Lawn Care Calendar for Lakewood Ranch: Month by Month
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In Lakewood Ranch, fertilize St. Augustine lawns in spring and fall only, because Manatee and Sarasota counties ban nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer from June 1 through September 30. Mow St. Augustine at about 3.5 to 4 inches, water no more than twice a week on your assigned days, and watch for chinch bugs in hot, dry weather.
Key facts
- Fertilizer blackout: no nitrogen or phosphorus from June 1 to September 30 in both counties
- Fertilizer must contain at least 50% slow-release nitrogen (Sarasota County)
- Manatee County watering: twice a week max, before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
- Mow St. Augustine at roughly 3.5 to 4 inches
- Keep a 10-foot fertilizer-free buffer from ponds and wetlands (Sarasota County)
What does a Lakewood Ranch lawn need each month?
Most Lakewood Ranch lawns are St. Augustine grass, and the year splits into two fertilizer seasons around the summer ban. Use this calendar as a guide and adjust for weather and your HOA’s rules.
| Month | Mowing (St. Augustine) | Fertilizer | Watering | Watch for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Every 2 to 3 weeks | None | Only if dry; once a week is often enough | Frost on cold nights; large patch fungus |
| February | Every 2 weeks | None, or late in the month | As needed | Weeds sprouting |
| March | Weekly as growth picks up | Spring feeding with slow-release nitrogen | Up to twice a week | Weeds, early chinch bugs |
| April | Weekly | Spot treat if needed | Up to twice a week; driest month | Chinch bugs, drought stress |
| May | Weekly | Last nitrogen before June 1 | Up to twice a week | Chinch bugs, dry spots |
| June | Weekly | Ban: no nitrogen or phosphorus | Cut back once daily rains start | Sod webworms; fungus |
| July | Weekly | Ban; iron or micronutrients only | Rain usually enough | Sod webworms |
| August | Weekly | Ban; iron or micronutrients only | Rain usually enough | Sod webworms, armyworms |
| September | Weekly | Ban through September 30 | As rains taper | Armyworms; storm debris |
| October | Weekly to biweekly | Fall feeding with slow-release nitrogen | Up to twice a week | Large patch fungus begins |
| November | Every 2 weeks | Light feeding if needed | Once a week is often enough | Large patch fungus |
| December | Every 2 to 3 weeks | None | Only if dry | Cold snaps |
What are the fertilizer rules in Manatee and Sarasota counties?
Both counties ban fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorus from June 1 through September 30. The rainy-season ban keeps nutrients from washing into ponds, rivers and the bay, where they feed algae blooms.
In Sarasota County, outside the ban:
- Nitrogen fertilizer must be at least 50% slow-release.
- Keep a 10-foot buffer from ponds, lakes and wetlands.
- Use a deflector shield on broadcast spreaders, and sweep any granules off driveways and sidewalks.
- Anyone applying fertilizer for hire must be trained and certified under a county-approved program.
Manatee County’s ordinance has similar rules. Because Lakewood Ranch straddles both counties, follow the rules for the county your home is in.
What are the watering days?
Watering is limited to twice a week at most, before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. For Manatee County utility customers:
| Address ends in | Allowed days |
|---|---|
| Even number (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) | Thursday and/or Sunday |
| Odd number (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) | Wednesday and/or Saturday |
| No address | Tuesday and/or Friday |
Sarasota County and many Lakewood Ranch villages on reclaimed irrigation water may have different schedules. Check with your utility or HOA, and turn off your sprinklers once the summer rains arrive.
Which grass types grow here?
St. Augustine is the most common lawn grass in Lakewood Ranch, followed by Zoysia and Bahia.
| Grass | Mowing height | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| St. Augustine | About 3.5 to 4 inches | Shade-tolerant, lush; prone to chinch bugs |
| Zoysia | About 1 to 2.5 inches | Dense and soft; slower to recover from damage |
| Bahia | About 3 to 4 inches | Drought-tolerant, lower maintenance; less manicured look |
When should I hire a lawn company?
Hire help if your HOA requires a manicured lawn and does not include mowing, or if you are seasonal. Ask for proof of insurance, fertilizer certification and a written plan that follows the county calendar. Our lawn care hub has more on hiring well.
Frequently asked questions
When can I fertilize my lawn in Lakewood Ranch?
Outside the June 1 to September 30 restricted season. Most local programs fertilize in spring (March to May) and fall (October to November). During summer you can use products without nitrogen or phosphorus, such as iron or micronutrients.
What days can I water in Lakewood Ranch?
It depends on your water provider. Manatee County utility customers with even addresses may water Thursday and/or Sunday, and odd addresses Wednesday and/or Saturday, before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. Sarasota County and reclaimed-water customers can have different rules, so check with your utility or HOA.
How high should I mow St. Augustine grass?
About 3.5 to 4 inches for standard varieties. Mowing too short stresses the grass and invites weeds and chinch bugs.
Why is my lawn turning brown in spring?
Common causes are chinch bugs in hot, dry patches near pavement, drought stress before the rainy season starts, or irrigation problems. Chinch bug damage spreads in yellow-to-brown patches; a lawn pro can confirm it.
Do I need a certified lawn company in Lakewood Ranch?
In Sarasota County, anyone who applies fertilizer for hire must complete county-approved best management practices training. Ask any lawn company for proof of certification and insurance.