When to Fertilize Your Florida Lawn: A Seasonal Guide

Why Timing Matters for Florida Lawns

Fertilizing at the wrong time is worse than not fertilizing at all. Apply too early, and you waste product. Apply too late, and you encourage disease. Apply in the wrong season, and you can actually harm your lawn.

Central Florida's unique climate requires a specific fertilization approach. Here's the complete guide we use for our clients' lawns throughout Saint Cloud, Orlando, Kissimmee, Lake Nona, and Apopka.

Understanding N-P-K: The Fertilizer Basics

Before diving into timing, let's understand what's in fertilizer:

• N (Nitrogen): Promotes green color and leaf growth
• P (Phosphorus): Supports root development (often restricted in Florida)
• K (Potassium): Improves stress tolerance and disease resistance

Florida-friendly fertilizers typically have low or no phosphorus, like 15-0-15 or 16-0-8, because our soils already contain adequate phosphorus.

The Florida Fertilization Calendar

Spring Application: March 15 - April 15

Most Important Application of the Year

This is when your lawn wakes up from winter dormancy and needs nutrients to fuel spring growth.

What to apply:

• Slow-release nitrogen fertilizer
• 15-0-15 or similar Florida-friendly blend
• Rate: 1 lb nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft

Why this timing:

• Soil temperatures reach 65°F+ (grass actively growing)
• Before peak growing season begins
• Nutrients available as grass needs them

Warning: Don't apply before mid-March! Fertilizing dormant or semi-dormant grass wastes product and can encourage weeds.

Early Summer Application: May 15 - June 15

Your lawn is now growing rapidly and needs continued nutrition.

What to apply:

• Slow-release nitrogen
• Consider adding iron for color
• Same rate: 1 lb nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft

Why this timing:

• Supports peak growing season
• Replaces nutrients used in spring growth
• Builds strength before summer stress

Late Summer Application: August 15 - September 15

This application helps your lawn recover from summer stress and prepare for fall.

What to apply:

• Balanced slow-release fertilizer
• Higher potassium can help stress recovery
• Consider soil test to address deficiencies

Why this timing:

• Temperatures begin moderating
• Prepares grass for fall growth
• Repairs summer damage

Fall Application (Optional): October 15 - November 15

Not all lawns need fall fertilization, but it can benefit some.

What to apply:

• Light nitrogen application
• Winterizer formulas (higher potassium)
• Rate: 0.5 lb nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft

Why this timing:

• Builds root reserves for winter
• Improves cold tolerance
• Sets up spring green-up

Skip this application if: Your lawn is already healthy and you've had a good year.

Fertilizer Application by Grass Type

St. Augustine Grass

• Annual nitrogen need: 2-4 lbs per 1,000 sq ft
• Number of applications: 3-4 per year
• Special needs: Benefits from iron supplements

Bahia Grass

• Annual nitrogen need: 2-3 lbs per 1,000 sq ft
• Number of applications: 2-3 per year
• Special needs: Tolerates lower fertility

Zoysia Grass

• Annual nitrogen need: 2-3 lbs per 1,000 sq ft
• Number of applications: 3 per year
• Special needs: Slower growing, don't over-fertilize

Bermuda Grass

• Annual nitrogen need: 3-4 lbs per 1,000 sq ft
• Number of applications: 4-5 per year
• Special needs: Higher nitrogen requirements

Common Fertilization Mistakes

Mistake 1: Fertilizing Too Early in Spring

Problem: Grass isn't actively growing yet; nutrients wash away or encourage weeds.

Solution: Wait until consistent soil temps above 65°F.

Mistake 2: Using Quick-Release Fertilizer

Problem: Surge of growth, then nothing. Can burn grass.

Solution: Use slow-release (at least 50% slow-release nitrogen).

Mistake 3: Over-Fertilizing

Problem: Excessive growth, thatch buildup, pest attraction, environmental runoff.

Solution: Follow recommended rates; more is not better.

Mistake 4: Fertilizing Before Rain

Problem: Nutrients wash into storm drains instead of soil.

Solution: Apply when no rain expected for 24-48 hours, then water lightly.

Mistake 5: Fertilizing Stressed Grass

Problem: Stressed grass can't use nutrients; may cause further damage.

Solution: Address stress (drought, disease, pests) before fertilizing.

Florida Fertilizer Laws

Florida has regulations about fertilizer use that you should know:

Blackout Periods

Many Florida counties prohibit fertilizer application during summer rainy season (typically June 1 - September 30) to protect waterways. Check your local ordinances.

Counties with restrictions include:

• Orange County (Orlando)
• Osceola County (Kissimmee, Saint Cloud)
• Seminole County

Phosphorus Restrictions

Many areas restrict phosphorus in lawn fertilizers. Use Florida-friendly fertilizers with 0% phosphorus unless a soil test indicates deficiency.

Buffer Zones

No fertilizer within 10-15 feet of water bodies (varies by county).

Organic vs. Synthetic Fertilizers

Organic Options

Pros:

• Slow, steady nutrient release
• Improves soil health
• Environmentally friendlier

Cons:

• More expensive
• Results take longer
• May require larger quantities

Good organic options: Milorganite, composted manure, fish emulsion

Synthetic Fertilizers

Pros:

• Precise nutrient content
• Faster results
• More economical

Cons:

• Can burn if misapplied
• No soil health benefits
• Potential runoff issues

Our recommendation: Use slow-release synthetic fertilizers for most applications, supplemented with organic matter to build soil health.

Signs Your Lawn Needs Fertilizer

• Pale green or yellow color (not from pests)
• Slow growth during growing season
• Thin, sparse grass
• Failure to respond to proper watering

Signs You're Over-Fertilizing

• Dark green color with excessive growth
• Thatch buildup
• Increased pest problems
• Brown edges on grass blades (fertilizer burn)

Our Fertilization Program

At Proverbs Landscape, we offer a complete fertilization and weed control program:

What's included:

• Professionally timed applications
• Correct products for your grass type
• Slow-release formulas
• Iron supplements for color
• Weed control as needed

Pricing: Starts at $62/month based on lawn size

This takes the guesswork out of fertilization and ensures your lawn gets exactly what it needs, when it needs it.

Get a Custom Fertilization Plan

Every lawn is different. Soil conditions, grass type, sun exposure, and previous care all affect what your specific lawn needs.

We offer free consultations to assess your lawn and create a customized fertilization plan.

Call (904) 749-9658 or request a free estimate.

Serving Saint Cloud, Lake Nona, Kissimmee, Orlando, and Apopka with professional lawn care and fertilization services.