Want to keep your Sarasota lawn healthy, green, and disease-free this summer? In this guide, we’ll walk you through essential weekly lawn care routines, how to recognize signs of stress, and the common summer lawn diseases to prevent. Whether you’re a hands-on homeowner or prefer to let the pros handle it, this checklist will help you protect your yard when it’s most vulnerable.
Set Your Mower Right: The Power of Mow Height.
The height at which you mow can either protect or damage your lawn, especially in Florida’s summer heat.
Best Practices for Mowing in Sarasota:
- St. Augustinegrass: 3.5″–4″ high
- Zoysiagrass: 2″–2.5″ high
- Bahia: 3″ high
Why mow high?
- Taller blades provide shade to the soil, conserving moisture.
- Helps outcompete weeds and reduce stress-related browning.
- Prevents scalping, which exposes roots to intense sunlight.
Pro tip: Never remove more than ⅓ of the blade height in a single mowing.
Watering Wisely: Timing Is Everything
Overwatering can lead to fungal outbreaks, while underwatering stresses your turf. The goal is consistency.
Ideal Watering Schedule:
- Frequency: 2–3 times per week (adjust for rainfall)
- Time: Early morning (4–9 AM) to minimize evaporation
- Amount: ¾”–1″ per session, enough to moisten 6″ deep
Watch for signs of water stress:
- Footprints that linger
- Grayish-blue tint to the grass
- Curling or wilting blades
Check your irrigation system regularly for clogs, leaks, or uneven coverage.
Summer Pest and Disease Watch
When temps rise, so does the activity of turf-damaging pests and fungal infections. Preventive care is key to avoiding long-term damage.
Common Lawn Pests in Sarasota:
- Chinch bugs: Target St. Augustinegrass; look for patchy yellow or dying areas.
- Mole crickets: Burrow in soil and damage roots.
- Armyworms: Chew through turf quickly in late summer.
Disease Risks to Watch:
| Disease | Signs | Best Prevention |
| Brown Patch | Circular patches of brown grass | Avoid overwatering & evening irrigation |
| Dollar Spot | Silver-dollar-sized tan spots | Regular fertilization & mow correctly |
| Gray Leaf Spot | Brown lesions on blades, especially St. Augustine | Improve air circulation & drainage |
Need help identifying a problem? Visit our Exterior Pest Services page for expert support.
Weekly Summer Lawn Care Checklist
Mow: Stick to recommended height; sharpen blades monthly
Water: Follow early-morning schedule
Inspect: Look for pests, discolored patches, or soggy areas
Fertilize: Mid-summer is key, ask us about your turf’s nutrient needs
Edge & Clean: Keep walkways and garden beds tidy
Spot-Treat: Apply treatments for any disease or pest outbreaks
Don’t forget: lawn health is cumulative. Weekly attention beats crisis intervention every time.
What Makes PHS Lawn Different?
At PHS Lawn, we specialize in Florida-specific lawn care strategies, using real data and local conditions, not guesswork. Our team includes certified lawn techs who understand the intricacies of:
- Soil pH balance
- Irrigation system calibration
- Pest cycles unique to Sarasota
We tailor your care plan to your turf type, sun exposure, and seasonal pressures, delivering healthy, green results you can enjoy all summer long.
FAQs About Summer Lawn Care
Q: How often should I fertilize in the summer?
A: For most warm-season grasses, once every 6–8 weeks using a slow-release product is ideal. Mid-summer fertilization helps combat heat stress.
Q: Should I bag or mulch grass clippings?
A: Mulch when possible! Clippings return nutrients to the soil, just avoid if the lawn is diseased.
Q: What causes sudden yellow patches?
A: Could be heat stress, pests, or fungus. Contact a lawn pro for an accurate diagnosis.
Want a Healthier Lawn This Summer?
Follow this guide, or let the local experts at PHS Lawn do the heavy lifting. From mowing and fertilization to pest and lawn disease prevention, we’ve got your summer covered.
Call today or request a quote online to schedule your summer lawn care service.