Does Grass Still Grow During the Winter in Florida?

Grass in Florida still grows in winter, but at a much slower rate. Once temps drop below 55°F, warm-season grasses enter a light dormancy, unlike cool-season types. Shorter days and cooler temps reduce growth, but proper care is still needed. Applying potassium-rich fertilizer strengthens resistance to stress, and controlling weeds prevents them from weakening the lawn. Watering once a week with about 1 inch is recommended. For best results, hire professionals to care for your lawn during the winter and throughout the rest of the year!

Grass still grows during the winter in Florida, but it slows down significantly.

During the winter months in Florida, grass continues to grow, although at a significantly slower rate compared to the active growing season. Warm-season grasses, which are commonly found in Florida, enter a state of dormancy when temperatures drop below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it's important to note that warm-season grasses don't experience dormancy in the same way as cool-season grasses.

Unlike cool-season grasses that completely stop growing during winter dormancy, warm-season grasses in Florida still maintain some level of growth. This is because the climate in Florida remains relatively mild during the winter, allowing the grass to continue its growth, albeit at a slower pace.

The growth of warm-season grasses during the winter is significantly decreased due to cooler temperatures and shorter days. The reduced sunlight exposure and lower temperatures slow down the metabolic processes of the grass, resulting in slower growth.

What does slow grass growth mean for you when it comes to lawn care?

While your lawn doesn't need as much care in the winter as it does when it's actively growing, you still want to take some steps to keep it healthy. One important aspect of winter lawn care is fertilization. Using a fertilizer high in potassium will strengthen its resistance to stress, including cold temperatures. Potassium is an essential nutrient that helps the grass build strong cell walls, making it more resilient to harsh conditions.

Another important aspect of winter lawn care is weed control. Continuing to treat any weeds that surface will ensure they don't hinder its health while dormant. Weeds can compete with the grass for nutrients and water, so it's important to keep them under control to maintain a healthy lawn.

During the winter, it's also important to water your lawn once a week. While the grass may not require as much water as it does during the active growing season, it still needs some moisture to stay healthy. Aim to provide about 1 inch of water per week to keep the grass hydrated.

Enlist the help of pros to keep your lawn healthy during the winter (and the rest of the year).

To ensure your lawn stays healthy during the winter and throughout the year, it's beneficial to enlist the help of professionals. Pros will know how to care for your lawn during the winter, tailoring their fertilization and weed control practices to its specific needs during this time. They can also provide guidance on watering schedules and other maintenance tasks to keep your lawn in top shape. By working with professionals, you can ensure your lawn receives the care it needs to thrive, even during the slower winter months.

Call us today to schedule our lawn care services.

If you're looking for a reliable and experienced lawn care company to keep your lawn healthy during the winter and throughout the year, we've got you covered! At FertiGator Lawn Care, we offer a variety of lawn care services, including fertilization, weed control, and more, to ensure your lawn receives the care it needs to thrive. We offer our services to property owners in The Villages, Lady Lake, Wildwood, and other nearby areas in Florida. Give us a call today at (352) 314-2867 to schedule our lawn care services and keep your lawn healthy and beautiful year-round!