Winter Freeze Damages Florida Lawns
The 2026 winter freeze caused significant damage to Florida lawns and golf courses, with unusual browning and slow spring recovery. Florida Turfgrass Association President Mark Kahn warns against fertilizing until soil temperatures reach 60°F — typically late March or April. Early nitrogen use can cause disease issues if another cold snap hits.
The back-to-back winter storms, named Ezra and Gianna, delivered a multi-day blast of freezing temperatures across Florida from late December 2025 through early February 2026. Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson labeled the event "one of the most damaging" in the state's history, with freezing temperatures lasting for multiple hours across every county except Monroe. The financial toll on Florida's agricultural sector is estimated to exceed $3.17 billion, a figure that dwarfs the $1.07 billion in agricultural damages caused by Hurricane Ian in 2022. Sugarcane was the hardest-hit commodity, with over $1.1 billion in losses, followed by citrus at $674 million and strawberries at over $306 million. When ice crystals form on grass blades, they can rupture the plant's cells, leading to the brown, wilted appearance. This damage is more than cosmetic; it weakens the plant, making it susceptible to pests and disease. For many warm-season grasses like St. Augustine and Zoysia, this browning is a natural defense mechanism as they enter dormancy to survive the cold. The most common turfgrass on Florida golf courses, Bermudagrass, is favored for its durability and quick recovery, but different varieties have varying cold tolerance. Golf courses face significant recovery costs after a freeze. A North American study showed that courses can spend between $6,000 and $8,999 on average for recovery inputs like seed and labor, with revenue losses from delayed openings adding another $3,000 to $9,000. Applying nitrogen-heavy fertilizer prematurely pushes top growth at the expense of the root system. This depletes the crucial energy reserves the turf needs to recover from winter stress and can make it more vulnerable to a late cold snap. Healthy roots are the priority for recovery, which is why experts recommend waiting for sustained warmth. As lawns begin to recover, it's important to distinguish freeze damage from pest issues. Chinch bugs, which also cause irregular brown patches in St. Augustine grass, become active in the warmer weather. A key difference is that chinch bug damage often appears in sunny areas near pavement and will not green up with warmer temperatures, unlike dormant grass. Proper recovery involves patience and correct cultural practices. Once the threat of frost has passed, a light mowing can help remove dead blades, allowing sunlight to reach the new growth. Irrigation is also key, but it's crucial to avoid overwatering dormant lawns, which can encourage disease. Checking irrigation systems for freeze damage to lines and heads is also recommended.
