SWFL Lawn Update: Soil Temperatures Are Above 65° — Growth Has Officially Started

If you're in Fort Myers (33912) or surrounding Southwest Florida areas, we’ve officially crossed a critical threshold.

Soil temperatures are consistently holding above 65 degrees.

That number matters.

Once soil temps stay above 65°, warm-season grasses like St. Augustine grass, Bahia grass, and Zoysia grass begin actively pushing new growth.

And we’re seeing it.

After the recent cold snap, lawns that went tan or dormant are now showing green runners creeping across the surface. That’s your signal. The lawn is waking up.

What “Green Runners” Mean for Your Lawn

Green runners mean:

• Root systems are active again

• Nutrient uptake has resumed

• Turf is transitioning from survival mode to growth mode

• Spring weeds are about to germinate

Here’s the key: Weeds respond to the same soil temperature triggers as your grass.

If your lawn is greening up, so are crabgrass and other spring invaders.

In Southwest Florida, timing is everything.

Unlike northern states, we don’t wait until April. In Lee County and Fort Myers, weed germination starts earlier because our soil warms faster.

Applying pre-emergent now:

✔ Stops weed seeds before they sprout

✔ Reduces summer herbicide use

✔ Saves time and money in March and April

✔ Keeps lawns cleaner during peak growing season

If you wait until you “see weeds,” you’re already behind. What Soil Temperature Above 65° Really Means

Most spring weeds germinate between 65–70° soil temperature.

We’ve crossed that threshold.

That means:

• Crabgrass germination is near

• Chamberbitter season is approaching

• Sedges will follow as moisture increases

  
  

Pre-emergent works by creating a barrier in the soil that prevents new weed roots from establishing. It does not kill existing weeds. That’s why timing right now is critical.

February SWFL Lawn Checklist (Late Winter Transition)

1️⃣ Apply Pre-Emergent

This is priority #1 before March growth explodes.

2️⃣ Light Nitrogen Only If Lawn Is Actively Growing

If green runners are visible, a controlled early feeding may help — but do not over-fertilize too early.

3️⃣ Irrigation Check

Now is a great time to test zones and coverage before rainy season.

4️⃣ Mower Maintenance

Sharpen blades before your first real growth flush.

5️⃣ Monitor for Fungal Pressure

As temperatures rise and humidity increases, disease pressure will follow. For Returning Clients: Why We Schedule Pre-Emergent Early

Our March calendar fills quickly.

By applying pre-emergent in late February:

• We prevent peak season weed outbreaks

• We reduce corrective herbicide use

• We keep your lawn thick and competitive

The lawns that look the best in May are the ones protected in February.

For Expert Lawn Enthusiasts

If you’re managing your own turf:

• Confirm soil temperature trends (not just daily highs)

• Ensure proper watering in after application

• Avoid disturbing soil after applying barrier products

• Do not aerate after pre-emergent application

If you want professional-grade timing without guesswork, we monitor local soil patterns weekly in 33912 and surrounding areas.

Final Thought:

You have a short window before March growth ramps up.

Once weeds break through, control becomes reactive instead of preventative.

In Southwest Florida, lawn care isn’t about the calendar — it’s about soil temperature.

And right now, the soil is telling us it’s go time. Serving:

• Fort Myers

• Naples

• Cape Coral

• Estero

• Gateway

• South Fort Myers

• Daniels Corridor

• San Carlos Park

Looking for professional pre-emergent application in SWFL?Contact us today to secure your March spot before the schedule fills.