Florida is one of a handful of states in which homeowners have to pay just as much attention to their lawns during the winter as they do throughout the rest of the year. If you want to make sure that your lawn stays healthy all the way through winter until the spring, here are a few useful lawn care tips from your local sprinkler contractors in Southwest Ranches, FL.
Use fertilizer
Even though Florida lawns see very little snow during the winter months, there are times when the temperatures do drop low enough for frost to develop. If this happens, you want to make sure that your lawn is as prepared for the temperature shift as possible, which is why it is important to get an early start and make sure your lawn is properly fertilized so your grass can be protected all winter.
Ideally, you would want your lawn’s last fertilization treatment to take place in September, so that the nutrients have the opportunity to set in before the drop in temperature. If you missed this opportunity, though, you don’t have to worry, as you can resume treatments in the spring to restore the fresh, healthy green glow to your grass once the winter passes. Because the timing is so important, it is best to consult with a professional regarding the fertilization of your lawn in advance of the winter.
Keep mowing your lawn
With shorter days and cooler temperatures, your grass will grow far slower during the winter than it will at any other point during the year. However, it is still a good idea to monitor your lawn to see if it needs to be mowed throughout the winter. If you do have to cut your grass at any point during the winter months, make sure to leave a bit more length than you normally would, so that your grass can continue to provide added protection for your soil and root system during chilly nights. If frost sets in on grass that is too tall, excess moisture could be retained, which could potentially lead to mold or mildew growth.
Don’t overwater
Because the growth of your lawn has been halted, you will be required to water your lawn far less. You will only need to water your grass sparingly as needed, and this will be based on your grass type and how much precipitation your area is receiving. For the most part, though, because the scorching sun is not present and an active growth process is not taking place, you won’t need to water your lawn nearly as much as you do during the summer months.
For help with maintaining a healthy lawn this winter, contact the team at Spillers Sprinklers Inc. We have been the premier providers of automatic sprinkler installation in Southwest Ranches, FL for over a decade, and we want to help make sure that your lawn makes it through another winter so that it can shine vibrantly throughout the rest of the year as well. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation.