Although shoveling snow and avoiding black ice are not part of Floridians’ winter routines, there are special considerations to take during colder weather, specifically regarding the care of your lawn and plants.

Middleton Lawn & Pest Control, a subsidiary of Fort Lauderdale-based Sunair Services Corporation, provides the following tips to help Florida residents maintain healthy and thriving lawns, even during the winter.

“While it may be cooler outside and grass may grow at a slower pace, lawns are not fully dormant during winter in Florida,” said Joe Welch, corporate service director of Middleton Lawn & Pest Control. “It is important to take special precautions and care for your lawn during times of cold to allow for new, green growth when the weather warms up.”

Natural Nutrients

Applying the correct fertilizer for your area will give the grass the nutrients it needs to stay healthy. In North and Central Florida, a fertilizer with only Potassium and micro-nutrients will work best. In South Florida, a fertilizer with a slow-released nitrogen source is best. In all areas, avoid a quick-release nitrogen source fertilizer becuase it could simtulate brown patch fungus, among other common diseases that afflict lawns. By adding the correct fertilizer into your lawn regimen, you will be providing energy to the plants, enhancing root growth that allows for greening during warm periods.

Watch Out For Weeds

Annual weeds thrive during winter since they favor cooler weather. Weeds also appear more prominent this time of year due to the fact that lawn growth is slowed from the cold weather.

Water Works

Just because it is winter and your grass is growing less, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t water it. During cold weather, reduce your watering frequency to once a week for most lawns. Be sure you are allowing moisture to wet the entire root system; usually one-half to three-quarters of one inch of water will suffice. But do not over-water your lawn in the winter, as excessive soil moisture will cause an increase in weeds and lawn disease problems.

Frozen

When a freeze warning is announced, turn off your irrigation system. Never water your lawn during a freeze. Although your lawn and plants should be thoroughly watered before a freeze, watering during one could cause serious damage to your plants and lawn. Also, be sure to cover any plants that are not cold-tolerant with blankets or cardboard boxes. Remove all coverings once the threat of frost or freeze has passed.

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