deceMBER 2024

This month we will be finishing our final application for the year which is a custom blended winterizer and a pre and post-emergence herbicide for the control of weeds. Keep in mind that it requires a complete 21-days to see the full effects of the blanket weed control treatment. It's also important to remember that while our lawns are dormant, winter weeds typically become common and evident which is why our annual lawn program kicks off in February with another blanket weed control application. 

As many of us are aware, our area can certainly experience its fair share of cold weather. St. Augustine grass enters dormancy when we begin receiving temperatures around the mid-fifties. Our lawns need to continue "hardening off" prior to receiving cold weather which means do not be tempted to apply fertilizer to your lawn to keep it green. North Florida lawns are warm season/tropical grasses that have a growing season and a dormancy season. In simple terms, our grass is not intended to stay lush and green all year round, and attempting to do so will surely result in damage and costly repairs.

During dormancy our lawns don't require mowing nearly as often, if at all, until our spring growing season begins. If you do mow it should always be done at the highest setting possible to protect the grass blades. Leaving the grass blades longer through the winter provides a canopy that traps heat near the soil, allowing the stolons - a.k.a. runners - to stay warmer during the night. The roots grow from the stolons into the soil, consequently keeping the stolons and soil surface warmer for as long as possible greatly aids in minimizing cold weather damage. It's when the roots suffer damage that irreversible harm occurs and the only effective solution is sodding and/or plugging your lawn in the growing season. By adopting the correct cultural practices for your lawn, you avoid the unnecessary expense of correcting your mistake. 

Additionally, while our grass is in dormancy the cooler temperatures lead to reduced water evaporation, meaning that it needs significantly less water throughout the winter months, if it needs any at all. If we are experiencing cooler temps and some rainfall, you may find you do not need to water at all, but if you do it should always be the same amount of water applied as during the growing season. You should always aim to adjust the frequency of your irrigation and not the amount.

More Winter Lawn Tips:

• Do water your lawn 24-hours in advance of a predicted freeze.

• Do not water your lawn when temperatures reach near freezing or if frost is evident.

• Never mow your lawn if you see frost.

• Keep your lawn leaf-free now as it will let in more sunlight, which aids in reducing insects and preventing fungus. Remember that outdoor roaches love lawns covered in leaves and promoting that will lead to them coming inside your home when the temperatures drop.

Lastly, kindly note that the approaching holidays will result in changes to our usual operating hours. We will be closed for our annual winter break from December 20 until January 6. Any messages received at our office, or through email, will be promptly addressed upon our return to operations. 

from our families to yours, we wish you a joyful holiday season filled

with love, warmth and happiness.