How to Prepare Your Lawn for a Healthy Spring

February in Southwest Florida is a transition month for lawns. Cooler temperatures are starting to fade, daylight is increasing, and your grass is slowly waking up from winter dormancy. What you do right now sets the foundation for how your lawn will perform through spring and into the intense summer heat. Many homeowners make the mistake of either doing nothing or doing too much at this stage. The key in February is preparation, not acceleration.

Below are the most important lawn care steps to take this month to keep your yard healthy, green, and resilient.

1. Ease Back Into Mowing and Cleanup

During winter, grass growth slows significantly, especially for warm-season grasses common in Southwest Florida like St. Augustine, Zoysia, and Bahia. By February, growth may still be uneven, but cleanup is essential.

Start by removing fallen leaves, branches, and debris that may be blocking sunlight and airflow. If you haven’t mowed in a while, begin with a higher mower setting. Cutting too low too early can stress the turf and expose it to cold snaps that still happen this time of year.

Sharpen your mower blades before regular mowing resumes. Clean cuts help grass recover faster and reduce the risk of disease as temperatures rise.

2. Hold Off on Fertilizer (But Get Ready)

One of the biggest lawn care mistakes in Southwest Florida is fertilizing too early. While your lawn may look like it’s greening up, applying fertilizer in February can force weak growth that is vulnerable to cold damage.

Instead, focus on preparation:

• Check irrigation systems for leaks or broken heads

• Test your soil if you haven’t done so recently

• Plan your fertilizer schedule for late March or early April

If weeds are already visible, spot-treat them carefully rather than applying blanket treatments. Broad applications too early can do more harm than good.

3. Watch for Weeds, Pests, and Irrigation Needs

February is when early weeds begin to appear, especially in thin or stressed areas of the lawn. Addressing them now prevents larger problems later. Hand-pulling small patches or using targeted treatments is usually sufficient.

Irrigation needs are still low this month. Cooler temperatures mean less evaporation, so overwatering can lead to root rot or fungal issues. Water only if your lawn shows signs of stress, such as footprints that don’t bounce back or a dull, bluish color.

This is also a good time to inspect for early pest activity. While major infestations are uncommon in February, catching issues early saves time and money later in the season.

Getting Your Lawn Spring-Ready

February is not about forcing growth. It’s about setting your lawn up for success. By cleaning up properly, avoiding early fertilization, and monitoring weeds and water, you give your grass the best chance to thrive.

A little patience now leads to a stronger, greener lawn all year long.

February Lawn Care Checklist for Southwest Florida