Why Your Lawn Isn’t Staying Green

Living in South Florida means sunshine year-round, but it also means your lawn faces extreme weather, sandy soil, pests, and water restrictions. If you’re wondering why your grass isn’t staying lush and green, you’re not alone.

At J&J Lawn Service Inc. in Coral Springs, we help homeowners across Coral Springs, Parkland and surrounding area diagnose and fix these common lawn care problems. Here’s what might be going wrong — and how to fix it.

☀️ 1. Too Much Sun and Heat

Problem: South Florida lawns often suffer from too much direct sun and high temperatures, especially in the summer. Grass can burn, dry out, or turn patchy.

Solution:

• Use heat-tolerant grasses like St. Augustine, Zoysia, or Bahia

• Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation

• Don’t cut the grass too short — longer blades provide natural shade

💧 2. Inconsistent Watering or Water Restrictions

Problem: Too much or too little water can cause brown spots or disease. Watering on the wrong days (or too often) can actually stress the lawn.

Solution:

• Water 2-3 times per week, early in the morning

• Install an irrigation system with timers and rain sensors

• Watch for runoff — if water isn’t soaking in, you may have compaction

🪳 3. Lawn Pests and Insects

Problem: Chinch bugs, armyworms, grubs, and mole crickets love Florida lawns and can cause major damage in a matter of days.

Solution:

• Have your lawn inspected regularly for signs of infestation

• Apply pest control treatments in spring and fall

• Keep your grass healthy — pests love weak lawns

🌱 4. Poor Soil Quality

Problem: Much of South Florida has sandy or nutrient-poor soil, which struggles to retain water and nutrients.

Solution:

• Apply a slow-release fertilizer 3–4 times a year

• Aerate the lawn to improve soil structure

• Add organic matter or compost to boost nutrition

🌿 5. Weeds Competing with Your Grass

Problem: Weeds like crabgrass, dollarweed, and sedge thrive in warm, wet conditions — and they’ll choke out your grass if left unchecked.

Solution:

• Mow regularly and at the right height

• Use pre-emergent weed control in early spring

• Treat spots early with selective herbicide or organic methods

🧰 6. Mowing Mistakes

Problem: Cutting your grass too short or with dull blades can damage the turf and invite disease or stress.

Solution:

• Mow with sharp blades and never cut more than 1/3 of the grass height

• Avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day

• Alternate mowing directions each time