Protecting Your Florida Lawn from Heavy Rains

For a state known as the Sunshine State, it sure has rained a lot over the last month. Floridians are no strangers to soggy weather, many of us able to set our watches to the time of our daily afternoon thunderstorms. Beyond regular weather patterns, though, there’s a good chance we’ll see a great deal of rain this summer. Central Florida was already hit by a tornado from a tropical storm system in June, and it’s shaping up to be an active hurricane season.

Striking the balance between an over- and an under-watered lawn can be a difficult task in Florida during the summer. Flooding often accompanies severe weather conditions like hurricanes and tornadoes, and in general, an excess of water can be an issue for your lawn. If water inundates your lawn for a long period of time, your grass may die from lack of oxygen. What’s more, sediment that builds up is sure to attract fungus, algae, and weeds. Luckily, the Longwood mower maintenance experts at Gator Mower parts have a few tips to help you protect your lawn during extra heavy rains.

Aerate your lawn

This can serve as both a preventative measure and a source of relief for your lawn. If your grass has been sitting under water for some time, that pressure from the water can cause your soil to become compacted. Aerating will help drain the area. If you regularly aerate your lawn, you’ll make air pockets that help your lawn properly hold and eliminate water as needed.

Keep an eye on your rain collection system

If you’re using rain barrels to collect water, first of all, excellent! You’ve made a great eco-friendly choice. However, when it’s raining heavily, it’s important to make sure they don’t overflow. If your rain barrels fill to capacity and spill over, that can add to the compaction and oversaturation of your soil. If you know a big storm is coming, disconnect your barrel system and redirect your drainage properly.

Stay off the lawn as much as possible

Unfortunately, experiencing flooding can put your lawn through a great deal of stress, and walking on your lawn will only increase that stress. If it floods in your area, stay off of your lawn as much as possible, at least until it has had time to properly drain. That means no mowing while it’s saturated! Extra tip: Early morning is usually your best shot to catch a break from the rain, so set a timer and check the weather.

Heavy rains can be a hassle, but they’re nothing we Floridians can’t overcome! When you’re designing your yard, make sure to include provisions for drainage and ensure your gutters and rain drainage systems are clean and in good working order. Avoid mowing if your lawn has undergone stress, and when you do mow, make sure your blade is as sharp as possible for smooth, easy cutting! To learn more or to schedule a maintenance appointment, call Gator Mower Parts at 407-260-1292. We have the best Longwood mower maintenance and parts selection!