Florida’s warm climate allows lawns to stay green longer than in many other states—but that doesn’t mean grass grows the same way year-round. Seasonal changes still play a major role in how your lawn grows, how healthy it looks, and what care it needs.
At Westfall’s Lawn & Pest Control, we help homeowners understand how Florida’s seasons affect their grass so they can maintain a strong, healthy lawn all year long.
Florida’s Unique Lawn Growing Seasons
Unlike northern states with one short growing season, Florida lawns experience multiple growth phases depending on temperature, rainfall, and daylight. Most Florida lawns are made up of warm-season grasses such as St. Augustine, Bahia, Zoysia, or Bermuda, which respond differently throughout the year.
Understanding these seasonal changes helps prevent common problems like thinning grass, weeds, and pest damage.
Spring: The Lawn Wakes Up
As temperatures begin to rise in spring, grass comes out of dormancy and starts actively growing again.
What happens to your lawn in spring:
Root systems begin strengthening
Grass blades grow more quickly
Weeds also begin to emerge
Insect activity increases
Why spring care matters:
This is the most important time to prepare your lawn for the year ahead. Proper fertilization, weed prevention, and early pest control help your grass grow thicker and more resilient before summer stress arrives.
Summer: Peak Growth and Stress
Summer is the most active growing season for Florida grass, but it’s also the most stressful.
What happens to your lawn in summer:
Rapid growth due to heat and rain
Increased risk of lawn pests like chinch bugs and sod webworms
Higher chance of fungal diseases from excess moisture
Heat stress if watering or mowing is improper
Why summer care matters:
While your lawn may look full, it’s vulnerable. Correct mowing height, balanced fertilization, and pest monitoring are essential to prevent damage that can worsen quickly in hot weather.
Fall: Slowing Growth and Recovery
As temperatures begin to cool slightly, grass growth slows, but your lawn is still active.
What happens to your lawn in fall:
Grass growth becomes steadier and less aggressive
Root systems continue to develop
Some weeds thrive during cooler weather
Insects may still be active
Why fall care matters:
Fall is a recovery period. Addressing weeds, soil health, and nutrient balance now helps your lawn enter winter stronger and better prepared for spring.
Winter: Dormancy and Protection
Florida winters are mild, but cooler temperatures and shorter days can cause grass growth to slow significantly or stop.
What happens to your lawn in winter:
Grass may turn lighter green or brown
Growth slows or becomes dormant
Weeds can still appear
Pests may move closer to homes for warmth
Why winter care matters:
Even though growth slows, lawn care doesn’t stop. Preventative weed control and pest management help protect your lawn and prevent problems from carrying over into spring.
Why Seasonal Lawn Care Is Important in Florida
Each season places different demands on your lawn. Treating it the same way year-round can lead to:
Weak root systems
Increased weed growth
Pest infestations
Patchy or thinning grass
Professional seasonal treatments ensure your lawn receives exactly what it needs at the right time.
How Westfall’s Lawn & Pest Control Helps
At Westfall’s Lawn & Pest Control, our programs are designed specifically for Florida’s climate and seasonal changes. We adjust treatments throughout the year to support healthy growth, prevent pests, and protect your lawn through every season.
By understanding how grass responds to Florida’s seasonal shifts, we help homeowners maintain greener, stronger lawns year-round.
Want to Learn More?
If you’d like help keeping your lawn healthy through every season, Westfall’s Lawn & Pest Control is here to help with expert care tailored to Florida lawns.