Northeast Florida is facing a dangerous combination of extreme heat, prolonged drought, and rising wildfire risk. Already a season marked by low rainfall, April 2025 has been exceptionally dry across the Florida Peninsula. NOAA reports that Jacksonville has received just 1.1 inches of rain this month—far below the historical April average of 2.84 inches—and forecasts predict little to no significant rain in the coming days.
The United States Drought Monitor shows conditions ranging from abnormally dry to extreme drought across much of Florida. This growing water deficit not only threatens our landscapes and agriculture but also raises serious health and safety concerns for people, pets, and property.
How Dry Weather Threatens Our Environment
Dry conditions set off a domino effect across the environment. One major concern is soil shrinkage: as water evaporates from the soil, it contracts, creating empty spaces and cracks. These voids weaken soil structure, reducing its ability to support healthy plant life or to absorb rainfall effectively when it eventually returns. Especially along coastlines and steep slopes, the first heavy rains after a dry spell can lead to rapid erosion, damaging landscapes and infrastructure alike.
Compounding these risks, the dry brush, sandy soils, and intense sunshine are creating prime conditions for wildfires. With temperatures expected to stay above average and humidity remaining low, much of Florida faces an elevated wildfire threat. Several Central Florida counties have already issued burn bans to prevent accidental ignitions. Residents are urged to use extreme caution when operating outdoor equipment, lighting fires, or handling anything that could produce sparks.
At Rockaway Sustainable Landscaping, we recognize the risks that these conditions pose not just to property, but to the safety of those who work outdoors. That’s why we actively train and equip our team to work safely during extreme heat and drought, ensuring that the health of our staff remains a top priority while continuing to deliver exceptional service to our clients.
Heat and Drought Increase Pest Pressure
While heat and drought take a toll on plant health, they also create ideal conditions for lawn-infesting pests.
During Florida droughts, several types of damaging insects become especially problematic. Chinch bugs thrive in hot, dry environments and attack grass by sucking out its juices, leading to yellowing and dying patches that are often mistaken for drought stress. Weakened lawns are also highly vulnerable to armyworms and sod webworms, which feed aggressively on turfgrass already stressed by lack of water.
At Rockaway, our agronomics programs are designed to reduce the risk of pest damage for residential, HOA, and commercial clients alike. By strengthening turf health through tailored nutrition and integrated pest management strategies, we help protect lawns against both environmental and biological threats — minimizing costly damage and maintaining vibrant, resilient landscapes even under tough conditions.
The Growing Danger to Public Health
While the land dries out, the heat itself poses a direct danger to human health. On average, extreme heat claims more lives in the United States each year than any other weather-related disaster, including hurricanes, tornadoes, or floods, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, can come on quickly and escalate rapidly if not addressed. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, and muscle cramps. If untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heatstroke—a life-threatening condition marked by a body temperature over 103°F, red or hot skin, rapid pulse, and confusion or unconsciousness. Immediate emergency medical attention is necessary for suspected heatstroke.
Preventing heat-related illness starts with staying hydrated, seeking shade or air-conditioned environments during the hottest parts of the day, wearing loose and light-colored clothing, and taking regular breaks when working or playing outdoors.
Protecting Pets, Plants, and Property
The risks from drought and heat extend beyond human health. Pets are especially vulnerable during extreme heat, as they can overheat quickly. It's essential to limit their outdoor activities during midday, provide ample shade, and ensure fresh water is always available. Never leave pets unattended in vehicles, even for a few minutes.
Landscapes also need proactive protection. Deep, infrequent watering—preferably in the early morning or evening—helps plants establish deeper roots and retain moisture. Applying mulch around trees and plants conserves soil moisture and moderates soil temperatures.
At Rockaway, our landscape designers encourage the use of drought-tolerant plants that are better suited for Florida’s challenging conditions. We also specialize in sustainable landscape solutions, including custom drainage and erosion control installations, sustainable irrigation system design and maintenance, and soil management practices that help landscapes thrive even through extreme drought. These solutions help both residential and commercial clients protect their investments while conserving precious natural resources.