Protect Your SWFL Lawn Frigid Weather
Tips to Protect Your Southwest Florida Lawn During Frigid Weather Conditions
Extreme cold and freezing temperatures (32°F or lower) in Southwest Florida cause warm-season turfgrasses to go into a protective, temporary dormancy, often turning brown or yellow, and can cause significant damage if the freeze is severe or prolonged. While the roots usually remain alive, the foliage can "burn" or turn brown, resulting in a dormant, patchy, or dead appearance from mid-December through March.
Impact on SW Florida Lawns
Browning and Dormancy: When temperatures drop, lawns typically stop growing and turn brown. This is a survival mechanism, not necessarily death, though it is often unsightly.
"Burning" and Freezing: Frost can directly "burn" the tips of grass blades, turning them white, yellow, or brown. In severe cases, the entire plant may appear to die back, particularly in low-lying areas where cold air settles.
Physical Damage: Walking on frosted grass can break the frozen blades, causing dead brown footprints that may last until spring.
Dehydration/Desiccation: Cold, dry winds can pull moisture from the grass blades faster than the roots can absorb water from the soil, causing the grass to turn brown and potentially die.
Winterkill: If temperatures drop below 20°F or remain freezing for an extended period, the grass crowns can die, resulting in a need to replace sections of the lawn.
Reduced Growth & Increased Risk of Disease: Growth slows significantly. Stressed, weakened turf is more susceptible to winter diseases like snow mold, which may appear as brown patches.
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How to Protect Lawns in SW Florida
Do Not Water During a Freeze: Suspend irrigation when temperatures are forecasted to be 38°F or below to prevent damaging the turf.
Water Before the Freeze: Thoroughly water the lawn the day before a predicted freeze. Moist soil retains heat better and protects roots.
Avoid Foot Traffic: Stay off the grass when it is covered in frost to prevent breaking the blades.
Raise Mower Height: Keep your mower blades set high (around 2.5–3 inches) in the late fall to help protect the grass crown.
Rake Fallen Leaves: Remove excessive fallen leaves to allow the turf to receive whatever warmth and light are available, preventing the trapped cold air from injuring the roots.
Do Not Fertilize: Avoid applying nitrogen fertilizer immediately before a cold snap, as this can encourage new growth that is highly susceptible to freeze damage.
Post-Freeze Care: Do not prune or fertilize immediately after a freeze. Wait until the weather has consistently warmed and the grass shows signs of recovery.
While the damage is rarely permanent for established lawns, the cold can cause significant stress, and in rare, extreme cases, it can lead to death in sensitive species like St. Augustine grass.
