Temple Terrace Landscape Services

Contact Your Local Temple Terrace Public Works or Solid Waste Department for Green Waste Info

Temple Terrace residents benefit from a structured yard waste and vegetative debris collection program designed to protect local stormwater quality and comply with state and federal regulations. Yard waste—including grass clippings, leaves, palm fronds, and small branches—should be placed curbside on designated collection days, bundled in 4-foot lengths, or contained in paper bags or reusable bins (plastic bags are prohibited). Larger debris, such as storm-damaged limbs, may require special pickup or drop-off at the city’s designated yard waste site. Proof of residency is required for drop-off, and commercial landscapers must use approved disposal facilities and may be subject to fees. Mulch and compost programs are available for residents, promoting grasscycling and local reuse. Dumping or blowing debris, clippings, or fertilizer into streets, storm drains, or water bodies is strictly prohibited under the Clean Water Act and local MS4 rules.

Temple Terrace Public Works Department
11210 N 53rd St, Temple Terrace, FL 33617
Phone: (813) 506-6570
Official Website: Temple Terrace Public Works Department

Lawn Care Regulations & Permits in Temple Terrace, FL

Lawn care in Temple Terrace is governed by a combination of local ordinances and state laws, including the Florida Pesticide Law - Chapter 487, Florida Statutes 403.9337, and Florida Statutes 482.1562. The city observes rainy-season fertilizer blackout periods, restricts nitrogen and phosphorus use, and requires slow-release nitrogen for most applications. Setbacks from water bodies and storm drains are enforced to prevent runoff. Commercial applicators must hold proper certification and licensing, and all pesticide use must comply with Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services - Pesticide Applicator Certification and Licensing. Irrigation is regulated by the Southwest Florida Water Management District - District Water Restrictions, with specific watering days and rain sensor requirements. Noise ordinances limit equipment operation hours, and commercial operators must maintain proper business registration and insurance.

Temple Terrace Development Services Department
11250 N 56th St, Temple Terrace, FL 33617
Phone: (813) 506-6460
Official Website: Temple Terrace Development Services Department

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve in Temple Terrace, FL?

Temple Terrace’s neighborhoods reflect the region’s Gulf Coast characteristics—sandy soils, high water tables, and a mix of mature and newer subdivisions. In the historic Temple Terrace Estates, deep sandy soils and mature oak canopy require shade-tolerant St. Augustinegrass and careful irrigation to prevent fungal issues. The Riverhills area, adjacent to the Hillsborough River, features flood-prone soils and strict fertilizer setbacks to protect water quality. Theresa Arbor and Meadowood have HOA landscaping standards and reclaimed water zones, favoring drought-tolerant turf and precise irrigation. The Enclave and Raintree neighborhoods, with newer fill soils and smaller lots, face rapid nutrient leaching and require slow-release fertilizers. The Woodmont and Del Rio areas, near stormwater ponds and wetlands, demand careful management of runoff and compliance with local stormwater infrastructure rules. Each area’s unique soil, drainage, and regulatory context shapes tailored lawn care strategies.

Partnering With Temple Terrace’s Stormwater, Environmental, or Sustainability Office

Temple Terrace’s Stormwater Division and Environmental Services coordinate with residents and professionals to protect local water bodies, wetlands, and stormwater infrastructure. Sustainable landscaping is promoted through the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program, emphasizing:

• Use of native and adapted plants
• Proper mowing and grasscycling
• Micro-irrigation for beds
• Rain sensor installation
• Reduced fertilizer and pesticide use
• Buffer zones near ponds and wetlands These practices align with Florida DEP - Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) requirements and support citywide environmental initiatives.

Temple Terrace Stormwater Division
11210 N 53rd St, Temple Terrace, FL 33617
Phone: (813) 506-6570
Official Website: Temple Terrace Stormwater Division

Top Temple Terrace Lawn Problems (and How We Solve Them)

Temple Terrace lawns face several region-specific challenges:

• Chinch bugs in St. Augustinegrass
• Mole crickets in sandy soils
• Dollarweed and sedges in wet or poorly drained areas
• Large patch and gray leaf spot from humidity and overwatering
• Nutrient leaching in deep sands
• Drought stress during spring dry spells
• Fungal disease in shaded or over-irrigated lawns

Science-based solutions include:

• Regular scouting and targeted treatment for chinch bugs and mole crickets
• Improving drainage and reducing irrigation in wet-prone areas
• Applying slow-release fertilizers to minimize leaching
• Following UF/IFAS Best Management Practices for Your Lawn
• Mowing at the correct height for turf species
• Using rain sensors and calibrating irrigation systems
• Selecting disease-resistant turf varieties

What Makes Lawns in Temple Terrace Different From the Rest of Florida?

Temple Terrace is part of the Gulf Coast/Southwest Florida region, with unique characteristics:

• USDA Hardiness Zone 9b: mild winters, rare frost
• Summer rainy season (June–September) with high humidity
• Deep, sandy soils with rapid drainage and high leaching risk
• High water table and periodic flooding near the Hillsborough River
• Dominant turf: St. Augustinegrass, with bahiagrass and zoysiagrass in select areas
• Pest pressure: chinch bugs, mole crickets, fungal diseases
• Frequent HOA and stormwater pond proximity, requiring strict fertilizer and irrigation compliance
• Greater hurricane and tropical storm debris risk than inland or northern regions These factors distinguish Temple Terrace from North Florida’s colder, clay-influenced lawns or South Florida’s calcareous coastal soils.

Supporting Local Events in Temple Terrace With Lawn Expertise

Lawn care professionals and city staff support a variety of community events and public spaces, including:

• Parks and athletic fields (Temple Terrace Recreation Complex, Riverhills Park)
• School grounds and sports tournaments
• Downtown festivals and farmers markets
• Neighborhood cleanups and volunteer events
• Storm recovery and debris management after hurricanes or heavy rains
• Tree plantings and Florida-Friendly Landscaping outreach Collaboration with the Parks & Recreation Department and local organizations ensures safe, attractive, and environmentally responsible public spaces.

Temple Terrace Parks & Recreation Department
6610 Whiteway Dr, Temple Terrace, FL 33617
Phone: (813) 506-6600
Official Website: Temple Terrace Parks & Recreation Department

Eco-Friendly Landscaping Backed by Temple Terrace’s Florida-Friendly and Water-Saving Initiatives

Temple Terrace aligns with Florida-Friendly Landscaping and water conservation goals by promoting:

• Smart irrigation controllers and rain shutoff devices
• Micro-irrigation for beds and non-turf areas
• Turf reduction in low-use or shaded zones
• Compost topdressing and local mulch reuse
• Integrated pest management and reduced-chemical approaches
• Battery-powered equipment and route efficiency
• Shade tree preservation and planting These initiatives help reduce runoff, conserve water, and lower the carbon footprint of landscape maintenance, supporting citywide sustainability and resilience planning.

Temple Terrace Utilities Department
11210 N 53rd St, Temple Terrace, FL 33617
Phone: (813) 506-6420
Official Website: Temple Terrace Utilities Department

Proudly Serving These Streets and Areas in Temple Terrace

Temple Terrace lawn care services cover all major neighborhoods and corridors, including:

• Temple Terrace Estates (historic district)
• Riverhills (adjacent to Hillsborough River and golf course)
• Theresa Arbor and Meadowood (HOA communities)
• The Enclave and Raintree (newer subdivisions)
• Woodmont and Del Rio (near stormwater ponds and wetlands)
• Downtown/City Center (Whiteway Dr, 56th St corridor)
• North: Fowler Ave, Bullard Pkwy, Telecom Park
• South: Busch Blvd, Druid Hills Rd
• East: Davis Rd, Temple Park
• West: 56th St, Riverhills Dr
• Landmarks: Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club, Riverhills Park, Temple Terrace Elementary, Greco Middle School, Ben Lomond Park Special attention is given to HOA-regulated areas, reclaimed water zones, and properties near water bodies or stormwater infrastructure.

UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County
5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584
Phone: (813) 744-5519
Official Website: UF/IFAS Extension

Southwest Florida Water Management District
2379 Broad St, Brooksville, FL 34604
Phone: (352) 796-7211
Official Website: Southwest Florida Water Management District

Florida Department of Environmental Protection
3900 Commonwealth Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: (850) 245-2118
Official Website: Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
407 S Calhoun St, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: (850) 617-7700
Official Website: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

National Weather Service Tampa Bay Area
2525 14th Ave SE, Ruskin, FL 33570
Phone: (813) 645-2323
Official Website: National Weather Service Offices

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4
61 Forsyth St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 562-9900
Official Website: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4