Tampa’s humid subtropical climate means lush, fast-growing turf—but also plenty of weed pressure, summer restrictions, and sandy soils to wrangle. Whether you maintain St. Augustine or tackle Bermuda’s relentless growth, Grassmaster Gus gives you the edge on lawn care in Tampa, FL. Take out the guesswork with AI-powered photo diagnosis, a month-by-month plan customized to local ordinances, and task reminders that catch Tampa’s rainfall and drought swings. Get proactive with watering targets, spot pest outbreaks early, and maximize your grass’s strengths—right from your phone.
Tampa’s long warm season, heavy rainfall, and infrequent frost mean grasses stay active for most of the year. Expect mowing from late February into November, with peak growth in rainy, humid summers and a short winter slowdown. Sandy soils drain quickly, so lawns rely on consistent irrigation, especially during drier spring and late fall spells. Occasional droughts call for careful moisture management. Local ordinances dictate watering and fertilizer timing, shaping when key tasks get done. With so many active months and pests, staying ahead is the key.
Grass | Mowing Height | Shade | Traffic | Annual N |
---|---|---|---|---|
St. Augustine | 3.5–4 in | Good | Medium | 3–5 lb N/1000 sq ft |
Zoysiagrass | 1.5–2.5 in | Fair | High | 2–4 lb N/1000 sq ft |
Bahiagrass | 3–4 in | Poor | Low | 1–2 lb N/1000 sq ft |
Centipedegrass | 1.5–2.5 in | Fair | Low | 1–2 lb N/1000 sq ft |
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Aim for 1–1.5 inches of water per week, focusing on early morning cycles to minimize evaporation. Tampa’s sandy soils drain rapidly and struggle to hold nutrients—regular topdressing with compost improves water retention and boosts soil life. Maintain soil pH between 5.5 and 6.5 by testing annually and adjusting with limestone or sulfur as needed. Aerate compacted spots each spring for stronger, deeper roots.
Common lawn care questions for Tampa, FL
Time pre-emergent applications for early spring, when soil temps reach about 65°F. This usually means February to early March for crabgrass.
St. Augustinegrass thrives in partial shade and is Tampa’s top choice for less sunny lawns. Zoysiagrass is another fair performer where filtered light is common.
Aim for 1–1.5 inches of water per week. Water deeply but infrequently, preferably in the early morning. Tampa restrictions often limit watering to once per week.
Fungal diseases are most active from late spring into summer, especially during humid, rainy periods. Improve airflow and avoid overwatering to help prevent outbreaks.
Renovate warm-season lawns in Tampa from April to June while grass is growing strong. This helps new sod or seed establish quickly before the intense summer heat.
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