Gold Coast Gardener

January 22, 2005

By Gene Joyner, Extension Agent
Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Service

Turfgrass care is not as hectic or as often as during the summer months, but some care on a regular basis is required. Probably the thing that’s most required during the winter in turfgrass is trying to combat weeds. Many cool season weeds make their appearance starting in late November and if not controlled they will overtake a good lawn in no time resulting in an unattractive appearance.

Also turfgrass doesn’t require as much water so you can reduce the irrigation frequency, but your probably still going to need to water every 5 to 7 days.

Mowing often is not required either during the winter months and some people can go for a month between mowings unless we have extremely mild conditions. Don’t let the grass get too big though between mowings. Generally it’s suggested that the grass is mowed as often as needed so that no more than 1/4 of the leaf length is removed at one time. Removing too much at one time means large accumulations of undesirable and unsightly clippings which then have to be removed and that takes extra labor.

If you wish a beautiful dark green lawn during the winter, many people overseed with ryegrass and this can be put in as early as the first week in November. Ryegrass lasts until mid April when the heat kills it and gives your lawn a nice rich dark green color and ryegrass also does well in heavy shade beneath trees or in the shadows of buildings where regular grass doesn’t grow at all.

Some pests and diseases might be found during the cooler season. Below ground pests such as mole crickets and white grubs will continue to chew grass root systems even in the winter season so check for signs of these and treat when needed or have pest control companies treat for you.

If you decide you want to do some re-sodding or put in a new lawn, there’s nothing wrong with doing it during the winter season. It simply takes grass a little bit longer to get rooted. Sod is available year round and many landscape companies put in lawns the year round. Just make sure the new turfgrass is irrigated regularly until it becomes well established.

If you have questions about winter maintenance tips for your lawn, contact the Palm Beach County Extension office for advice. Dial 233-1750 in the north and central county areas or 276-1260 in the south county area.