St. Augustine Lawn Care Schedule for South Florida: Fertilization, Weed Control & Pest Management

This comprehensive 8-round annual program is tailored specifically for South Florida’s climate and the unique needs of St. Augustine grass. Each round includes targeted treatments for weed prevention, fertilization, and proactive insect control when needed—ensuring your lawn stays healthy, thick, and pest-free year-round. This treatment schedule is great for all St. Augustine varieties, including Palmetto, Floratam, Citrablue and ProVista.

Round 1 (Late January – Early February)

Pre-Emergent Weed Control & Early Fertilization

We begin the year by applying a Spring pre-emergent herbicide to prevent spring and summer weeds like crabgrass, goosegrass, and spurge from germinating. At the same time, we apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to gently wake up the lawn as it emerges from winter dormancy. This helps encourage early green-up while creating a protective barrier against weed seeds.

Round 2 (Mid March)

Spring Feeding, Spot Weed Control & Insect Prevention

As the lawn begins active growth, we deliver a nitrogen-rich spring fertilizer to fuel healthy development. If needed, we apply a second pre-emergent herbicide to extend weed protection through early summer. Broadleaf weeds like clover and dollarweed are spot-treated as necessary. We also begin quarterly bifenthrin treatments to prevent damage from chinch bugs and other surface-feeding insects—ensuring early-season protection before populations peak.

Round 3 (Late April – Early May)

Grub Prevention, Surface Insect Control & Late Spring Feeding

This round features a preventive grub treatment using chlorantraniliprole, a low-toxicity insecticide that protects the lawn’s root zone from white grub larvae. We continue feeding with a balanced fertilizer to maintain momentum before the summer blackout. Bifenthrin is re-applied as part of the quarterly schedule for continued surface insect suppression. Broadleaf weeds and sedges are monitored and treated as needed.

Round 4 (Mid June)

Summer Nutrients, Imidacloprid & Insect Control

During the summer blackout (no nitrogen or phosphorus from June 1 to Oct 31), we apply iron, sea kelp, molasses, humic/fulvic acids, and micronutrients to sustain green color and soil activity. We also apply imidacloprid to guard against root-feeding pests like grubs. Quarterly bifenthrin is applied again to defend against summer-active chinch bugs, mole crickets, and sod webworms. Post-emergents target aggressive weeds like spurge and kyllinga.

Round 5 (Late July – Early August)

Late Summer Support & Weed Suppression

We continue supplementing with non-restricted nutrients and soil enhancers to help the lawn endure peak summer stress. Weed pressure is typically highest this time of year, so we stay vigilant with spot treatments. Imidacloprid’s protective window remains active, and our monitoring ensures any breakthrough pest activity is caught early.

Round 6 (Mid September)

Fall Pre-Emergent, Root Support & Surface Pest Protection

We apply potassium and other stress-buffering nutrients to promote root strength as temperatures begin to drop. A fall pre-emergent herbicide targets cool-season weeds like annual bluegrass and chickweed. Bifenthrin is applied once more as part of our quarterly schedule to suppress surface-feeding pests before fall infestations take hold.

Round 7 (Late October – Early November)

Post-Blackout Feeding & Weed Cleanup

As the fertilizer ban lifts, we provide a slow-release feeding to promote recovery and prepare for winter. Micronutrients are also applied to support late-season color. We spot-treat any lingering weeds and monitor for signs of fungus or pest activity. As the weather cools down, fungal issues like large patch can become more common.

Round 8 (Mid December)

Winter Weed Control & Final Insect Protection

We apply a post-emergent herbicide to eliminate cool-season weeds like chickweed, henbit, and clover. If visual symptoms or a soil test show a deficiency, we apply a low-nitrogen or potassium-rich fertilizer. The final quarterly bifenthrin application ensures the lawn enters winter protected against pests like armyworms and mole crickets.

Curative Pest Control

Curative treatments for weeds, fungi, and insects are not part of our standard 8-round program. However, we inspect for signs of damage during every visit and treat only as needed.

Our team follows Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles, meaning we only apply products when thresholds are met, minimizing environmental impact and protecting beneficial organisms. Control methods may include cultural practices, biological solutions, or selective insecticides depending on the situation.

Make Your Yard the Envy of the Neighborhood

By following this comprehensive eight-round program that combines fertilization, weed control, and proactive pest management, your St. Augustine lawn will stay thick, healthy, and ready to wow the neighbors—all perfectly timed for South Florida’s unique climate. This integrated approach ensures your lawn gets exactly what it needs, when it needs it, while protecting beneficial organisms and minimizing environmental impact.

Combine this schedule with good mowing and lawn watering habits, and you’ll have the lush, green lawn you’ve always wanted. And if you’d like expert help implementing this program, Floridist has your back.

Call or text 561-941-GROW today, and we’ll work with you to create the healthy, vibrant lawn that’s the pride of your neighborhood!