If you are one of the many recent transplants to The Sunshine State, we hope you grow and thrive here! Speaking of growing and thriving, you may have questions about how to care for your Central Florida yard and garden during what passes for fall here. Although autumn isn't as well-defined as it is up north, our subtropical climate still requires some adjustments when it comes to keeping your yard healthy and beautiful. The same holds true even if your former home was in a warmer locale. There's no other place quite like Florida - and we wouldn't have it any other way!
Do I Need to Change My Lawn Care Routine?
If you're hands-on with lawn care and are used to fertilizing, October is the last recommended month to fertilize prior to winter. Fertilizing too late could cause the grass to be growing when cold weather comes, making it more cold-sensitive.
Another good step to take to help ensure a great lawn come spring is to aerate it. Although you may not have thought it necessary because of Florida's porous sandy soil, aeration does two things : It helps loosen compacted grass roots and opens up the ground so it is more receptive to moisture, fertilizer and seed. Aerating the soil during your fall landscaping will give it a healthier start for the following spring. You can learn more about aeration by reading our blog post, " Why You Should Aerate Your Lawn ."
For optimum effectiveness, have your soil tested after aeration to determine the kind of nutrients it needs and the balance of the pH level. This will help you select the proper fertilizer that will support the growth of your plants and flowers.
Also change your watering schedule in fall. Set your irrigation system to deliver ¾-inch of water two days a week. To determine if your turf is receiving this amount, set empty cans around the yard, run your system, then measure the water collected.
Will My Grass Stay Green Through Winter?
Rake the grass to remove all debris, then mow your lawn before sowing the seed. You'll need to water your overseeded lawn frequently until it has germinated. Once the winter lawn is established, it will require watering, mowing and fertilizing. Grasses used for overseeding will die off as temperatures rise in the spring, so no action will be necessary to remove them. Having done their job, the winter grasses graciously give way to your turfgrass's reactivated growth.
Should I Worry About Weeds and Insect Pests?
The most effective time to apply a herbicide or pre-emergent is when the temperature reaches 60 degrees Fahrenheit or lower for four consecutive nights - which is usually around late September and into October. Our blog post - " Weeding and Feeding Your Florida Lawn " - covers this process in greater detail.
For evidence of insect infestation, look for brown patches or any discoloration in your yard. Some of the insects to watch out for include the following:
Is it Too Late to Mulch My Yard?
No! But if you wait any longer, it will be. The last application of mulch of the year should be no later than October. There are benefits to mulching in fall - including protection for your more cold-sensitive flowers and shrubs against the occasional freezes that hit Central Florida. It's an easy, economical way to help your plants stay alive and well throughout winter. Instead of spending the money, time and labor to replace plants, investing in some mulch can pay off!
"And mulch isn't just good for your plants; it's good for your soil. Organic mulches can add nutrients to the soil as they decompose. This improves your soil's aeration, structure, drainage, and ability to hold nutrients. Mulch can even help reduce erosion and protect plants from certain diseases."
Enjoy Fall in Florida with Daniel's Lawn Service & Pressure Washing!
Central Florida yards need special attention this time of year. Our experienced team at Daniel's Lawn Service & Pressure Washing Inc. knows the ins and outs of Central Florida's climate, so your fall yard can be beautiful - and well-prepared to blossom and thrive when spring arrives! We will work with you to achieve your goals and bring your vision to life every season of the year! Our full-service company provides landscape design , tree installation, tree trimming, yard maintenance, bush hogging , pressure washing and so much more. today so we can do the work, and you can do the enjoying!
