed prevention
Florida Lawn Care Pricing Guide
| Service | Frequency | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Mowing | Weekly (Apr-Oct), Bi-weekly (Nov-Mar) | $30 - $75 |
| Professional Fertilization | 4-6 times per year | $55 - $110 |
| Core Aeration | Twice yearly | $150 - $300 |
| Chinch Bug Treatment | 2-3 times per year | $75 - $150 |
| Fungicide Application | As needed (2-4 times/year) | $80 - $160 |
| Pre-emergent Weed Control | 2-3 times per year | $65 - $130 |
| Sod Installation | As needed | $500 - $650 |
| Irrigation System Install | One-time | $2000 - $5000 |
Budget Option
$1,000/year
DIY with professional help as needed
Average Cost
$1,150/year
Regular professional maintenance
Premium Service
$1,300/year
Full-service professional care
Factors Affecting Lawn Care Costs
- • Lawn size (larger = higher cost)
- • Terrain complexity and slope
- • Current lawn condition
- • Accessibility of property
- • Service frequency required
- • Local market competition
- • Seasonal demand fluctuations
- • Additional services bundled
💡 Money-Saving Tip: Bundle services with one provider for discounts, and consider DIY for simple tasks like mowing while hiring pros for specialized treatments.
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