Jacksonville Landscaping Calendar: Month-by-Month Lawn and Yard Tasks

Last updated: July 5, 2026

What is the month-by-month lawn calendar for Jacksonville?

Because Jacksonville is a North Florida transition zone, the year is organized around growth that slows in winter and surges in summer, plus water restrictions, rather than around a frost-free climate. The table is the at-a-glance version; the sections below explain each season.

Season	Key Jacksonville tasks
Spring (Mar–May)	First fertilizing after full green-up; pre-emergent weed control; resume mowing; service irrigation and rain sensor
Summer (Jun–Sep)	Mow frequently; scout chinch bugs & fungus; follow water restrictions; spot-treat weeds; light feeding only as rules allow
Fall (Oct–Nov)	Best planting/sod window; final feeding; pre-emergent for winter weeds; lower mowing frequency
Winter (Dec–Feb)	Dormant-ish slow growth; cleanup, mulch, dormant pruning; minimal watering; protect tender plants from freezes

Source: UF/IFAS. Updated 2026-06-16.

What should I do for my Jacksonville lawn in spring?

Spring (March through May) is the wake-up and set-up season. Wait until the grass is fully green and actively growing — usually once the freeze risk has passed, often April — before the first fertilizing with a slow-release nitrogen product; feeding too early, while the lawn is still semi-dormant, wastes product and invites weeds. This is also the window for a pre-emergent herbicide to stop summer weeds like crabgrass, and the time to service the irrigation system and confirm the rain sensor works before the dry late-spring stretch. Always follow the current City of Jacksonville and Duval County fertilizer rules on timing and rate.

Source: UF/IFAS; City of Jacksonville. Updated 2026-06-16.

How do I care for a Jacksonville lawn in summer?

Summer (June through September) is peak growth, peak disease, and the most regulated season. Under the current water restrictions, let the frequent afternoon storms do most of the work and only supplement on your allowed day. Mow often, since the grass grows fast, and keep the blade sharp. This is prime time for chinch bugs on St. Augustine and for fungal diseases like gray leaf spot and large patch in the humidity, so scout weekly and treat problems early rather than over-feeding, which makes disease worse. Keep any fertilizing light and within the local ordinance, and never apply before a heavy rain that would wash it into the river and creeks.

Source: UF/IFAS. Updated 2026-06-16.

What about fall and winter lawn care in Jacksonville?

Fall (October–November) is the best season to plant, sod, or install landscape beds, while the soil is still warm but the brutal heat has eased, and a good time for a final feeding and a pre-emergent for winter weeds before growth slows. Winter (December–February) is Jacksonville’s quiet season: warm-season grass goes semi-dormant, watering needs drop sharply, and a hard freeze can brown the lawn temporarily before spring recovery. Shift the work to cleanup, fresh mulch, and dormant pruning, and be ready to cover or protect tender plants on the coldest nights. Do not fertilize dormant turf, which cannot use it.

Source: UF/IFAS. Updated 2026-06-16.

Frequently asked questions about the Jacksonville landscaping calendar

What growing zone is Jacksonville in? Jacksonville is in USDA hardiness zone 9a, with cooler 8b pockets inland, a North Florida transition climate with hot summers and occasional winter freezes.

When should I fertilize my lawn in Jacksonville? In spring after the lawn is fully green and growing (often April) and again in early fall, using slow-release nitrogen and following the City of Jacksonville and Duval County fertilizer rules.

When is the best time to plant in Jacksonville? Fall is the best planting and sodding window, when the soil is still warm but the summer heat has eased. Spring, after freeze risk passes, is a strong second choice.

Does grass go dormant in Jacksonville? Yes. Warm-season grasses go semi-dormant and may brown in winter in Jacksonville’s transition climate, then green up again in spring.

Do I need to water my Jacksonville lawn in winter? Very little. Growth slows and cooler temperatures plus rainfall usually suffice; overwatering in winter invites disease.

When are chinch bugs and lawn disease worst in Jacksonville? The hot, humid summer months, roughly June through September, are peak season for chinch bugs on St. Augustine and for fungal diseases.