Winter in Central Florida doesn’t bring frost or snow, but it does introduce challenges that many homeowners overlook. With shorter days, cooler nights, and unpredictable rainfall, even experienced gardeners can make mistakes that harm their lawns. At Keiths Lawn Care, we’ve spent over 20 years helping Ocala residents keep their lawns green and healthy all year long, and we’ve seen the same seasonal missteps happen again and again. Understanding what to avoid during the winter months can save you time, money, and frustration when spring rolls around.
Overwatering During Cooler Months
One of the most common mistakes we see is overwatering. Florida’s winter naturally brings more rainfall and less evaporation, yet many homeowners leave their irrigation systems on summer settings. Overwatering during the cooler months can drown roots, encourage fungal growth, and even attract pests like chinch bugs and mole crickets. The key is to water less frequently, once or twice a week is usually enough. Depending on recent rainfall, make sure your sprinkler heads and timers are adjusted for the season.
Cutting Grass Too Short
Many people think that keeping the grass shorter reduces maintenance, but cutting too low actually weakens the turf and exposes the roots to stress and cold damage. Short grass also gives weeds an open invitation to spread. During the winter, your grass grows more slowly, so it’s best to keep it slightly taller around 3.5 to 4 inches for St. Augustine grass. That extra height helps protect the root system and retain soil moisture, both of which are critical to long-term health.
Neglecting Pest Control
Just because the temperatures drop doesn’t mean Florida’s pests take a break. Chinch bugs, sod webworms, and mole crickets can still damage your turf, particularly if your lawn is already stressed from overwatering or nutrient imbalance. Regular monitoring and preventive treatments during winter are key to keeping pests under control.
Misdirected Fertilization Efforts
Fertilization timing is another area where well-meaning homeowners often go wrong. Applying fertilizer too late in the season or using the wrong type can encourage unwanted top growth when the grass should be focusing on root development. Instead of fast-release formulas designed for quick greening, winter feeding should focus on slow-release nutrients that strengthen the roots and prepare your lawn for spring.
Skipping Seasonal Cleanups
Even though we don’t deal with heavy leaf fall like northern states, Florida lawns still accumulate debris such as twigs, pine needles, and dead plant matter that can block sunlight and trap moisture. This layer of organic debris suffocates your grass and creates an ideal environment for mold and disease. A simple winter cleanup can restore airflow to the turf and promote a healthier growing surface heading into spring.
Stopping Lawn Mowing Altogether
Many homeowners stop mowing altogether once winter arrives. While grass growth slows, it doesn’t stop completely in Florida’s mild climate. Regular mowing even if it is less often is still important to maintain an even, tidy appearance and discourage weed growth.
Keiths Lawn Care adjusts mowing schedules for our clients based on temperature and weather patterns, ensuring lawns stay clean and healthy without overcutting or stress.
Keeping Your Florida Lawn Healthy Year-Round
In Florida, winter lawn care is about balance: watering just enough, mowing at the right height, feeding with care, and keeping an eye on pests and debris. When you avoid these common mistakes, your lawn stays strong through the cooler months and bounces back faster when warm weather returns.
At Keiths Lawn Care, we specialize in helping Ocala homeowners navigate Florida’s unique growing conditions with professional, full-service lawn maintenance. Our goal is simple. To keep your lawn healthy, resilient, and beautiful all year long.