Volusia County lawn care by season

In Volusia County, lawns grow fastest from late spring through early fall and slow down in the cooler months. That means mowing every week in summer and less often in winter, fertilizing in spring and fall rather than during the summer rainy season, and watering only when the grass shows it needs it, on the days the water management district allows.

Here's how the year breaks down.

Spring (March to May)

Spring is when warm-season grasses like St. Augustinegrass and bahiagrass wake up and start growing steadily. It's a good time to:

• start a regular mowing schedule as growth picks up
• check your irrigation system for broken heads and overspray onto pavement
• fertilize, if your lawn needs it, before the summer restriction begins
• watch for weeds and treat them while they're small

Spring in Central Florida is often dry. Grass may need extra water, but don't overdo it. Water when you see signs of stress, such as blades folding in half lengthwise, a blue-gray color, or footprints that stay pressed in the grass.

Summer (June to September)

Summer is peak growing season. Rain and heat push growth hard, and most lawns need mowing every week.

Mow high. The University of Florida's IFAS Extension recommends about 3.5 to 4 inches for most standard St. Augustinegrass varieties and about 3 to 4 inches for bahiagrass. Taller grass shades its own roots and holds up better in heat. Keep mower blades sharp so they cut cleanly instead of tearing.

Summer is also the season for the fertilizer restriction. Volusia County, along with several cities in the county, limits fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorus during the summer rainy season, because heavy rain washes it into lakes, rivers, and the lagoon. Check the current rules for your city or unincorporated area before you or your provider fertilize.

With daily afternoon storms, you may barely need to run irrigation. Turn on a rain sensor if your system has one, or switch the system off during wet stretches.

Watch St. Augustinegrass for chinch bugs in hot, dry spots. Yellowing patches that spread, often near pavement, can be a sign. A lawn care provider or the county extension office can help you tell insect damage from drought stress.

Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, overlapping summer and fall. Before a storm, trim back dead branches and loose limbs, and put away anything in the yard that wind could pick up. After a storm, clear debris off the lawn quickly so the grass underneath doesn't die off in the shade, and stay away from downed power lines.

Storm debris pickup in Volusia County depends on where you live. Your city or the county posts instructions on how to sort and place debris at the curb.

Fall (October to November)

Growth slows as days get shorter and cooler. Fall is a good time to:

• fertilize, if needed, once the summer restriction ends
• reduce mowing frequency as growth slows
• cut back on irrigation run times
• clean up leaves and storm debris

Winter (December to February)

Most Volusia County lawns grow slowly in winter, and some turn partly brown or tan during cold snaps. That's normal for warm-season grass and doesn't mean the lawn is dead.

Mow only when the grass needs it. Water less, since the grass uses much less. Avoid heavy fertilizing in winter; the grass can't use it well. If a frost is forecast, there's not much to do for the lawn, but cover tender plants in your beds.

Watering rules in Volusia County

Volusia County is in the St. Johns River Water Management District, which limits lawn and garden irrigation to certain days of the week based on your address and the time of year, and bans watering during the hottest part of the day. Some cities add their own rules. The district's website lists the current schedule.

When you water, water deeply and less often. Shallow daily watering encourages shallow roots and fungus. UF/IFAS generally recommends applying about a half inch to three quarters of an inch at a time, then waiting until the grass shows signs of needing more.

Getting help through the year

A good lawn care provider adjusts to these seasons for you: weekly in summer, less often in winter, fertilizer timed around the rules, and storm cleanup when needed. Our guide on how to choose a lawn care service covers what to ask. When you're ready, tell us what your yard needs and we'll connect you with a local provider. Providers are independent businesses who set their own prices and schedules.