7 Yard Maintenance Tips for Tampa Residents During the Warmer Months
Tampa’s warmer months are full of sunshine, warm nights, and plenty of yard work. With high humidity, afternoon rainstorms, and soaring temps, maintaining a tidy and healthy yard takes a little planning. Whether you live in Brandon, Carrollwood, or a neighborhood within Tampa proper, these easy tips will help you keep your outdoor space in great shape all season long.
1. Water Early
Tampa’s rainy season brings frequent showers, but they don’t always come when your yard needs them. To avoid evaporation and fungal growth, water your lawn early in the morning between 5 and 9 a.m. Hillsborough County water restrictions typically allow watering twice per week based on your address, so check the latest schedule to stay compliant and eco-conscious.
2. Mow Often, But Not Too Short
Because of our warm climate and St. Augustine grass, most Tampa lawns grow quickly during the warmer months. Aim to mow once a week, but don’t cut more than one-third of the blade height. Keeping your grass slightly taller helps shade the soil and retain moisture, which is especially important during those hot July and August afternoons.
3. Keep an Eye Out for Pests
Tampa’s warmth brings out the bugs in full force. Chinch bugs, mole crickets, and sod webworms are all common in Florida lawns. If you notice brown patches that aren’t caused by heat or lack of water, you might be dealing with pests. Many local hardware stores carry lawn-safe pest control products, or you can reach out to a local lawn service if you’re not comfortable treating it yourself. Be sure to choose a product that’s pet-safe, and keep pets and people away from treated areas until it’s safe for them to return.
4. Trim Back Overgrowth
Florida plants like hibiscus, philodendron, and palm fronds can grow quickly during heavy rain. Trim bushes and overgrowth around your home to keep walkways clear and avoid attracting insects or critters. If your home has HOA guidelines, staying ahead on trimming can also help you avoid citations.
5. Clear Debris After Storms
Afternoon thunderstorms are a daily event in the Tampa Bay area during the warmer months. After heavy rain or strong winds, clear out fallen palm fronds, branches, or debris to avoid lawn damage and keep your yard looking neat. Be especially cautious of any water pooling, which can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
6. Use Florida-Friendly Landscaping Practices
If your home includes flower beds or plantings, opt for native or drought-tolerant options. Plants like coontie, muhly grass, or firebush do well in our soil and climate with minimal upkeep. Mulching also helps retain moisture and prevents weeds, which thrive in our sandy soils.
7. Check for Standing Water
Mosquitoes love Florida as much as we do, and standing water is their favorite hangout. After storms or heavy watering, walk around your yard and empty bird baths, toys, or pots that might be collecting rainwater. This small step can make a big difference in keeping your outdoor space comfortable and bite-free.
Know Your Lease Terms
Living in Tampa means you get to enjoy beautiful outdoor spaces almost year-round, and a little yard maintenance during the warmer months goes a long way. If you’re renting a home through Progress Residential and aren’t sure what yard work is your responsibility, be sure to check your lease. Staying ahead of yard care now can help prevent bigger issues later and gives you more time to relax and enjoy the sunshine.
