Rain, Rain, Grow Away! Rainy season has arrived!: What That Means for Your Lawn
By Westfall's Lawn and Pest Control
Ah, the rainy season. That magical time of year in Sarasota and Manatee Counties when the skies open up, the grass greens up, and the mosquitoes throw a pool party in your backyard.
From June through September, Florida trades its sun-drenched afternoons for thunder rumbles, steamy humidity, and spontaneous downpours. While you might be tempted to celebrate not having to run the sprinklers, there’s more to the rainy season than free water. In fact, it’s one of the most important times to pay attention to your lawn — and here’s why.
The Good: A Green Awakening
Rainwater is nature’s Gatorade for your lawn. It contains more oxygen than tap water, which helps grass roots breathe, and it’s naturally soft, meaning it lacks the harsh minerals found in well or reclaimed water. The result? Lush, vibrant growth that looks like it belongs on a golf course.
If your lawn has been struggling through the dry spring months, this is its revival tour. But before you kick back and let Mother Nature take over, there are a few things you should know…
The Not-So-Good: Fungus, Weeds, and Overgrowth — Oh My!
With great water comes great responsibility. Excess moisture can quickly become a breeding ground for lawn diseases like brown patch, dollar spot, and gray leaf spot. These fungi love warm, wet environments — and Florida’s summer is basically their dream vacation.
Then there are the weeds. If your lawn wasn’t fully healthy before the rain started, you can bet invasive species are going to take advantage of the situation. Crabgrass, sedge, and broadleaf weeds thrive during the rainy season, often outpacing your St. Augustine or Zoysia grass.
And don’t even get us started on the mowing. That burst of growth you’re seeing? It’s going to need trimming. Often. Skip too many mowings, and you risk scalping the lawn or inviting pests like chinch bugs and mole crickets.
The Ugly: Standing Water and Pests
Speaking of pests, the rainy season is their high season. Standing water invites mosquitoes, soggy soil attracts grubs, and an overgrown lawn becomes the perfect hiding place for fire ants and other creepy crawlers.
Even your sprinkler system can become part of the problem if it’s not adjusted for the increased rainfall. Overwatering during the rainy season isn’t just wasteful — it creates conditions ripe for root rot and fungal outbreaks.
Westfall's Rainy Season Game Plan
We’ve been serving Sarasota and Manatee Counties for over 30 years, and if there’s one thing we know, it’s how to keep Florida lawns thriving year-round — even in a summer monsoon.
Here’s how Westfall’s helps you win the rainy season:
Customized Fertilization: We adjust our treatment schedules to work with — not against — the rain. Too much nitrogen during rainy season can fuel fungus and weak growth. We get the balance right.
Disease Prevention: Our technicians are trained to spot the early signs of fungus and treat proactively, before your green lawn turns into a patchy mess.
Weed & Pest Control: From armyworms to dollarweed, we use targeted treatments that work even in wet conditions, protecting your turf without harming the environment.
Smart Irrigation Advice: Not sure if your sprinklers should be on? We can help assess your system and recommend seasonal adjustments to avoid overwatering.
Final Thought: Don’t Let the Rain Do All the Talking
Yes, the rainy season gives your lawn a powerful boost. But without proper care, that boost can quickly backfire. Think of us as your lawn’s personal trainer — we know how to turn that extra hydration into real, lasting results.
So, when the summer storms start rolling in, don’t just watch the rain. Call Westfall’s Lawn and Pest Control. Your lawn deserves to thrive — not just survive — this season.
Let’s weather it together.