Florida Lawncare

Every lawn is different. What grows well in one yard may not do so good next door. Sometimes a few miles or even a few hundred feet can make a significant difference in the type of grass that does well.

Growing a lawn using a particular type of grass, especially those commonly found in Florida, have different requirements from one variety to another. Soils can vary greatly, as can drainage, and light levels. It is therefore important for the casual reader to understand that just because a certain type of grass is recommended for Florida, it should be taken with a bit a speculation. Understanding your geology, topography, and degree of involvement in maintaining a healthy lawn is critical to your success.

Florida falls in a geographic region where Warm Season Grasses usually do well and Cool Season Grasses do not do well.

Common turfgrasses used on Florida homes:

• Bermudagrass

• Centipedegrass

• St. Augustine

• Tall Fescue Lawns

• Zoysiagrass

Florida Pest Problems

Every turfgrass has some major pest problem that could limit its use in certain areas or locations. There are several different types of pest problems on turfgrasses in Florida, including diseases, insects, nematodes, and weeds. Proper turfgrass management practices will keep most pest problems to a minimum.

Molecrickets have been found in Bermuda grasses and has become a problem in St. Augustine lawns along the coast.

Florida Problem Insects

• Armyworms

• Billbugs

• Ground Pearls

• Grubs

• Molecrickets

• Fire Ants

• Chinchbugs

• Spittlebug

Florida Lawn Diseases

Promoting healthy growth and avoiding conditions that cause stress to your turfgrass is the best way to prevent a severe disease outbreak. Stressed lawns are an open invitation for a lawn disease to gain a foothold. Optimal maintenance practices are the best way of avoiding stressed turfgrass.

Even if a pathogen is present in the soil, infection will not occur unless the environmental conditions are conducive to disease development. Once turf diseases have become active, they can cause heavy damage if not treated properly. Here is a list of common diseases to Florida lawns:

• Dollar Spot

• Brown Patch

• Fairy Rings

• Leaf Spot

• Pythium Blight

• Nematodes

• Rust

Burrweed / Spurweedis a low-growing winter annual weed commonly found in turfgrasses in Florida. It is easily identified by its low ferny foliage and sharp, spiny seed pods, which ripen in late spring. It is best treated for in late winter and early spring. Once temperatures warm, it will be too late to control the plant from setting out seeds that will emerge again next winter.

Professional lawn care organizations: Florida Turfgrass Association was created to improve members expertise through continuing education. Also of interest might be the University of Florida Extension.

Florida Climate Zones: 8 - 11