March Lawn Treatment Guide
March is one of the most important months for your lawn here in the Jacksonville area. After another colder-than-usual winter, many lawns went dormant and some ornamentals experienced dieback. The good news? With warmer temperatures and consistent rainfall on the way, much of that turf and plant material is likely to rebound naturally.
Don’t Rush to Replace Turf or Plants
After a cold winter:
- Turfgrass often goes dormant.
- Some ornamentals may appear damaged or dead.
- Growth can be slow to restart until consistent warmth arrives.
In many cases, waiting a few weeks makes all the difference. As soil temperatures rise and we receive spring rains, grass and plants frequently recover on their own. Replacing too early can cost you money unnecessarily.
If you're unsure whether something will recover, feel free to reach out — we're happy to take a look.
Spring Irrigation Check: Start the Season Right
Proper irrigation is especially important at the beginning of spring. We want your yard healthy and ready before the intense summer heat arrives. Here are the recommended irrigation tips:
1. Run Every Zone and Check Coverage
Turn on your system and inspect each zone carefully:
- Make sure heads are popping up properly.
- Ensure water is covering the intended areas evenly.
2. Fix Heads That Aren’t "Popping Up"
If you notice water bubbling around a sprinkler:
- Grass or debris may be blocking the head.
- Clear around it to allow full extension.
3. Watch for Pressure Drops
If part of a zone seems weaker:
- Look for a possible break in the line just before the drop in pressure.
- Catching leaks early prevents bigger repairs later.
4. Know the Difference: Rotors vs. Nozzles
Understanding your sprinkler type matters:
- Rotors, Typically require about 45 minutes per zone
- Spray Nozzles, Typically require about 25 minutes per zone
Nozzles put out more water in a shorter time, so adjust your run times accordingly.
How Much Should You Water?
A common-sense approach works best:
- If grass appears dull or blades are folding lengthwise, increase watering.
- Adding one extra watering occurrence is usually better than dramatically increasing run time.
- Established ornamentals generally require much less water than turf.
Remember:
- More water can encourage faster turf spread.
- Less water (appropriately applied) encourages deeper root growth.
- Deeper roots = healthier plants.
Regular monitoring is the key to long-term lawn health.
Spring Fertilization Has Started
Our spring treatments are designed to:
- Strengthen root systems
- Encourage even green-up
- Prepare turf for summer stress
- Promote healthy growth as temperatures rise
Starting the season strong sets the tone for the entire year.
Need Irrigation Help?
If you suspect issues with your system and need professional irrigation service, give us a call and we’ll provide a trusted referral.
We look forward to an excellent year serving our Jacksonville-area customers from North St. Augustine to Fernandina Beach and Yulee.
Here’s to a healthy, green spring!
Call us at (904) 721-0182 or request a free quote through our website.
Happylawns — servicing Jacksonville and surrounding areas.
At Happylawns, your yard is our priority.