Florida Turf Talk Winter 2025 with GreenUP by Massey Services

As winter arrives, Fescue lawns will begin to thrive, displaying a more vigorous appearance as they flourish in cool temperatures and remain unaffected by cold weather. In contrast, Bermuda and Zoysia grasses will enter dormancy, turning brown and ceasing growth until warmer spring temperatures return. Occasional mowing at the appropriate height for your turf type will help maintain a healthy lawn appearance throughout the season. Click here for additional mowing tips and proper mowing practices for most grass types. Proper nutrition and sound lawncare practices will ensure healthy plants.

Insect activity decreases with cool temperatures, but your lawn specialist will still be on the lookout for lawn pests. Your lawn was treated with pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides for the control of winter annual weeds such as annual bluegrass (Poa annua). These treatments can help keep dormant Bermuda and Zoysia lawns looking healthy throughout the cooler seasons. Healthy turf is the best weed control which is why our focus remains on proper nutrition throughout the year. Turfgrass specialists will be inspecting your lawn for turf diseases such as Large Patch and Brown Patch fungus and manage the issues with an integrated pest management approach during your next regular service.

Cooler temperatures and shorter days will decrease the water demand by plants in the winter. Watering once a week is generally sufficient, depending on the coverage and schedule. Remember, too much water can lead to a variety of turf diseases such as Large Patch fungus on warm season grass and Brown Patch fungus on cool season grass. Proper irrigation is critical for your lawn’s health. Click here for more irrigation tips.