Summer in Florida can be brutal—not just for you, but for your lawn. With intense heat, high humidity, and unpredictable rain, your sod needs proper care to stay healthy, green, and resilient. Whether you’ve just installed new sod or want to keep your established lawn looking its best, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Florida summer sod care.
Why Summer Sod Care Matters
June through September brings:
- Temperatures in the 90s
- Frequent afternoon storms
- Periods of drought between rain
- Increased fungal and pest activity
All of these conditions can stress your lawn if it’s not properly maintained. The good news? With the right watering, mowing, and timing, your sod can thrive all summer long.
Watering: Find the Sweet Spot
Watering is the most important (and most misunderstood) part of summer lawn care in Florida.
For New Sod:
- Water immediately after installation
- First 10–14 days: Water 2–3 times per day for short intervals (5–10 mins)
- After roots begin to take (test by gently lifting a corner), switch to once per day for longer intervals (15–20 mins)
For Established Sod:
- Water 2–3 times per week, deeply and early in the morning
- Each watering should soak soil 4–6 inches deep
- Avoid watering in the evening (encourages fungus) or midday (evaporation risk)
Bonus Tip: Adjust sprinklers during rainy weeks. Overwatering is just as harmful as underwatering in Florida.
Mowing: Cut Smart, Not Short
Don’t scalp your grass in the summer—cutting too short exposes roots to sun and increases stress.
Ideal mowing guidelines:
- St. Augustine (Floratam/Provista): 3.5 to 4 inches
- Zoysia: 1.5 to 2.5 inches
- Bahia: 3 to 4 inches
Mow once a week or as needed, and never cut more than 1/3 of the grass blade in a single mow. Keep mower blades sharp to avoid tearing the grass, which makes it more susceptible to disease.
Fertilization: Use Caution in Summer
In Florida’s heat, timing your fertilizer is key.
- Avoid fertilizing during extreme heat waves (mid-July to early August)
- Choose slow-release, low-nitrogen products to avoid burning the grass
- Apply in early June and again in late August if needed
- Water thoroughly after applying
Too much nitrogen in the heat can cause a surge in weak, shallow growth that dries out fast.
Watch for Summer Lawn Diseases
Florida’s heat and humidity are a perfect storm for turf diseases like:
- Brown patch
- Gray leaf spot
- Dollar spot
- Root rot
Signs of trouble:
- Circular brown patches
- Discolored or slimy blades
- Rapid spreading overnight
Treat with a lawn-safe fungicide and cut back on watering to let the soil dry out between cycles. If problems persist, consult a lawn care pro or call us for guidance.
Stay Ahead of Pests
Chinch bugs love hot, dry St. Augustine lawns. Sod webworms, armyworms, and grubs also increase in summer.
Prevention:
- Keep your lawn healthy with proper mowing and watering
- Apply pest control treatments preventatively in late spring or early summer
- Spot-treat infected areas rather than applying harsh chemicals to the entire yard
If you see yellowing areas that don’t improve with water, pests may be the culprit.
Weather Watch: Plan Around Storms
In summer, it’s best to mow before big rains and delay fertilizing or treating when heavy storms are forecast.
Watering schedules should shift week-to-week depending on rainfall. And always clean up storm debris quickly—leaves and branches left on sod can cause fungal issues fast.
Final Thoughts: Summer Lawn Success in Florida
Caring for your sod during the Florida summer means staying flexible and responsive. Water consistently, mow properly, and keep an eye out for pests or disease, and your lawn will reward you with season-long beauty.
At Sunshine Sod, we provide Florida-grown, heat-adapted sod varieties that are built for summers like ours. Whether you’re in Sarasota, Fort Myers, or anywhere in between, we’ll help you select and care for the sod that fits your lifestyle.
📞 Questions about lawn care or need help rescuing a struggling lawn?
🌱 Contact Sunshine Sod today for expert help and fresh-cut sod delivered to your door.
