Getting Your Lawn Summer-Ready

As the weather warms up and the days grow longer, it’s time to shift your focus to preparing your lawn for the hot and humid summer months ahead. In Tallahassee, where the climate brings plenty of sunshine and occasional heavy rainfall, a little preparation goes a long way in keeping your lawn lush, green, and healthy all season long.

1. Start with a Good Feeding Plan

Fertilizing your lawn in late spring or early summer helps strengthen grass roots and fuel growth during peak season. We recommend using a weed & feed product tailored to your lawn’s current needs. If you already see weeds popping up, Hi-Yield Weed & Feed 10-0-10 slow release with post-emergent is a great choice—it tackles existing weeds while nourishing your grass. For those looking to stay ahead of the game, Graco’s Perma-Green 15-0-15 slow release with atrazine prevents new weeds from germinating and provides a steady release of nutrients to support summer growth.

2. Water Wisely

Tallahassee summers can bring heavy rains, but dry spells are common too. Water deeply and less frequently to encourage strong root systems. Early morning watering is best to reduce evaporation and prevent disease. If you’re not sure how much your lawn is getting, consider using a rain gauge. Your lawn only needs an inch of water per week for best results. Over watering can cause fungal issues, so be sure to follow good watering habits.

3. Mow Smart

Keep your mower blade sharp and avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass height at a time. Taller grass provides shade for the soil, reducing water evaporation and helping to crowd out weeds. For St. Augustine or Centipede lawns common in the region, a mowing height of 2.5 to 4 inches is ideal, Zoysia can be mowed to 2″ – 3.5″ in height. For very bad weed infestations, bagging lawn clippings is ideal, it cuts down on seeds being spread throughout the lawn.

4. Address Bare Spots and Sod Repairs

Now’s a great time to patch bare spots with fresh sod plugs or seed, especially before the heat intensifies. Esposito’s offers fresh sod plugs in varieties like St. Augustine, Zoysia, and Centipede, along with sod plug tool rentals to make the job quick and easy.

5. Keep an Eye Out for Pests and Disease

Hot, humid conditions can invite fungus and pests like chinch bugs, which are notorious for damaging St. Augustine lawns. Sod webworms are another common summer pest in Tallahassee—these caterpillars chew through grass blades, leaving behind brown patches and thinning turf. You may also encounter armyworms or mole crickets, both of which can cause significant damage if left untreated. Watch for discolored or patchy areas and act quickly with targeted treatments to keep infestations under control. A proactive approach helps protect your lawn’s health and appearance all summer long.

6. Aerate for Better Results

Aeration helps reduce compaction and allows water, air, and nutrients to reach the roots more effectively. If your lawn sees a lot of foot traffic or feels hard underfoot, spring or early summer is the perfect time to aerate.

With a little preparation and the right products, your lawn can thrive through the summer heat. Stop by Esposito’s for expert advice, local lawn care solutions, and everything you need to keep your yard looking its best all season long.