Even though freezes are rare in our part of Florida, quick cold snaps do happen—and a little prep can protect your lawn from damage.
Avoid watering right before a cold night
Watering too close to a cold front can leave your grass vulnerable to frost injury. Instead, water earlier in the day and only if your lawn actually needs it.
Pause mowing before temperatures drop
Recently cut grass is more sensitive to cold. If a cold snap is forecast, skip mowing for several days beforehand.
Keep your grass at the recommended height
Taller leaf blades help insulate the crown of the plant. Ideal heights:
• St. Augustine: 3.5–4"
• Zoysia: 1.5–3"
• Bahia: 3–4"
Watch for frost in the morning
If you see frost, avoid walking on the lawn until it melts. Foot traffic can crush frozen blades, leaving brown footprints later.
Protect sensitive landscaping
While turfgrass is pretty tough, tropical ornamentals and young plants may need covers or cloth—not plastic—on the coldest nights.
With a few simple steps, your Florida lawn will breeze through winter and bounce back quickly when warm weather returns.