“Hopefully, we can concentrate on getting this area back again,” Nancy Polinger said, pointing to brown spots on her lawn, as she showed the owner of new lawn service company around her property.

Polinger has cut her own lawn for 25 years, but with this year’s drought taking its toll, she decided it was time to turn it over to professionals.

“I do not like it burned,” Pollinger said.  “Unfortunately, this time of year, with the water problem, it’s been hard to keep it green.”

Biggest Mistake

Pollinger hired J&M Lawn Service in Tampa to help get her grass back in shape. J&M owner Juan Villegas says the number one mistake most homeowners make is cutting too short. The longer grass acts like a shield to keep pests out and moisture in. Professional mowers can cut as high as 5 inches.

“The canopy will help protect the roots, help trap in moisture, and help the hot sun not penetrate far below,” Villegas explained.

If you do it yourself, it’s important to set your mower’s cutting height on its highest setting. Most lawn mowers have several notches that increase in about 1/2 inch increments, going from two to four inches. Be sure to set yours on the four-inch setting and that should do a lot to help your lawn over time.

“The higher your grass the healthier it’s gonna be,” Villegas said.

How much water

Watering, of course, is the other big factor.  With drought restrictions, most folks can only water once a week, so make sure it’s a good soaking.

“If it’s a zone that has fan sprays, it’s about 25-30 minutes. If it’s a zone that has rotors that are constantly spraying everywhere, it’s about 40-50 minutes,” Villegas said.

And it’s best to water early in the morning, before the sun comes out, or most of it will evaporate.

Be sure to check for water restrictions in your area, so you know which days you’re allowed to water based on your address.

The updated, Phase III restrictions will start on June 5th and remain in effect through August 1.

Best Grass for Florida

St. Augustine grass is considered best to hold up in the Florida heat, but there are different types, depending on whether your lawn is in the sun or shade.

  • St. Augustine Floratam is best for sunny areas, because it is heat resistant and drought resistant. 
  • St. Augustine Palmetto is better for high shade areas.

Avoid the same pattern

If you use a professional service, be aware that those mowers are very heavy—weighing between 600 and 1500 pounds.  So, it’s important to changing the cutting pattern regularly.

“If you keep going in the same pattern, you’re going to create valleys and ruts.  It’s best to change your pattern every two weeks, especially during the rainy season,” Villegas said.

Fertilizing

Fertilizing is also important.  Villegas recommends a weed and feed every three months, but be careful not to apply too much or you can burn your lawn.

“Especially right now during the intense heat we have, if you put down too much it can actually fry your grass,” Villegas warned.

One last tip:  don’t catch your grass clippings as you mow, because they act as a natural fertilizer.

“Ideally, you should let them go out, because they put natural nitrates back into your lawn,” he said.

The perfect Lawn

The grass doesn’t always have to be greener on the other side.  With a little work and following these tips, it can be perfectly green right in your own yard-- something Nancy Polinger is very much looking forward to.

“I want it green,” Polinger said smiling, “I think it’s beautiful when it’s green.”