If you live in Clermont or Winter Garden, you know that Florida’s summers are no joke. The combination of blazing sun, high humidity and sudden downpours can take a serious toll on your landscape. Without proper care, your once-green lawn and vibrant plants can quickly fade, wilt, or die.
But with the right seasonal maintenance strategy, you can keep your outdoor space healthy and beautiful, even through the harshest months. Here are professional landscape tips from The Lawnmen to help you prepare your property for the summer heat and protect your investment year-round.
1. Adjust Your Irrigation System for Efficiency
Summer in Central Florida brings both intense heat and occasional heavy rainfall. That combination makes smart irrigation management essential. Overwatering can drown your plants, while underwatering can stress your lawn and shrubs.
- Check sprinkler heads for clogs or misalignment to ensure even coverage.
- Water early in the morning (before 9 AM) to minimize evaporation.
- Use rain sensors or smart controllers to automatically adjust watering based on weather conditions.
- Inspect for leaks to prevent wasted water and soggy spots.
Pro tip: Professional landscape maintenance services like The Lawnmen can fine-tune your irrigation system, ensuring every drop counts while keeping your lawn lush and hydrated. For more water-saving tips, visit the EPA WaterSense program.
2. Mulch to Lock in Moisture and Beat the Heat
Mulching is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to prepare your Clermont or Winter Garden landscape for summer. A 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch around trees, flower beds and shrubs helps to:
- Retain soil moisture by reducing evaporation
- Regulate soil temperature during heatwaves
- Prevent weed growth
- Add nutrients as the mulch breaks down
Opt for natural mulches like pine bark, cypress, or eucalyptus. They look great and support long-term soil health. Just avoid piling mulch directly against trunks, it can trap moisture and cause rot.
3. Fertilize Wisely, Timing is Everything
Summer is a critical time for fertilization, but timing matters. Applying too much or the wrong fertilizer can burn your lawn and lead to runoff issues. In Clermont and Winter Garden, the best time to fertilize is late spring, just before the heat peaks. This helps your lawn stay resilient through summer stress.
Look for fertilizers rich in slow-release nitrogen, potassium and iron. For more guidance, visit the University of Florida IFAS Extension. Professional lawn care experts like The Lawnmen use blends designed for Central Florida’s sandy soils and St. Augustine grass, giving your lawn exactly what it needs to thrive.
4. Prune and Trim Before the Growth Surge
Florida’s summer growth can be fast and wild. Pruning in late spring encourages healthy new growth, improves air circulation, reduces pest risks and keeps your property looking clean and well-maintained. For flowering plants, avoid trimming too late or you could remove future blooms.
The Lawnmen’s professional team knows when and how to prune each variety to promote strong growth and prevent heat damage.
5. Manage Lawn Pests and Disease Early
Warm, humid weather creates the perfect environment for pests like chinch bugs, mole crickets and armyworms, as well as fungal diseases such as brown patch and gray leaf spot. For pest management best practices, visit the UF IFAS Pest Management Resources.
- Watch for yellow or brown patches that spread quickly.
- Look for uneven or thinning grass areas.
- Monitor moisture levels, excessive watering promotes fungus.
A professional landscape maintenance team can perform preventive treatments to protect your lawn before problems appear.
6. Refresh Your Landscape Design for Summer Appeal
Summer is the perfect time to refresh your landscape with heat-tolerant plants. Great options for Clermont and Winter Garden include:
- Lantana – bright, low-maintenance and attracts butterflies
- Ixora – vibrant blooms that love full sun
- Blue Daze – hardy ground cover with beautiful blue flowers
- Palms and ornamental grasses – perfect for tropical, low-water designs
Professional landscapers can help you select native species that thrive in Florida’s heat, reduce watering needs and boost curb appeal.
7. Aerate and Dethatch for Stronger Roots
Before the summer heat arrives, consider aerating and dethatching your lawn. These steps loosen compacted soil, allow nutrients to reach the roots and promote deeper, healthier growth. Aeration and dethatching rejuvenate your turf just in time for the summer season.
8. Stay Consistent with Professional Maintenance
Even with the best strategies, consistency is key. Florida landscapes grow fast during summer, requiring routine mowing, trimming and irrigation checks.
- Regular inspections for early pest or disease detection
- Smart irrigation adjustments to save water
- Consistent mowing height for strong turf
- Clean, defined edges and beds for polished curb appeal
Partnering with a professional service like The Lawnmen ensures your property stays healthy, organized and beautiful all summer long.
Keep Your Clermont & Winter Garden Lawn Summer-Ready
Florida’s summer heat can be tough, but with the right care, your landscape can thrive all season long. From adjusting your irrigation system to fertilizing wisely and managing pests early, these steps will keep your outdoor space lush and inviting.
When the heat becomes too much to manage alone, trust The Lawnmen. Our expert team specializes in lawn and landscape maintenance across Horizon West, Clermont and Winter Garden. We provide personalized plans for irrigation, fertilization, pest control and ongoing care.
Get in touch with The Lawnmen today to schedule your summer-ready landscaping service and keep your property looking its best, no matter how high the temperature climbs.