Winter Lawn Prep Tips for Manatee County Homeowners
Winter in Manatee County is mild, but your lawn still needs a little help transitioning into the cooler season. At Westfall’s Lawn and Pest Control, we make sure local lawns stay healthy, green, and ready for spring. Here are the key steps to prepare your Florida lawn for winter.
1. Adjust Fertilization
By early fall, your lawn should have received its last nitrogen application. In winter, avoid nitrogen fertilizers— they can weaken your grass and invite disease. If needed, a potassium-based “winterizer” applied in fall helps strengthen roots for the cooler months.
2. Raise Your Mower Height
As growth slows, slightly increase your mowing height to reduce stress and protect the grass:
- St. Augustine: 3.5–4"
- Zoysia: 1.5–2.5"
- Bermuda: 1–1.5"
- Bahia: 3–4"
Avoid cutting too low before winter.
3. Water Less Often
Shorter days and cooler temperatures mean your lawn needs less water. Follow county watering restrictions (usually one day per week) and water only when grass shows stress—like folded blades or lingering footprints.
4. Watch for Seasonal Lawn Disease
Brown Patch and Dollar Spot are common in cooler, damp conditions. Water only in the morning, remove leaves quickly, and contact us if you see yellow patches or thinning areas.
5. Control Winter Weeds
Winter weeds like chickweed and lawn burweed pop up as grass growth slows. A fall pre-emergent helps prevent them, and we offer safe treatments for any weeds that appear.
6. Prepare for Cold Snaps
Cold nights happen here! Before a freeze:
- Water the lawn that morning
- Don’t mow or fertilize right before cold weather
- Avoid walking on frozen grass
Let Us Handle Your Winter Lawn Care
At Westfall’s Lawn and Pest Control, we specialize in Florida lawn care and offer seasonal treatment programs tailored to Manatee County’s climate.
Call us at 941-761-0125 to schedule your winter lawn checkup!