Spring Lawn Care Checklist for Central Florida

Why Spring Preparation Matters in Florida

While Central Florida doesn't have the dramatic spring awakening of northern states, March marks the beginning of our intense growing season. The work you do now sets the foundation for how your lawn will perform through the hot, humid summer months.

At Proverbs Landscape, we start preparing our clients' lawns in late February and early March. Here's the checklist we follow—and what you should do for your own lawn.

The Complete Spring Lawn Care Checklist

1. Clean Up Winter Debris

Timeline: Late February - Early March

Start with a thorough cleanup:

• [ ] Rake up leaves, twigs, and accumulated debris
• [ ] Remove any dead plant material from flower beds
• [ ] Clear debris from drainage areas
• [ ] Pick up fallen palm fronds
• [ ] Edge along sidewalks and driveways to define bed lines

This cleanup isn't just cosmetic—debris left on the lawn can smother grass and create pest habitat.

2. Assess Winter Damage

Timeline: Early March

Walk your lawn and look for:

• [ ] Brown patches (possible fungal disease or cold damage)
• [ ] Thin areas (may need overseeding or sod repair)
• [ ] Bare spots (could indicate pest damage)
• [ ] Weed encroachment
• [ ] Irrigation system issues

Document problem areas so you can address them systematically.

3. First Fertilizer Application

Timeline: March 15 - April 15

This is the most important fertilization of the year. Apply:

• [ ] Slow-release nitrogen fertilizer (15-0-15 or similar)
• [ ] Pre-emergent herbicide (if crabgrass was a problem last year)
• [ ] Iron supplement if grass looks yellowish

Important: Don't fertilize too early! Applying before the grass is actively growing wastes fertilizer and can damage tender new growth.

Pro Tip: In Florida, we recommend waiting until soil temperatures are consistently above 65°F. In Central Florida, this typically happens mid-March.

4. Irrigation System Check

Timeline: Early March

Before the growing season demands peak watering:

• [ ] Turn on the system and check each zone
• [ ] Look for broken or clogged heads
• [ ] Adjust spray patterns (no watering sidewalks!)
• [ ] Check for leaks at connections
• [ ] Test the rain sensor
• [ ] Adjust timer for spring watering schedule

Spring watering guidelines:

• Water early morning (4-6 AM)
• Apply 1/2 to 3/4 inch per watering
• Water 2-3 times per week as temperatures warm

5. Mower Maintenance

Timeline: Before First Spring Mow

Your mower needs attention after winter:

• [ ] Change the oil
• [ ] Replace or sharpen the blade (critical!)
• [ ] Check the air filter
• [ ] Inspect the spark plug
• [ ] Fill with fresh fuel
• [ ] Test run before the first mow

Why sharp blades matter: Dull blades tear grass instead of cutting it cleanly. This creates brown tips and makes grass more susceptible to disease.

6. Raise Mowing Height

Timeline: March

If you lowered your mowing height during winter:

• [ ] Gradually raise back to summer height
• [ ] For St. Augustine: 3.5-4 inches
• [ ] Never remove more than 1/3 of blade height

7. Address Weeds

Timeline: March - April

Spring is when weeds explode. Your strategy depends on what you're dealing with:

For existing weeds:

• [ ] Hand-pull young weeds (easiest when small)
• [ ] Apply post-emergent herbicide for established weeds
• [ ] Spot-treat to minimize chemical use

For preventing new weeds:

• [ ] Apply pre-emergent herbicide
• [ ] Maintain thick, healthy grass (best weed prevention)

8. Check for Pests

Timeline: March - May

As temperatures warm, pests become active:

• [ ] Inspect for chinch bug damage (look for yellowing patches)
• [ ] Check for army worm activity (moths flying over lawn at dusk)
• [ ] Look for mole cricket tunnels
• [ ] Monitor for sod webworm damage

Early detection is key—treating small infestations prevents major damage.

9. Soil Test (Every 2-3 Years)

Timeline: March

Consider a soil test if:

• [ ] Your lawn isn't responding to fertilization
• [ ] You've never tested your soil
• [ ] You've had persistent problems

Soil tests reveal pH levels and nutrient deficiencies that affect grass health. Your local extension office offers affordable testing.

10. Plan for Summer

Timeline: April

Get ahead of summer challenges:

• [ ] Schedule regular mowing service
• [ ] Plan your fertilization schedule (April, June, August)
• [ ] Consider a professional pest control program
• [ ] Budget for irrigation water increases

Month-by-Month Spring Schedule

Late February

• Begin cleanup
• Sharpen mower blades
• Check irrigation system

March

• Complete cleanup
• First mow of the season
• Apply fertilizer (mid-month)
• Apply pre-emergent herbicide
• Increase irrigation frequency

April

• Weekly mowing begins
• Monitor for pests
• Second fertilizer application (if using quick-release)
• Address any weed problems

May

• Full summer mowing schedule
• Monitor for chinch bugs
• Adjust irrigation for warmer weather

When to Call a Professional

While many of these tasks are DIY-friendly, consider professional help for:

• Pest identification and treatment: Improper pesticide use can damage your lawn
• Fertilization programs: We apply the right products at the right time
• Irrigation repairs: Proper system function is critical in Florida
• Large-scale weed problems: Sometimes you need stronger solutions

Ready to Get Your Lawn Spring-Ready?

Spring preparation is the foundation for a beautiful summer lawn. Whether you need a one-time cleanup, pest treatment, or ongoing maintenance, Proverbs Landscape is here to help homeowners throughout Saint Cloud, Lake Nona, Kissimmee, Orlando, and Apopka.

Contact us at (904) 749-9658 or request a free estimate.