Lawn Care and Landscaping in Fort Pierce

Fort Pierce yards are a mix of shady older lots under big trees and sunny, salty ground near the lagoon and beach. Each needs different plants and care.

County: St. Lucie County
Permits: Usually the City of Fort Pierce for addresses inside city limits, and St. Lucie County for unincorporated areas. Confirm for your address.

In the older neighborhoods, mature oaks and other big trees shade much of the yard, and grass that loves sun often thins out under them. Near the Indian River Lagoon, Taylor Creek and on Hutchinson Island, salt spray and sandy fill make it hard for many plants to thrive. The yards that do well here are usually planted for those conditions instead of fighting them.

Shade under old trees

Under heavy canopy, St. Augustine grass thins and weeds move in. Shade tolerant grass varieties help up to a point, but in deep shade many owners switch to mulch beds and groundcovers instead. Roots from large trees also compete for water, so watering more doesn't always fix thin grass. If branches over the lawn are dead or rubbing the house, see tree service in Fort Pierce.

Salt and the beachside

On the island and close to the inlet, salt spray burns leaves on many common landscape plants. Native and salt tolerant plants like sea grape, coontie and dune grasses hold up better. On the dune side of beachfront property, work in the dune is restricted, and sea oats are protected, so ask before you dig or trim there.

The lagoon and fertilizer

Much of Fort Pierce drains straight to the Indian River Lagoon, which is why fertilizer rules matter here. St. Lucie County and the City of Fort Pierce have rules restricting nitrogen and phosphorus in the summer rainy season, roughly June through September. Keep a no fertilizer strip along seawalls and shorelines, and keep clippings out of storm drains. Lawn companies that apply fertilizer need state certification from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Water

Most city homes water with Fort Pierce Utilities Authority water, and some use wells. The South Florida Water Management District sets watering days for the area. Check the current schedule before you set a timer.

Lawn insects are a pest control job, see pest control in Fort Pierce. General lawn information is on the lawn care page, and the city overview is on the Fort Pierce area page.

Check before you hireMowing has no state license. Companies that apply fertilizer or pesticides need FDACS credentials, so check at fdacs.gov and ask for proof of insurance.

Lawn care questions in Fort Pierce

Why won't grass grow under the trees in my Fort Pierce yard?

Most common lawn grasses here need several hours of sun. Under mature oaks the shade is heavy and tree roots take much of the water. A shade tolerant variety can help in partial shade, but in deep shade many owners switch to mulch and groundcovers. Thinning the canopy carefully can let in more light.

What plants hold up to salt spray near the beach in Fort Pierce?

Native and coastal plants like sea grape, coontie, saw palmetto and dune grasses usually hold up better than many common landscape shrubs. A local landscaper can suggest plants for your exposure. On beachfront property, dune areas are protected and sea oats can't be removed, so ask before changing anything on the dune.

Are there fertilizer rules in Fort Pierce?

Yes. St. Lucie County and the City of Fort Pierce restrict nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer in the summer rainy season, roughly June through September, to protect the Indian River Lagoon. There are also rules about keeping fertilizer away from water bodies. Confirm the current ordinance, and ask any lawn company what they apply and when.

Do I need to change my yard care if I live on the lagoon?

It helps. Keep a strip with no fertilizer next to the seawall or shoreline, keep clippings and leaves out of the water and storm drains, and choose plants that need little fertilizer. Runoff from lagoon front yards goes straight into the water, so small choices there have a bigger effect.

For the general guide, see Lawn care and landscaping on the Treasure Coast. For more about the town, see Fort Pierce.

Lawn care in other towns

Other services in Fort Pierce

Request a free quote