Tampa Bay Landscaping Season Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Getting Through the Year

Tampa Bay, the land of eternal sunshine.

While this reputation is pretty accurate, summer is not actually perpetual in the Sunshine State. That’s right; they may be subtle, but seasons do exist in Florida.

We’re not talking about the old Floridian joke of wet and dry seasons, either—we mean real shifts in the seasons beyond how much it rains.

For those in the Tampa Bay area, this revelation means that there is more to maintaining a beautiful property year-round than planting a few flowers and relaxing by the bay with a cold drink—sorry to burst your bubble.

Fortunately, all it takes is a little knowledge and a friend in the industry to keep your landscape on track through the seasons. Read on for Landcrafters’ Tampa Bay landscaping season guide.

When the Cold Descends

Freezes are rare in Florida, especially as far south and near the water as Tampa Bay.

While they do happen on occasion, they so seldomly occur that we are going to omit talking about them in detail in this particular guide.

Instead, let’s focus on what is common—foliage often becomes dormant during the Florida winter for two reasons—cooler temperatures and less moisture.

To keep your Tampa Bay landscaping looking its best at the moment and prepare it for the coming warmth, there are a few key steps to take.

You will want to continue watering your plants even if they look dead. You do not need to water them quite as much as you normally would, but do not neglect them entirely. Now is also the time to prune your trees and shrubs, remove dead limbs, and perform any other maintenance that is required.

The Florida winter is also the best time to plant in preparation for the spring. Seed your lawns, plant bulbs, and make sure that all trees and shrubs are fed. This will set your property up for success when the warmer months arrive.

Finally, you will want to do routine maintenance like mulching, especially flower beds. Speaking of flowers, should a freeze be forecasted, ensure that you have covered all of your delicate plants. Plastic sheeting tends to work best to protect them from the cold.

Nine Months of Summer

Florida does have seasons, but we can be honest about this—the majority of the year feels like summer. When the weather is warmer and wetter, there are a handful of vital landscaping tasks you must embrace to keep your property looking spiffy.

First things first, the tropical climate of Florida facilitates rapid foliage growth. If you are not careful to stay ahead of this growth, your landscape can quickly be overrun by weeds and the expansion of your own landscaping plants. As such, it is vital to maintain regular oversite and maintenance of your property during the warm, wet months.

You will also want to ensure that your irrigation system is working properly, delivering the right amount of water to the right places at the ideal times. This enables plants to thrive even in the midst of extreme heat.

Finally, be aware of the intense sunlight Florida is known for and plan your landscape appropriately. For example, summer is the best time to plant ornamentals, as it gives them time to develop a mature root system before the winter arrives. Your hard work could be for not if these new plants have too much or too little sunlight.

The explosive plant growth in Florida can be deceptive, leading many to believe that their landscapes will naturally thrive. The reality could not be farther from the truth. Florida’s seasons may be different from its northern counterparts, but they still have a profound effect on plants and your property.

Working with an experienced Tampa landscaper is the best way to ensure your property stays at its finest all year. Landcrafters has been facilitating just that for homeowners and commercial properties for over 20 years.

For specific guidance on how to prepare your Tampa Bay property for the seasons, feel free to reach out to us. In the meantime, be sure to visit our blog. It is packed with helpful landscaping tips, tricks, and insights, so you are bound to find helpful information and inspiration galore.