How to Keep Your Lawn Looking Great During the Florida Summer

Summer in the Treasure Coast means longer days, high heat, and plenty of afternoon thunderstorms. While this tropical weather brings lush growth, it can also stress your lawn if not properly managed. At Greenland Environmental, we know what it takes to keep your yard green, healthy, and pest-free through the dog days of summer. Here are some tried-and-true tips to help your lawn thrive in the heat.

1. Water Smart—Not More

It’s a common myth that lawns need more water in the summer. What they really need is consistent, deep watering.

Here’s what we recommend:

• Water 2–3 times a week, depending on rainfall.

• Aim for ½ to ¾ inch of water per session, early in the morning (between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m.) to reduce evaporation and fungal issues.

• Use a rain gauge or empty tuna can to measure how much water your sprinklers are delivering.

• If your soil is sandy—which is common in the Treasure Coast—you may need slightly shorter, more frequent watering since sand drains quickly.

  
  

Avoid watering in the evenings. The moisture sitting overnight on grass blades creates the perfect environment for fungi and disease.

2. Mow High, Mow Often

During the summer, let your grass grow a little taller. Longer blades help shade the soil, reduce water loss, and encourage deeper root growth.

General mowing guidelines:

• St. Augustinegrass: 3.5 to 4 inches

• Zoysiagrass: 1.5 to 2.5 inches

• Bermudagrass: 0.5 to 1.5 inches

  
  

Keep your mower blades sharp, and never cut more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mowing. Dull blades tear the grass and make it more susceptible to pests and disease.

3. Feed, But Don’t Overdo It

Summer fertilizing should be done carefully. Over-fertilizing in high heat can burn your lawn and lead to excessive growth that invites pests.

Stick to a slow-release fertilizer that’s suitable for your specific turf type. If you’re unsure, we’re happy to test your soil and tailor a plan to what your lawn actually needs. Often, a mid-summer feeding is all that’s necessary.

4. Watch for Pests and Fungus

Warm, humid weather creates the perfect conditions for chinch bugs, armyworms, sod webworms, and fungal diseases like brown patch or gray leaf spot.

Look out for:

• Brown or thinning patches that don’t bounce back after watering

• Grass blades with chew marks or a greasy appearance

• Increased bird activity (they may be feeding on lawn pests)

  
  

Early detection is key. If you’re seeing any of these signs, reach out—we can identify the issue and treat it quickly to minimize damage.

5. Work With the Weather

Afternoon rainstorms are part of life here on the Treasure Coast. Use them to your advantage by adjusting your irrigation schedule accordingly. There’s no need to water the day after a good soaking—let nature lend a hand!

Need Help? We're Just a Call Away.

Keeping a healthy lawn in the Florida summer takes a little strategy, but the results are worth it. If you’re unsure where to start, need help with watering zones, or are seeing signs of pests, we’re here to help. As local experts, we know the unique challenges of Treasure Coast lawns and how to manage them season by season.