How to Winterize Your Yard in Northwest Florida

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Even though winters in Northwest Florida are mild compared to most of the country, our lawns and landscapes still feel the chill. A few nights of frost or a sudden cold front can damage grass, kill tender plants, and leave your yard looking dull come spring.

At Coastal Vibes Lawn Co., we help homeowners prepare for winter with simple steps that keep lawns and plants healthy through the colder months.

As temperatures drop below 70°F, your grass growth slows. Continue mowing every 2–3 weeks until it stops growing.

• Keep mower blades sharp.
   
• Don’t cut too short; leave grass about 3–4 inches tall to protect roots from cold.
   
• Remove leaves and debris to prevent mold and fungus.
   

Late fall is the best time to feed your lawn with a slow-release fertilizer high in potassium (K). Potassium strengthens grass roots and helps your turf survive temperature swings and dry conditions.

Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers in winter—those promote top growth that’s vulnerable to frost.

Even in coastal areas, frost can strike. Cover tropicals, young trees, and potted plants when nighttime temps dip below 40°F.

• Use frost cloth, burlap, or light blankets.
   
• Avoid plastic directly on leaves—it can trap moisture and cause burn.
   
• Water soil before a frost; moist soil holds heat better.
   

Florida’s cooler months bring less evaporation, so you can reduce irrigation to once a week or as needed.
Overwatering leads to root rot and fungal issues during cooler weather. If it rains regularly, turn your system off.

Mulching helps retain soil warmth and moisture while protecting roots. Add a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around trees and flower beds.
Remove any weeds before mulching and prune back dead stems to encourage new spring growth.

Winter is a great time for a professional lawn check-up. Coastal Vibes Lawn Co. can inspect your turf for sod webworms, chinch bugs, and fungal issues that thrive when the weather cools.

We’ll also recommend seasonal treatments to help your lawn stay healthy through the cold and bounce back strong in spring.

Cold weather in Northwest Florida can be unpredictable. Even one night below freezing can crack an outdoor faucet or burst a pipe, leading to costly repairs.

Here’s how to protect your spigots before the next cold snap:

1. Disconnect all garden hoses.
    
2. Cover outdoor faucets with a foam cover or wrap them with rags and duct tape.
    
3. If your home has an interior shut-off valve for exterior faucets, close it and drain any remaining water.
    
4. Leave the spigot cover in place anytime temperatures are expected to fall below freezing.
    

💡 Pro Tip: A few minutes of prep can save hundreds in plumbing repairs and water loss.