Why Sarasota and Manatee Lawns Are NOT Like Northern Lawns (and Why That Matters)
From your Florida-friendly friends at Westfall’s Lawn and Pest Control
Let’s get one thing straight: a Florida lawn is not just a "regular lawn with a tan." Nope. If you’ve recently moved to Sarasota or Manatee County from up north, you may have already learned this the hard way—probably right around the time your grass turned brown and sad, despite your best suburban efforts.
Florida lawns play by a completely different set of rules. So before you try to treat your St. Augustine like it’s a Kentucky bluegrass, let’s break down the differences—and why they matter more than you think.
1. Your Lawn Up North Went to Sleep in Winter. Ours Just Gets Weird.
Northern lawns go dormant in winter. They slow down, turn a little brown, and politely wait for spring. It’s kind of like a nap.
Florida lawns? Oh no. They don't nap. They either:
Keep growing aggressively (if warm enough),
Or just sulk and turn patchy, daring you to do something about it.
Why it matters:
Overwatering or over-fertilizing a semi-dormant Florida lawn can cause serious issues. Know when to let it be—and when to step in.
2. Northern Lawns Have Soil. We Have… Sand.
Up north, you dig into soil and get rich, dark dirt. Here? You hit sand faster than a beach volleyball game. Florida soil drains quickly, which sounds great—until your lawn starts acting like it’s in a drought... after a thunderstorm.
Why it matters:
Our grass needs more frequent TLC in the form of nutrients and proper irrigation. Treat it like Midwest turf, and it’ll ghost you.
3. Northern Grass is Like a Housecat. Florida Grass is Like a Wild Gator.
Northern grasses like bluegrass or fescue are soft, fluffy, and delicate. Walk barefoot and you’ll feel like you're stepping on a cloud.
Florida grass? Especially our beloved St. Augustine? It’s chunky, tough, and scratchy—like if a doormat and a Brillo pad had a child. It's built for survival, not luxury.
Why it matters:
You can’t mow it the same way, water it the same way, or expect it to behave. Florida grass is a different beast entirely—and we respect that.
4. Pests in Florida Don’t Hibernate. They Throw Year-Round Parties.
In the North, bugs take winters off like they’re on a union break. Not here. Florida pests clock in 365 days a year, rain or shine, sun or hurricane. Chinch bugs? Active. Armyworms? Ready. Grubs? Never sleeping.
Why it matters:
Your pest control game has to be strong all year. One lapse, and you’re hosting a six-legged block party in your turf.
5. Fungus Loves Florida More Than Tourists Do
You think you know lawn disease? Think again. Between the humidity, rain, and constant warmth, Florida lawns are a fungal paradise. Brown patch, dollar spot, and gray leaf spot are just a few of our many “friends.”
Why it matters:
That mysterious brown circle in your lawn? It’s not a crop circle—it’s probably a fungus. And it spreads fast without proper care.
6. Rain is a Blessing… and a Curse
Up north, rain is pretty straightforward. Here in Florida? One minute your lawn is parched, the next it’s under six inches of standing water. Welcome to weather roulette.
Why it matters:
Smart irrigation matters more than ever. And yes, your sprinkler system does need to be adjusted seasonally (we see you, still running it during a monsoon).
So... What Should You Do About It?
Simple: Don’t treat your Florida lawn like it’s still living in Ohio. It’s not. It’s sweating, battling bugs, and trying to survive summer without a meltdown.
At Westfall’s Lawn and Pest Control, we specialize in Florida lawns for Florida people. We know what works, what doesn’t, and how to keep your yard looking great even when it’s 97° with 120% humidity.
🌴 New to Sarasota or Manatee County?
Feeling betrayed by your lawn? We’ve got you. Our expert team knows Florida turf, Florida pests, and Florida problems—because we live here too.
📞 Call Westfall’s today for lawn care that actually makes sense in the Sunshine State. Your grass deserves better than northern methods and YouTube guesses.