Tips for Fertilizing Florida Lawns in Summer

Tips for Fertilizing Florida Lawns in Summer

Taking care of a lawn in South Florida means a year-round commitment, but summer brings its own set of challenges – intense heat, heavy rains, and a growing season that’s in full swing. Whether you’re maintaining a lush St. Augustine grass lawn or trying to keep your Zoysia or Bermuda looking its best, proper fertilization is crucial.

At Horseman’s Landscaping, we’ve helped countless homeowners and businesses in South Florida keep their outdoor spaces thriving, and we know exactly what your grass needs during the hot summer months. Here’s how to fertilize smartly and keep your lawn green, healthy, and resistant to pests and disease.

Understand South Florida’s Unique Growing Season

Unlike other parts of the country, lawns in South Florida grow most actively from late spring through early fall due to our tropical climate. This region experiences high humidity, frequent storms, and warm temperatures almost year-round. That means grasses are constantly using energy to grow and recover from weather stress.

Because of this, your lawn needs the right balance of nutrients during the summer months to support rapid growth while withstanding heavy rain and extreme heat.

Timing Is Everything

In Florida, it’s essential to follow state and local fertilization ordinances. Many counties in South Florida, such as Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach, prohibit nitrogen-based fertilizers during the rainy season—generally between June 1 and September 30. These regulations are in place to prevent fertilizer runoff from polluting our local waterways.

Instead of nitrogen-heavy fertilizers, look for maintenance blends that are phosphorus-free and contain slow-release potassium. These nutrient mixes help strengthen the roots, improve drought tolerance, and increase disease resistance without contributing to runoff.

Always double-check with your local county guidelines before applying lawn fertilizers in the summer. If you’re unsure, the team at Horseman’s Landscaping is happy to guide you on compliant and effective fertilization strategies. Visit our website for more info: https://horsemanslandscape.com.

Choose the Right Fertilizer for Your Grass Type

Different turf grasses have different nutrient needs, especially in hot climates like South Florida.

Common South Florida grasses include:

– St. Augustine: Thrives in heat and humidity and is one of the most popular choices. Requires balanced fertilization and benefits from iron supplements during the summer to maintain its deep green color.
– Zoysia: Beautiful and dense, Zoysia prefers moderate watering and potassium-rich fertilizers for strong root development.
– Bermuda: Often used in commercial properties and athletic fields for its resilience, Bermuda grass needs regular, light feedings particularly during the high-growth season.

Apply fertilizers specifically formulated for your grass type. Slow-release or organic formulas work best in summer since they reduce the risk of burning the lawn and allow for even nutrient absorption over time.

Water Wisely

Summer rain in South Florida can be unpredictable. One minute it’s a drizzle, the next it’s a downpour. Proper irrigation, combined with smart fertilizing, plays a major role in lawn health.

Here are a few watering tips to keep your fertilizer working effectively:

– Water early in the morning to allow grass blades to dry out and avoid fungal growth.
– Limit watering after fertilizing unless rain is expected within 24 hours.
– Avoid overwatering. Saturated soil can cause fertilizer to run off or leach away, reducing effectiveness.

Don’t guess—monitor your soil’s moisture and use a rain gauge to help balance natural precipitation with your irrigation schedule.

Mind the Heat

Summer temperatures in South Florida can exceed 90°F for days at a time. During high heat, applying the wrong fertilizer can actually damage your lawn by burning the grass or encouraging premature growth that the roots can’t support.

That’s why controlled-release fertilizers are so important during this season. These formulas release nutrients slowly over the course of several weeks, promoting steady growth and resilience without stressing the grass.

Mow Smartly

Fertilization goes hand-in-hand with proper mowing techniques.

When you mow too low, especially right after fertilizing, you risk shocking the grass and weakening the root structure. Keeping your blades sharp and mowing at the correct height creates a protective canopy of grass that prevents weeds and helps lock in moisture.

– St. Augustine grass should be cut to 3.5–4 inches.
– Zoysia grass should be mowed to 1.5–2.5 inches.
– Bermuda should be maintained at about 1–2 inches.

Correct mowing doesn’t just improve lawn appearance—it significantly improves how well your fertilizer works.

Supplement with Compost or Organic Matter

In summer, lawns can still benefit from compost applications. Compost adds vital organic matter to the soil and helps improve water retention, microbial activity, and nutrient delivery, which becomes especially important when nitrogen fertilizers are restricted.

A thin top dressing of organic compost enhances the overall health of your soil. This natural approach complements synthetic fertilizers and supports long-term lawn vigor.

Don’t Forget Lawn Pests

Summer in South Florida is prime time for chinch bugs, army worms, grubs, and fungal diseases—most of which can be exacerbated by improper or excessive lawn fertilization.

Over-fertilizing with nitrogen can make your lawn more susceptible to pests by encouraging rapid, tender growth that insects love to feed on.

Point being: follow a balanced fertilization routine and inspect your lawn regularly for signs of infestation. The landscaping professionals at Horseman’s can help you set up a maintenance plan that includes pest control, fertilization, and drainage.

Consider a Professional Fertilization Plan

No time to test the soil, double-check county guidelines, research fertilizers, and track mowing and watering schedules? That’s where a professional landscaping team makes all the difference.

At Horseman’s Landscaping, we specialize in sustainable and effective lawn care tailored for South Florida’s challenging climate. Our expert teams can design and implement fertilization and lawn care programs that work with your property’s unique needs.

We don’t stop at fertilization, either. Whether you’re upgrading your outdoor space with pavers, need consistent lawn maintenance, or want to revamp your irrigation system for summer efficiency, our full range of services ensures your lawn and landscape look gorgeous and function smoothly all year long.

Explore our South Florida landscaping services and get started with a consultation today at: https://horsemanslandscape.com/lawn-maintenance/

Why Choose Horseman’s Landscaping?

With deep roots in the local community, we understand the unique challenges South Florida property owners face. From managing heavy rains to navigating fertilizer blackout periods—it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. Our lawn care experts are trained in Florida-friendly landscaping practices that promote water conservation and plant health while keeping your lawn looking its best.

Our team uses premium products, modern equipment, and proven techniques to ensure quality results with every service visit. Best of all, we treat your property like our own.

Let Horseman’s Landscaping take the stress out of summer lawn care. Contact us today to schedule a quote and give your yard the green treatment it deserves. Visit us at: https://horsemanslandscape.com and see why more homeowners and businesses in South Florida trust us with their landscapes.