Spring is the most important season for your lawn on the Gulf Coast. The decisions you make in February and March set the tone for how your yard looks all summer. Here's your complete spring lawn care checklist for Northwest Florida and Coastal Alabama.
Apply pre-emergent herbicide before soil temperatures reach 55°F consistently (usually mid-February on the Gulf Coast). This prevents crabgrass, goosegrass, and other warm-season weeds from germinating. Timing is critical — apply too late and the weeds are already growing.
Once your St. Augustine, Bermuda, or Zoysia grass starts showing green growth, it's time for the first fertilization of the year. Use a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer at the rate recommended for your grass type. Avoid quick-release fertilizers that can burn your lawn or cause excessive growth.
Chinch bugs are the number one pest threat to St. Augustine lawns on the Gulf Coast. These tiny insects suck the moisture from grass blades, creating brown patches that spread quickly. Preventive treatment in early spring is far more effective than trying to control an active infestation.
Despite pre-emergent applications, some weeds will break through. April is the time for targeted post-emergent herbicide application to control dollar weed, clover, and other broadleaf weeds without harming your turf.
Set your mower to the highest setting recommended for your grass type. For St. Augustine, that's 3.5-4 inches. Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade at once. Taller grass shades the soil, conserves moisture, and naturally suppresses weeds.
Need help getting your lawn spring-ready? Call EnSec at 850-821-2215 for a free lawn evaluation.
Apply pre-emergent before soil temperatures hold at 55°F, usually mid-February, to stop crabgrass and other warm-season weeds before they germinate. Applying too late lets the weeds get ahead.
Fertilize in March, once St. Augustine, Bermuda, or Zoysia greens up, using a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer. Avoid quick-release products that can burn the lawn.
Chinch bugs are the number one threat. They drain moisture from grass blades and cause spreading brown patches, so preventive treatment in early spring is far more effective than fighting an active infestation.
Keep it tall — 3.5 to 4 inches — and never remove more than one-third of the blade at once. Taller grass shades the soil, holds moisture, and naturally suppresses weeds.
EnSec Pest & Lawn has been protecting Gulf Coast homes since 1997. Get a free estimate today.
