Northwest Florida, here are answers to your top fall and winter lawn care questions

How can I prevent winter annual weeds in my lawn?

If your lawn has a history of winter annual weeds such as henbit, wild geranium, annual bluegrass, chickweed and lawn burweed, you can apply a preemergence herbicide to prevent these weeds from emerging. Apply it during October when nighttime temperatures drop to 55 to 60 degrees for several consecutive nights. This will be just before the winter annual weeds emerge. After the seedlings are visible, it's too late to apply a preemergent herbicide. Overuse of some preemergence herbicides may result in lawn roots becoming stunted and weak.

More columns about gardening:

• Planting a tree? Pick one that's a good fit for Florida's high wind climate

• Shrubs and trees planted in the fall get off to excellent a head start

• Why do hydrangea flowers change colors? It's a kind of horticultural 'wizardry'

Should I overseed my lawn with annual ryegrass?

Overseeding a lawn with ryegrass to create a green lawn during winter is mostly done for cosmetic reasons. Personally, I don't overseed because I'm ready to take a break from routine lawn care. I take a break, my mower takes a break and my lawn takes a break. The optimal time to broadcast the ryegrass seed is mid-October through mid-November if you wish to have a winter lawn.

Should I let fall tree leaves stay on the lawn?

You should not allow a thick layer of leaves to accumulate and remain on the lawn for long periods. A layer of leaves left on the lawn through winter can reduce oxygen and sunlight availability to the lawn. This may result in a weak, thin lawn come spring. Also, a layer of leaves may hold too much water and cause rot problems for your lawn. A few leaves (scattering of leaves) should not be a problem, though.

What lawn pests should I watch for during fall and winter?

Fall webworms and armyworms may continue to be active during fall until the lawn is dormant. Your lawn will look like it has been mowed very close when these caterpillars are active. Closer examination of leaf blades will reveal notched leaf edges where caterpillars have chewed.

Large patch fungus is common during the cooler weather of fall, winter and spring. In most cases, this lawn disease results in circular brown areas in the lawn. These circular areas slowly expand, sometimes becoming several feet or larger in diameter. Grass in the center of the circular patches may be green, giving a donut pattern.

Adult mole crickets may be active during fall. Watch for tunneling and areas that feel somewhat spongy as you walk in the lawn.

Fire ants can continue to be active during fall particularly if it is moist.

For specific recommendations on controlling lawn pests or maintaining a Florida lawn, contact your UF/IFAS County Extension Office or visit hort.ifas.ufl.edu.

This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: Fall, winter lawn care in Northwest Florida: Answers to top questions