Spring Lawn Care in Southwest Florida
Here in Port Charlotte and Venice, March is when we really start to see lawns wake up. As temperatures warm and days get longer, St. Augustine, Zoysia, and Bahia grasses begin pushing new green growth. It’s usually about this time that customers start coming in asking what fertilizer they should put down.
Before anyone grabs a bag of fertilizer, I think it’s important to slow down and ask a simple question: does your lawn actually need fertilizer right now?
At MRT, we believe in healthy lawns, but we also believe just as strongly in protecting our ponds, canals, harbor, and Gulf waters. Fertilizer has its place, but it has to be used responsibly and only when it makes sense. We rely heavily on guidance from the University of Florida IFAS Extension and the Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles when we make recommendations.
First Things First: Is Your Lawn Actually Growing?
The first thing to consider is whether your grass is actively growing. In our area, that typically begins early to mid-March, depending on how mild the winter has been. If your lawn is still mostly brown, hasn’t needed mowing yet, or is recovering from any cold damage, it may be too early. Fertilizing before the turf is actively growing increases the chance that nutrients won’t be absorbed efficiently, which means more potential for runoff and waste.
Patience early in the season often leads to better results later.
Right Plant, Right Place — It Applies to Grass Too
One of the core Florida-Friendly principles is “Right Plant, Right Place,” and that absolutely applies to turfgrass. St. Augustine does well in full sun to partial shade but requires more maintenance. Zoysia forms a dense, attractive lawn and tends to be more drought tolerant. Bahia is lower maintenance and performs well in full sun with less fertilizer overall.
If a lawn struggles year after year, especially in heavy shade or poorly drained areas, it may not be a fertilizer problem at all. It could be that the grass type simply isn’t suited to the conditions. In those cases, adding more fertilizer won’t fix the root issue and can actually create more environmental pressure.
Sometimes the most responsible solution isn’t feeding the lawn more — it’s reassessing whether the grass is right for the property.
How Much Fertilizer Is Enough?
When fertilizer is appropriate, moderation is key. According to UF/IFAS recommendations, most warm-season grasses in Florida need a total of about two to three pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year, divided into multiple applications. That’s for the entire year, not a single heavy feeding.
More is not better.
Over-fertilizing leads to excessive growth, increased mowing, higher pest and disease pressure, and a greater risk of nutrients leaving your yard during heavy rains.
We recommend products that contain slow-release nitrogen because they feed gradually and reduce the likelihood of leaching. Phosphorus should only be applied if a soil test indicates it’s needed. Many Florida soils already contain sufficient phosphorus, and adding more unnecessarily increases the risk to nearby water bodies.
Protecting Our Ponds, Canals, and Harbor
Living in Southwest Florida means many of us have retention ponds, canals, storm drains, or waterfront property nearby. Anything that lands on a driveway or sidewalk can easily wash into those systems with the next rain.
Maintaining a buffer zone near ponds and canals is critical. Fertilizer should never be applied right up to the water’s edge, and it should never be applied before a heavy rain event. Sweeping any spilled granules off hard surfaces back onto the lawn is a simple step that makes a big difference.
Clean water and healthy lawns can coexist — but only with responsible application.
Know the Rules Before You Apply
As we move toward the rainy season, it’s important to be aware of local fertilizer ordinances. Many Florida communities restrict nitrogen applications during peak summer rainfall months.
Using slow-release products, following proper timing, and understanding local guidelines helps ensure compliance while protecting our waterways. If you’re unsure about current regulations, we’re always happy to help clarify what applies in Charlotte and Sarasota counties.
Fertilizer Isn’t a Fix-All
Fertilizer is only one piece of the puzzle. Proper mowing height has just as much impact on lawn health. St. Augustine should generally be maintained around three and a half to four inches tall. Zoysia performs well between two and three inches, and Bahia between three and four inches. Cutting too low stresses the grass, weakens roots, and increases weed pressure, which often leads homeowners to think they need more fertilizer when they really need better mowing practices.
Irrigation also plays a major role. Watering deeply but infrequently encourages deeper root growth and reduces runoff. Often, correcting mowing and watering habits reduces the need for additional fertilizer altogether.
When Skipping Fertilizer Is the Smart Move
There are times when fertilizing simply isn’t the right move. Lawns under drought stress, dealing with disease, or growing in heavy shade often need a different solution. Sometimes aeration, soil improvement, or even reducing turf areas in favor of landscape beds or native plantings is the more environmentally responsible choice.
A healthy landscape doesn’t always mean a heavily fed lawn.
The Balanced Approach: Strong Lawns, Healthy Ecosystems
A well-maintained lawn does offer environmental benefits. Healthy turf helps reduce erosion, filters stormwater, and cools surrounding areas. But the word healthy matters. Responsible fertilization, correct mowing, appropriate irrigation, and proper grass selection all work together.
Throwing down extra fertilizer without considering those factors does more harm than good.
We’re not in the business of pushing products just to make sales. We’re here to help homeowners make informed decisions that balance lawn performance with environmental stewardship. If someone comes in and the best advice is to hold off on fertilizing, that’s exactly what we’ll say.
If you’re unsure what your lawn needs this spring, bring in a photo, a rough idea of your square footage, and let us know how much sun and shade your yard gets. We’re happy to walk through it with you and recommend a plan that makes sense for your property and for Southwest Florida’s environment.
IFAS-Based Resources
This article is informed by guidance from the University of Florida IFAS Extension, including recommendations on Florida lawn fertilization rates, slow-release nitrogen use, phosphorus management based on soil testing, Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles, turf nutrient management, and best management practices for protecting water quality in residential landscapes. For more detailed publications and science-based recommendations, visit the UF/IFAS Extension website or contact your local county extension office.