How to Keep Your Florida Lawn Green All Winter (Homeowner’s Guide)
- Paul Feyereisen
- Dec 8
- 3 min read
Florida winters may be mild compared to the rest of the country, but winter still brings cooler temperatures, shorter days, low rainfall, and occasional cold snaps that can affect your lawn’s color and health. Whether you have St. Augustine, Zoysia, or Bahia, maintaining a green and thriving lawn through the winter is absolutely possible with the right care.
This guide breaks down the essential steps Florida homeowners should follow from December through February to keep their lawn looking its best.
🌱 1. Understand How Florida Grass Behaves in Winter
Most Florida turfgrasses are warm-season varieties, which means they grow most actively during spring and summer. In winter, they naturally slow down and without proper care, they can:
Lose color
Thin out
Become more vulnerable to weeds
Become stressed during dry spells
But with the right maintenance routine, you can keep your lawn green, strong, and ready for spring.
💧 2. Adjust Watering for the Dry Season
Winter in Florida is the dry season, but your lawn still needs moisture just not as much as in summer.
Ideal Winter Irrigation Schedule
St. Augustine & Zoysia: Water 1-2 times per week, depending on rainfall
Bahia: Water every 7-10 days
New sod: Continue watering more often until established
Signs You’re Watering Correctly
✔ Grass blades stand upright ✔ Footprints disappear quickly ✔ Color remains consistently green
Signs of Underwatering
Grass turns grayish-blue
Blades fold in half
Crunchy texture underfoot
TIP:
Run your irrigation in early morning, not eveningto prevent fungal issues.
✂️ 3. Adjust Your Mowing Height for Cooler Weather
Your winter mowing schedule should shift from weekly to bi-weekly or even monthly depending on growth.
Recommended Winter Mowing Heights
St. Augustine: 3.5-4 inches
Zoysia: 2-2.5 inches
Bahia: 3-4 inches
Keeping grass slightly taller in winter: ✔ Helps retain moisture ✔ Protects roots from cold spells ✔ Reduces weed germination
🌿 4. Fertilize Carefully (or Avoid It Completely)
Florida lawns should not receive high-nitrogen fertilizer during the heart of winter.
What to Avoid
🚫 Fast-release nitrogen 🚫 Fertilizer before a predicted cold front 🚫 Heavy applications that push new growth
What to Use Instead
Potassium-rich fertilizer to strengthen roots
Micronutrient spray for color without forcing top growth
Iron supplements for greener color when temps drop
Winter fertilizing is less about growth and more about lawn health and color retention.
☀️ 5. Increase Sunlight Access
Your lawn grows slower in winter and needs maximum sunlight. Now is the perfect time to:
Trim back tree branches
Reduce shade over turf areas
Pull back mulch that’s covering the edges of grass
Even an extra hour of sunlight in winter can make the difference between yellow or green turf.
🌡️ 6. Protect Your Lawn From Sudden Cold Snaps
Most Florida lawns can handle mild winter temperatures, but when temps drop below 40°F, especially into the 30s, you should take precautions.
Winter Freeze Tips for Lawns
Avoid mowing 2–3 days before a cold front
Do not walk on frozen grass it causes damage
Water lightly the morning before a frost
Cover sensitive turf edges if needed (north-facing areas)
Freezing doesn’t kill St. Augustine or Zoysia, but it can cause temporary brown patches that take weeks to recover.
🌾 7. Keep Weeds From Taking Over
Lower winter growth makes your lawn more vulnerable to weeds like:
Clover
Chickweed
Dollarweed
Henbit
Use Pre-Emergent Weed Control (Best Option)
Apply in late fall or early winter to prevent weeds before they sprout.
Spot-Treat Existing Weeds
When needed, use a winter-safe post-emergent treatment labeled for your grass type.
🧹 8. Perform Seasonal Yard Maintenance
Even though growth slows, winter is an ideal time to improve lawn health through simple maintenance steps.
Winter Lawn To-Do List
✔ Rake leaves and remove debris ✔ Clean up edging and borders ✔ Reduce thatch buildup ✔ Inspect irrigation zones for dry spots ✔ Check for signs of chinch bugs or fungus (they don’t disappear in winter!)
These steps keep your lawn healthier and more uniform through the cooler months.
🌼 9. Consider a Winter Annual for Added Color (Optional)
If your lawn experiences natural winter browning, adding seasonal color can boost curb appeal.
Great Florida Winter Annuals
Petunias
Pansies
Snapdragons
Dianthus
Marigolds
These can be added around walkways, garden beds, or mailbox areas to brighten your yard.
🌴 Conclusion
Keeping your Florida lawn green all winter doesn’t require complicated work, just smart seasonal adjustments. With the right watering schedule, mowing height, preventive care, and winter maintenance, you can enjoy a lush lawn from December through February and set yourself up for a vibrant spring.
If you want a professional evaluation of your lawn’s winter health, many Florida landscaping companies offer seasonal inspections, tune-ups, and winter irrigation adjustments.
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