January Lawn Care in Central Florida: Start the Year With a Healthier, Greener Yard
January 7, 2026
Simple winter-season steps to protect your lawn now and set it up for spring success
January in Central Florida is a little different than “winter” in most places. Your lawn may slow down, but it doesn’t stop needing attention—especially after a busy holiday season, cooler nights, and occasional dry stretches.
The good news: a few smart moves in January can prevent common problems (weeds, thinning turf, irrigation issues) and make spring lawn care easier and more effective. Here’s what to focus on now.
1) Adjust mowing (don’t scalp your grass)
Warm-season grasses like St. Augustine, Bermuda, and Zoysia typically grow more slowly in January. That often leads homeowners to mow “extra short” to stretch time between cuts—but scalping can stress the lawn and invite weeds.
- Keep mowing as needed, but less frequently
- Avoid cutting more than one-third of the blade at a time
- Make sure mower blades are sharp for a clean cut
2) Watch for winter weeds before they take over
Many Central Florida lawns see winter weeds pop up when turf growth slows. If you wait until weeds are everywhere, they’re harder to control—and they can crowd out healthy grass.
Common winter weed troublemakers include:
- Chickweed
- Clover
- Annual bluegrass
A proactive approach (spot treatment, proper mowing height, and a seasonal plan) helps keep weeds from becoming a springtime headache.
3) Check irrigation settings (most systems are still on “summer mode”)
January usually means less evaporation and less plant water demand. If your irrigation schedule hasn’t changed since summer, you may be overwatering—one of the fastest ways to trigger fungus, root issues, and wasted water.
Quick January irrigation checklist:
- Reduce run times and/or watering days
- Water early morning (not at night)
- Look for broken heads, leaks, or spray hitting sidewalks
- Make sure each zone is covering evenly
4) Clean up debris and protect turf from traffic
Between holiday guests, cooler weather, and occasional storms, lawns can get compacted or smothered by leaves and debris.
- Remove leaves and branches so grass can breathe
- Pay attention to shaded areas (they stay damp longer)
- Limit heavy foot traffic on thin or stressed spots
5) Plan now for spring upgrades
January is a great time to walk your property and make notes while growth is slower. You’ll see issues more clearly—thin areas, drainage problems, bed edges that need redefining, or spots that could use new plantings.
Consider planning:
- A spring bed refresh (mulch, edging, seasonal color)
- Lawn recovery steps for thin or patchy areas
- Drainage improvements before rainy season returns
- A maintenance schedule that fits your property and goals
Let Kennedy Landscaping help you start the year strong
A healthy lawn in spring starts with smart decisions in winter. If you’d like help creating a seasonal plan, adjusting irrigation, tackling weeds, or keeping your property looking sharp year-round, Kennedy Landscaping is here for you.
Contact Kennedy Landscaping today to schedule your January lawn and landscape checkup and start the new year with a yard you’ll feel proud of.
As the year draws to a close and a fresh start is just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to set some goals—not just for yourself, but for your landscape, too! Central Florida’s mild winters mean you don’t have to wait for spring to get started. Here are some simple, impactful landscaping resolutions to help your yard look its best in 2026. 1. Commit to Consistent Lawn Care A healthy, green lawn doesn’t happen by accident. Set a regular mowing, edging, and fertilization schedule Adjust irrigation as the seasons change Address bare spots or weed problems early for a lush look all year 2. Add More Florida-Friendly Plants Resolve to choose plants that thrive in our climate. Incorporate native and drought-tolerant varieties to save water and reduce maintenance Group plants by water needs for efficiency and healthier growth Try adding pollinator-friendly flowers to support local wildlife 3. Refresh Mulch and Beds A quick mulch refresh can make your whole landscape look new again. Top off beds with a fresh layer of mulch for weed suppression and root protection Redefine bed edges for a sharp, professional appearance Remove any tired or overgrown plants and replace with something fresh 4. Plan for Seasonal Color Keep your yard vibrant all year by planning for color in every season. Rotate cool-season annuals in winter and spring Use containers for easy, flexible updates Consider adding flowering shrubs for long-lasting impact 5. Upgrade Outdoor Living Areas Make the most of Florida’s outdoor lifestyle. Clean and declutter patios, decks, and walkways Add lighting for safety and ambiance Invest in comfortable seating or new planters to make your space more inviting 6. Schedule Professional Maintenance If you want to save time and get the best results, resolve to bring in the pros. Regular maintenance keeps your landscape healthy and beautiful Professional teams spot issues before they become costly problems Schedule early for spring projects—slots fill up fast! Start the Year with a Landscape You Love A little planning now can make a big difference in how your yard looks and functions all year. Whether you want a total refresh or just a few simple upgrades, Kennedy Landscaping is here to help you achieve your 2026 landscape goals. Ready to make your landscape resolutions a reality? Contact Kennedy Landscaping today to schedule your New Year consultation and start the year off with a yard you’ll be proud to show off.
While much of the country is blanketed in snow, December in Central Florida means mild temperatures, green lawns, and plenty of time to enjoy your outdoor spaces. But even with our unique climate, your landscape still needs some attention to stay healthy, attractive, and ready for spring growth. Here’s how to keep your yard looking its best this December and beyond: 1. Keep Up With Lawn Care—But Adjust for Winter Your grass may not grow as quickly in December, but it still needs regular attention. Mow less frequently, but keep the grass at a moderate height to protect roots. Remove fallen leaves and debris to prevent smothering your turf and encourage airflow. Watch for signs of fungus or brown patches, which can pop up with cooler, damp weather. 2. Water Wisely Cooler months mean your landscape needs less water. Cut back irrigation to once a week or less, depending on rainfall. Water early in the day to minimize disease risk and reduce evaporation. Check your irrigation system for leaks, misdirected heads, and adjust timers for winter. 3. Add Festive, Florida-Friendly Color December is a great time to refresh beds and containers with cool-season annuals. Try petunias, snapdragons, pansies, or violas for pops of color that last all winter. Use reds, whites, and purples for a subtle holiday feel that works beyond December. Group plantings near entryways, walkways, and patios for maximum impact. 4. Tidy Up for Holiday Guests Whether you’re hosting family or just want to enjoy your space, a quick cleanup goes a long way. Edge beds and walkways for a crisp, professional look. Trim back overgrown shrubs and remove spent blooms. Add a fresh layer of mulch for instant curb appeal and root protection. Clean up outdoor living areas and check lighting for safety and ambiance. 5. Plan for Cold Snaps Central Florida rarely sees hard freezes, but a sudden cold night can still happen. Have frost cloth (not plastic) ready for sensitive plants. Move containers to sheltered spots if a freeze is forecast. Avoid heavy pruning of tropicals until after the last risk of frost in late winter. 6. Reflect and Plan for Spring December is the perfect time to walk your property and make a landscape wish list for the new year. Note areas that need improvement or new plantings. Think about upgrades like new beds, hardscaping, or outdoor lighting. Schedule consultations now—landscape pros book up fast for spring installs. Enjoy Your Landscape All Winter Long Florida’s mild winter means you can enjoy your yard year-round. With a little attention now, you’ll have a beautiful, healthy landscape to share with family, friends, and guests—plus a head start on spring. Let Kennedy Landscaping Keep Your Yard Beautiful All Winter Whether you need a quick cleanup, seasonal color, or help planning your next project, Kennedy Landscaping is here to make your Central Florida landscape shine—even in winter. Contact us today to schedule your winter landscape service and enjoy a beautiful, low-maintenance yard all season long!
