A common misconception when one has property in the Sunshine State is that since there aren’t “seasons” per se, taking care of your lawn should come relatively easy. And what a misconception it is! Florida’s natural and wild beauty still takes some work to keep it green and lush. Maybe a little more work than you think!
Caring for your lawn in Florida’s unique climate does take a rigorous schedule, a little bit of extra work, and a good helping of patience. We have some great tips for how you can best keep your lawn the envy of the nei
The Right Stuff: What is the Best Grass for Florida Lawns?
The grass is grass, right? Well, not quite. Not all grasses are the same or are suitable for the particular climate or soil types. Your lifestyle and what you use your yard for are other critical pieces to consider when choosing a grass type. There are a few types of grass that are greener on this side of Florida. Your toes and your neighborhood will thank you for finding just the right grass for your lawn. Here are a couple of grasses that are most popular in the Sunshine State:
Augustine
St Augustine, the oldest city in America, has stood tough and lovely for hundreds of years. It’s no secret why one of the most common Florida grass types is named after it. Just like the humans that inhabit the city, St. Augustine grass soaks up that Florida heat with love. Thick with a lovely color, it’s a durable grass that can withstand a lot – but also requires a little more maintenance. Be prepared to mow this type of grass more often than others.
Bahia
If you live closer to the beaches of Florida, Bahia grass may just fit your lawn best – especially if you have a lot of property to fill in. Like other Florida grasses, Bahia is tough and doesn’t need a ton of irrigation. Bahia is also a little tougher on the toes as it’s not soft grass. Be careful how often you water this grass. Bahia is not incredibly thirsty but does like frequent trimming.
Water is Life
Of course, the key to any thriving plant or flower is just the right amount of water, at just the right times. Your lawn in Florida is no different. Determining factors in how much water to use and when to water your lawn are dependent on a few variables.
The type of grass you choose helps determine how often to water it. Most grasses that grow in Florida don’t require a lot of water as, during the hottest seasons, nature’s watering can spread rain over the region at least once a day. Your grass needs to be as deeply rooted as possible, forcing it to search out the moisture in the soil to help it stay healthy.
Like a good wake up, your lawn is best hydrated when it is first thing in the morning. Soaking in water and sun at the same time will help your grass stay fresh and springy. Hiring a professional who is willing to be up with the sun, so you don’t have to, is always a great idea!
Feeding Your Florida Lawn – Fertilizer on Closer Examination
Having a lovely lawn that’s beautiful on the eyes and pleasant on the feet is all about maintaining balance – balancing water, mowing, and damage control from the unforeseen is like a well-choreographed dance. How, when, and with what to feed your lawn is an integral part of the dance.
What time of year you choose to fertilize your lawn is essential, depending on where in Florida you reside. Just because we don’t have a typical winter or spring doesn’t mean that the seasons aren’t crucial for spreading the love for your grass.
A professional in green care can help you run some tests on what kind of soil you are working with, so you can make sure the fertilizer you’re using has the proper balance of ingredients to optimize growth.
Like Regular Haircuts, A Good Mow is Crucial
Taking your grass down a notch – or two – is vital to keeping it healthy and green. How often this happens depends on what part of Florida you live in, what type of grass you have, and what time of year it is.
Consider when the lawn is getting the most sunshine and water. During the spring, summer, and fall here in Florida, we are all used to our afternoon downpours. The good news? This balance of weather is outstanding for grass growth. The bad news? That means you are out much more often to mow your lawn.
An expert in lawn care can help you set up just the right schedule for keeping your grass under control!
Don’t Let Your Lawn Bug You – The Importance of Pest Control.
What do weeds, insects, and rodents have in common? Their presence in your yard will never cease to “bug” you! Making sure that these pests stay at bay is a product of careful maintenance of your yard. There are various factors to consider to prevent these pesky things from invading your space: including what type of grass you have, what your soil is like, and more.
The key is to remove the unwanted weeds, chinch bugs, and other yuck-inducing factors – and then keep them gone. Regularly mowing, a good water schedule, and a team of pros on your side will help your lawn stay healthy AND clean!
Premier Lawn Care is proud to serve Gainesville, Alachua, and High Springs with reliable and personal service. Treating your lawn, providing proper irrigation, high-quality mulching, and exceptional lawn maintenance are just some of the fantastic services the team at Premier Lawn Care has to offer. Premier’s commitment to our community and superior customer experience sets us apart. We are excited to share that commitment with you! Contact us today for a free estimate!