Manatee County Lawn Care: What’s Going On Right Now?
Insights from Westfall’s Lawn and Pest Control (Bradenton, FL)
If you’ve been wondering why your lawn looks less than perfect this season — you’re not alone. Westfall’s local blog has some of the most relevant lawn care advice and trending issues for Manatee County homeowners this winter. Here’s what they’re seeing and recommending:
1. Lawn Fungus Risk in Winter
Florida’s mild winter doesn’t mean your grass is immune to problems. In fact, cooler, wetter mornings can create perfect conditions for lawn fungi, such as brown patch or dollar spot. Too much moisture — especially in low-lying spots or where irrigation is heavy — encourages disease. Westfall’s warns homeowners to watch for thinning areas, yellowing patches, or mower clogging as early signs that something fungal may be developing.
What to do:
Water early in the morning so grass can dry during the day.
Avoid excess irrigation later in the day or evening.
Get a lawn check if you see persistent brown or faded areas.
2. Watering Right in the Cooler Months
Winter water needs are different in Manatee County. Westfall’s points out that growth slows, so grass doesn’t need as much irrigation as in summer, but it still needs some moisture to stay healthy through the season.
Tips they share:
Reduce frequency — water only when grass shows stress or according to Manatee County watering rules.
Water less but effectively — deep morning watering encourages stronger roots while reducing disease risk compared with frequent light watering.
Follow local irrigation restrictions (often one day per week for many addresses).
Getting the watering right now protects your grass from both dry stress and excess moisture issues that can lead to fungus or shallow roots.
3. Preparing for Winter Stress
Your lawn isn’t dormant like northern grasses, but it does slow down this time of year. Westfall’s emphasizes adapting your lawn care routine for winter to reduce stress and avoid problems later on.
Highlights include:
Raise mowing height slightly so grass blades protect roots and reduce moisture stress.
Avoid late nitrogen fertilization — too much nitrogen before or during winter encourages soft growth that’s prone to disease.
Use potassium-based winter feeds if needed — this strengthens grass rather than pushes leafy growth.
Local soils and weather patterns influence how your lawn responds, so these tweaks help your turf get through cooler, less active months.
4. Seasonal Weeds and Pest Pressure
Though not always highlighted specifically in every post, seasonal changes can bring increased weed pressure as lawn growth slows. Winter weeds like chickweed and burweed sprout in cooler temperatures and may need targeted pre-emergent or post-emergent approaches. Westfall’s suggests preventative fall treatments and keeping an eye out for new weed growth later in winter.
5. When to Contact the Pros
Westfall’s encourages homeowners to schedule a winter lawn checkup — especially if you’re noticing:
Brown or thinning patches that don’t improve with light care
Mushy areas or persistent wet spots
Mower clogging due to damp grass
Signs of disease or unusual pests
Because Manatee County’s climate is unique, a local professional assessment can make your maintenance efforts more effective and protect your lawn year-round.
Bottom Line:
Manatee County lawns right now require balanced watering, awareness of fungal disease risk, adjusted fertilization, and proactive seasonal maintenance — all advice Westfall’s Lawn and Pest Control is actively sharing to help local homeowners keep their turf healthy through winter.