Florida summers test even the most resilient lawns. With temperatures regularly exceeding 90 degrees and afternoon thunderstorms, your Bradenton area lawn needs a strategic care plan to stay green and healthy from June through September.

Mowing height is your first line of defense. Raise your mower blade to 3.5-4 inches for St. Augustine grass. Taller grass shades the soil, reduces water evaporation, and promotes deeper root growth. Never remove more than one-third of the blade height in a single mowing.

Water deeply but infrequently. Most Manatee County lawns need about 3/4 inch of water per irrigation event, applied 2-3 times per week during dry spells. Water early in the morning (before 10 AM) to minimize evaporation and reduce fungal disease risk.

Watch for chinch bugs — the number one lawn pest in coastal Florida. These tiny insects cause irregular brown patches that spread rapidly in hot weather. If you spot damage, treat immediately with an appropriate insecticide or call a professional for targeted treatment.

Summer is also prime time for fungal diseases like gray leaf spot and brown patch. Avoid evening watering, maintain proper mowing height, and ensure good air circulation. A preventive fungicide application in early June can save your lawn from costly damage later.