What makes “fall” in Sarasota different
Even though in south Florida “fall” doesn’t bring freezing temperatures or major dormancy for many turfgrasses, it is a transitional period: summer heat stress begins to ease, rainfall patterns may shift, soils start to hold more moisture, and warm-season grasses begin to redirect energy into roots rather than top growth. During this time, certain vulnerabilities surface.
Key Issues to Watch
Here are the common issues you'll see in the fall for Sarasota County lawns, and how they develop:
1. Moisture & fungal disease risk
Because of Florida’s warm humid climate and the potential for fall rainfall or lingering summer dampness, lawns in Sarasota County have a heightened risk of fungal problems. One source notes: “too much moisture on the grass blade for extended periods gives spores the opportunity to settle and spread.” Problems such as “large patch” disease in warm-season turf can show up in fall.
What to do:
- Water early in the morning, deeply but less frequently.
- Improve drainage and airflow (e.g., aerate, reduce compaction, trim overhanging vegetation.
- Avoid heavy late-season nitrogen fertilizing, which can encourage vulnerable growth
2. Pest pressure (worms, grubs, etc)
Fall remains an active time for certain turf pests in Florida. For example, the “fall armyworm” caterpillar is noted for hitting in late summer through early fall. Also, root-feeding insects (grubs, mole crickets) can weaken the turf and make it more susceptible to disease or drought stress.
What to do:
- Keep an eye out for irregular brown patches, turf that “pulls up” easily, or visible insect activity.
- Consider preventive inspections and treatments if you’ve had pest problems in past years.
- Maintain good turf vigor so the grass resists pests (healthy roots, proper mowing, proper height).
3. Weeds and seasonal transitions
As turf growth slows or changes, weeds may get a stronger foothold. In Sarasota, common weeds around this time include crabgrass (though mostly in warmer months) and others that exploit thin or stressed turf. Also, fall is a key time to pre-emerge weeds and reduce competition.
What to do:
- Maintain good turf density and proper mowing height so the grass itself competes well.
- Apply appropriate pre-emergent herbicides (following local regulations) if needed.
- Correct nutrient or watering deficiencies so the turf is less attractive to weeds.
4. Improper mowing, fertilizer, and watering habits
Fall is a tricky time for turf care because assumptions from other climates might not apply. Some mistakes: stopping mowing too early, cutting grass too short, over-fertilizing late in the year, or halting watering entirely.
For Sarasota County specifically, note the local water‐conservation and fertilizer regulations: e.g., Gainesville’s “blackout season” for some fertilizers is June-Sept, meaning fall fertilization window becomes more important.
What to do:
- Keep mowing at appropriate heights for your grass type (for example, St. Augustine turf should be kept a bit higher.)
- Use a “winterizer” or late-season fertilizer with higher potassium and lower nitrogen (appropriate for warm‐season grasses) rather than continuing heavy growth fertilizer.
- Adjust irrigation: you may still need water in fall, especially if rainfall becomes erratic. Don’t assume you can stop watering