If you live in St. Petersburg or anywhere in Pinellas County, you know that keeping a lush, green lawn is a challenge. Our hot, humid summers, salty coastal air, sandy soil, and unpredictable rain patterns can make lawn care tricky.
But don’t worry! With the right grass, watering routine, fertilization plan, and maintenance, your lawn can stay green and healthy all year long. Here’s everything you need to know to make that happen.
1. Lawn Care in St Petersburg Florida: Choosing the Right Grass for Our Coastal Climate
The type of grass you have makes a huge difference in how well your lawn handles the heat, humidity, and occasional droughts we get in Tampa Bay. Some grasses thrive here, while others struggle.
Best Grass Types for Lawn Care in St. Petersburg Florida
St. Augustine Grass – Best Overall Choice
The most common grass in Florida due to its heat and humidity tolerance.
Grows thick and lush but needs regular mowing & fertilization.
Chinch bugs are a common pest to watch for.
Our Recommendation: We highly recommend Citra Blue St. Augustine for its deep, rich color and virus resistance. This variety holds up better against common turf diseases and gives your lawn a luxurious, vibrant look.
Zoysia Grass – Great for High-Traffic Lawns
Soft, dense, and resistant to wear & tear.
Needs less water than St. Augustine.
Handles Florida’s heat well but grows slower.
Bermuda Grass – Best for Full Sun
A tough, drought-resistant grass.
Needs a lot of sunlight (not ideal for shaded yards).
Requires more frequent mowing.
Bahia Grass – Low-Maintenance Option
Great for sandy, dry soil.
Doesn’t need much fertilizer or water.
Not as thick and lush as other grasses.
Need fresh, healthy grass? Pinellas Premium offers professional sod installation.
2. Watering Tips for a Healthy Lawn in St. Pete
Lawn care in St Petersburg Florida can be tricky because lawns in our context need just the right amount of water—too little and they dry out, too much and they grow fungus or get root rot.
How Often Should You Water?
2-3 per week in the growing season (April – September).
1-2 per week in the cooler season (October-March).
Best time to water? Early morning (before 10 AM) to avoid evaporation.
Signs Your Lawn Needs More Water
Grass blades curling or turning bluish-gray.
Footprints staying on the grass after you walk on it.
Soil feels dry a couple of inches down.
Avoid Overwatering
Overwatering can cause:
Mushrooms & fungal diseases (very common in Florida).
Shallow roots, making your lawn weaker.
Wasted water & higher bills.
Need a New Irrigation System? We recommend a top-notch irrigation company for high-quality sprinkler installations.
Small Repairs & Tune-Ups? Pinellas Premium provides irrigation system checks and minor repairs to keep your system running efficiently. Contact us for your irrigation needs and we will point you in the right direction.
3. Fertilizing Your Lawn the Right Way*
Fertilizer is key to keeping your grass green, but Pinellas County has strict fertilizer laws to protect our waterways from pollution.
St. Pete Fertilization Schedule
Spring (March – May): Slow-release high-nitrogen fertilizer to promote green growth.
Summer (June – September): Fertilizer ban in Pinellas County—Do not fertilize at this time! St Petersburg is a water shed and we want to stop nitrogen and chemicals from getting into our water ways in the rainy season.
Fall (October – November): Potassium-rich fertilizer to strengthen roots.
Winter (December – February): Slow-release fertilizer to keep grass healthy.
What Happens If You Fertilize in the Summer?
It’s illegal in Pinellas County from June 1 – September 30.
Runoff can cause algae blooms in Tampa Bay.
Your lawn may grow too fast, leading to more stress in the heat.
Pro Tip: Investing in a professional lawn spray company for pest control and fertilization ensures your lawn stays healthy year-round. They can apply the right treatments at the right time without violating local regulations.
4. Mowing & Lawn Maintenance Tips
How you mow makes a huge difference in how green and healthy your grass stays.
Mowing Heights for Different Grass Types
St. Augustine: Keep at 3.5–5 inches
Bermuda & Bahia: Keep at 2.5–3.5 inches
Zoysia: Keep at 1.0–2.5 inches
Mowing Tips for a Healthy Lawn
Never cut more than 1/3 of the blade at a time (scalping damages grass).
Mow every 7–10 days in summer, every 10–14 days in winter.
Use sharp blades to avoid ragged, torn grass.
Leave grass clippings to break down and add nutrients back into the soil.
Need professional help with mowing and lawn care? Pinellas Premium offers professional lawn care & mowing services! Contact us for a free estimate.
5. Protecting Your Lawn from Weeds & Pests*
Florida’s warm climate means that weeds and lawn pests are active year-round.
Common Lawn Pests in St. Pete
Chinch Bugs – Suck the moisture out of St. Augustine grass, causing dead patches.
Mole Crickets – Dig tunnels and damage the grass roots.
Fungal Diseases – Often caused by too much water or poor drainage.
Common Weeds in Pinellas County
Dollarweed – Spreads quickly in overwatered lawns.
Crabgrass – Pops up in bare spots; thrives in sandy soil.
Clover – Compete with grass for nutrients.
How to Prevent Lawn Pests & Weeds
Apply pre-emergent herbicide in early spring to stop weeds before they grow.
Aerate your lawn to prevent compacted soil where pests thrive.
Use proper watering & fertilization to keep your lawn strong enough to resist pests naturally.
A Green Lawn All Year Long
With the right grass type, proper watering, seasonal fertilization, and good maintenance, your lawn can stay healthy and green no matter the season.
If you need professional lawn care, weed control, sod installation, and landscape services, Pinellas Premium has you covered. Get a free estimate today!
*We are not a lawn spraying company. These recommendations are from our experience with working with the best spraying companies in the are. If you would like a referral please let us know!