Florida-friendly lawn care through the year

Water less, but deeper

Most Florida lawns are watered too often and too shallowly, which encourages weak roots. A deep soak once or twice a week generally beats a light sprinkle every day. Watch the county watering-day restrictions, water early in the morning, and skip a cycle after real rainfall.

Mow high

Setting the mower higher shades the soil, holds moisture, and crowds out weeds. Keep the blade sharp — a torn grass blade browns at the tip and invites disease.

Fertilizer and our lakes

What lands on the lawn eventually reaches the storm drains and the lakes. A few habits keep that in check:

• Follow local fertilizer ordinances, including summer blackout periods
• Sweep granules off driveways and sidewalks back onto the grass, never into the drain
• Keep a buffer of unfertilized space near ponds and lake edges
• Use slow-release nitrogen and avoid applying before heavy rain

Consider planting less lawn

Florida-friendly beds of native and drought-tolerant plants need less water, less mowing, and less fertilizer than turf. If a change is visible from the street, check whether it needs architectural review before you begin.

Pests and brown patches

Brown patches are more often a watering or fungus problem than a bug problem. Diagnose before you treat — blanket insecticide use is expensive and hard on pollinators.