05/15/2026
Drought stress is showing up in lawns all across Southwest Florida right now, and with temperatures continuing to rise, turf is definitely feeling it.
The truth is, it does not matter who services your property or what products are being applied. If your lawn is not receiving adequate water, it WILL begin showing signs of drought stress.
One of the biggest things homeowners can do right now to help protect their lawn is make sure it is being mowed at the proper height.
For St. Augustine grass, that means keeping it cut HIGH, generally around 3.5 to 4 inches depending on the variety and mower.
Why does mowing height matter so much?
A taller lawn creates a thicker canopy that helps shade the stolons and soil surface. That shade helps reduce moisture loss from heat and wind evaporation while also protecting the runners from excessive sun exposure and heat damage.
Proper mowing height also encourages a healthier root system and helps the turf withstand drought stress more effectively. A dense canopy can even help reduce w**d pressure naturally.
On the other hand, mowing too low or scalping the lawn creates additional stress on the turf. Scalped lawns dry out faster, weaken over time, and become much more susceptible to drought damage, w**ds, insects, fungus, and disease pressure.
Healthy turf starts with proper cultural practices, and mowing height is one of the most important ones.
If your lawn is struggling during this dry stretch, now is the time to focus on reducing stress wherever possible.
