Irrigation Best Practices: Start with a Rain Sensor

Tampa Bay is feeling the heat — and your lawn is too.

Winter in Florida might be short, but when a sudden freeze hits, it can leave your landscape looking stressed, brown, or even completely damaged. If your plants and lawn took a hit during the recent cold snap, don’t panic — recovery is possible, and in many cases, your landscape just needs a little time and the right care. Here are the most important steps to take after a winter freeze in the Tampa Bay area. 1. Be Patient — Don’t Prune Too Soon One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make after freeze damage is pruning immediately. Even if your plants look dead or severely burned, do not cut them back right away . Freeze damage often continues to show up over several days, and many plants may still recover from the roots or lower stems. Pruning too early can actually remove healthy tissue that’s protecting the plant. ✅ Wait at least 2–3 weeks before trimming or pruning anything. This gives plants time to reveal what is truly damaged and what will bounce back naturally. 2. Watch Your Watering — Tampa Irrigation Restrictions Still Apply After a freeze, it’s tempting to water more often to “help” plants recover. But in Tampa, irrigation rules are still in effect, and overwatering can cause more harm than good. Tampa-area watering restrictions typically limit irrigation to specific days and times , depending on your address and system type. A few quick reminders: Avoid watering during midday hours Stick to your assigned watering days Focus on deep, infrequent watering rather than daily sprinkling Check for broken or misaligned sprinkler heads after freezing temps Proper watering supports recovery, but too much water can lead to root rot and additional stress. 3. Assess Damage Before Replacing Plants Some plants may look rough now but could recover fully in spring. Others may need to be replaced. Common freeze-sensitive plants include: Tropical ornamentals Ferns Palms (certain varieties) New sod or freshly planted shrubs If you're unsure what can be saved, a professional evaluation can prevent unnecessary removals. 4. Refresh and Rebuild for Spring Once temperatures stabilize, this is a great opportunity to refresh your beds, improve plant placement, or redesign areas that were already struggling before the freeze. Freeze season often reveals: Weak spots in irrigation coverage Plants that aren’t ideal for the location Areas that could benefit from hardier landscaping choices Need Help Restoring Your Landscape? Crowder’s Can Help! At Crowder’s Landscaping , we specialize in helping homeowners recover after winter weather damage. Whether you need: Landscape cleanup Freeze-damage assessments Irrigation adjustments Plant replacements Full re-landscaping for spring We’re ready to help bring your yard back to life. 📞 Contact Crowder’s Landscaping today to schedule a consultation and get your landscape back on track!

🎄 Countdown to the Holidays: Time for a Landscape Spruce-Up! Get Your Property Ready for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year The weather’s cooling down, pumpkin spice is everywhere, and twinkle lights are starting to appear — that can only mean one thing: the holidays are almost here! 🍂✨ Now’s the perfect time to give your property a little love before guests arrive, events kick off, and the year comes to a close. Whether it’s a residential home, HOA community, or commercial property, a seasonal spruce-up can make all the difference. 🌿 A Spruce-Up That Makes Spirits Bright Our team at Crowder’s Landscaping offers everything you need to make your property shine this season: ✅ Landscape cleanups & trimming ✅ Fresh mulch & seasonal color ✅ Irrigation checks & adjustments ✅ Drainage solutions for stormwater ✅ Professional maintenance for HOAs & commercial sites We’ll handle the work — you enjoy the holidays. 🎁 Let’s Get Your Property Holiday-Ready Whether you’re decking the halls or hosting family dinners, we’re here to make your outdoors just as festive as your indoors. Book your Holiday Spruce-Up now and beat the rush before Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s! 💧 Don’t Forget Irrigation and Drainage Florida’s cooler months are ideal for irrigation system maintenance and drainage improvements. This is the season to: Adjust irrigation runtimes for cooler weather Repair or replace worn sprinkler heads Clean and clear drains before holiday storms hit Improve water flow around landscaped areas A little prep now prevents big headaches later — no soggy lawns or flooded driveways when guests arrive! 👉 Request Your Holiday Spruce-Up or Call 813-767-6360

A lush, green lawn doesn't happen by chance—it requires consistent care and maintenance. At Crowder’s Landscaping, we understand the importance of a well-maintained irrigation system to keep your landscape healthy and thriving while saving you money and water. That’s why we offer expert irrigation maintenance through our exclusive membership plans!

It looks like we’re in for a chilly surprise next week, with temperatures dipping below 40°F and rain in the forecast. While these cold snaps don’t happen often, they can wreak havoc on your landscape if you’re not prepared. Here are some practical steps to protect your yard and ensure everything weathers the cold in style! 1. Shield Your Plants from the Cold Cover Up Vulnerable Plants: Tropical favorites like hibiscus, philodendrons, and palms are not fans of the cold. Use frost cloths, sheets, or even lightweight tarps to cover them. Be sure the covers touch the ground to trap warmth and keep the cold out. Here are a couple tips on Frost Blankets. Relocate Potted Plants: Move container plants to a sheltered spot, like your porch or garage. If you can’t move them, cluster them together and cover them for added protection.  Water Wisely: Water your plants early in the day before temperatures drop. Wet soil holds heat better than dry soil, but avoid watering in the evening to prevent creating ice. 2. Prep Your Lawn Pause on Fertilizer: Cold weather can stress your grass, and adding fertilizer now could do more harm than good. Hold off until temperatures warm up. Adjust Your Mowing Routine: Keep your grass a little longer than usual to insulate the roots. This is especially important for St. Augustine and Zoysia lawns. Let Clippings Stay: Grass clippings left on the lawn act as a natural barrier, helping to trap warmth close to the soil. 3. Protect Your Irrigation System Turn It Off: Your irrigation system doesn’t need to run during freezing weather. Shut it off and drain hoses or sprinkler heads to prevent freezing and damage. Water Early if Needed: If rainfall isn’t enough and watering is necessary, do it early in the morning to allow the soil to absorb the moisture before the freeze sets in. 4. Recovering After the Cold Front Inspect and Prune: Once the cold passes, check your plants for damage. Remove any frostbitten leaves or stems, but avoid heavy pruning until spring growth begins. Gradually Resume Care: Ease back into your regular lawn and plant care routine. Keep an eye on stressed areas and address any lingering issues. Need Help? Crowder's Landscaping Has You Covered! We know cold weather can be a headache for our beautiful Tampa landscapes, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Whether you need help prepping for the freeze or cleaning up afterward, our team is here for you. Give us a call, and let’s make sure your yard stays healthy and beautiful, no matter the weather!

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How to Protect Your Tampa Landscape During Hurricane Season

Summer in Tampa can be brutal, with scorching temperatures and intense sunlight. Your garden and lawn need extra care to stay healthy and vibrant. One of the best ways to protect your plants and soil is by using mulch. Mulch acts as a protective layer, helping to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and prevent weed growth. Here’s a guide to the best mulches for summer, perfect for keeping your Tampa garden cool and thriving.

Crowder's Top 5 Summer Landscaping Tips For A Lush & Vibrant Yard!