Life in Palm Beach is defined by natural beauty—lush lawns, sweeping palms, and outdoor spaces designed for year-round sunshine. But behind the postcard-perfect scenery, a combination of climate, pests, and rapidly spreading plant diseases is putting even the most meticulously maintained landscapes at risk. 

Island Environmental, a leader in residential pest control and lawn care across Palm Beach County, has identified several issues homeowners should be aware of—along with the steps they can take now to protect their property. 

A Landscape Under Pressure 

South Florida’s warmth and humidity create ideal conditions for thriving lawns…and for the threats that can damage them. Longer rainy seasons, warmer-than-average winters, and increased plant stress have combined to accelerate several problems that Island Environmental’s experts are now encountering on a weekly basis.
Homeowners who invest heavily in their lawns and gardens are often shocked by how quickly issues can escalate—sometimes in a matter of days.

Sugarcane Mosaic Virus:

The Silent Destroyer of St. Augustine Grass Perhaps the most urgent concern is the rise of Sugarcane Mosaic Virus (SCMV), a disease that is rapidly spreading and decimating lawn through St. Augustine lawns in Palm Beach County.
“Homeowners often mistake SCMV for drought stress or routine browning,” explains Charles, Area Manager at Island Environmental. “By the time the pattern becomes recognizable, large portions of the lawn may no longer be recoverable.” The virus spreads primarily through lawn equipment. When a landscaper or gardener mows an infected lawn and then moves to a healthy one without thoroughly cleaning the mower deck, contaminated sap is unintentionally transferred—effectively “sowing” the virus into the next yard. Once the soil is exposed, it remains a reservoir for the virus and will infect any new St. Augustine sod planted there.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for infected grass. This makes prevention, early detection , and proper maintenance absolutely essential. In advanced cases, the only solution is to remove and replace the affected sections of turf. 

What homeowners should watch for:

• Irregular yellow mottling or streaking
• Patches of thinning or “burned” grass
• Areas that fail to green up despite irrigation
• Rapid spread across the yard

Researchers at the University of Florida have studied this issue extensively. While the virus itself cannot be eliminated, UF has developed a new variety of St. Augustine grass— CitraBlue®—that is resistant to the strain, even in previously contaminated soil. CitraBlue® performs exceptionally well in shaded areas and grows more horizontally than vertically, helping it retain moisture, reduce watering needs, and decrease mowing frequency. Its growth habit also enhances resistance to weeds and other diseases. The turf’s rich, dark green–blue hue is the origin of its name.

Termites: A Hidden Structural Threat 

While lawns are under attack from SCMV, homes themselves face another growing concern: termite activity.
Palm Beach County is home to several aggressive species, including subterranean termites and the highly destructive Formosan termite. Because much of their activity occurs out of view, many homeowners don’t realize there is a problem until damage is extensive. “Termites are experts at going undetected,” says Paulo, Field Manager at Island Environmental. “By the time homeowners see wings, tubes, or wood damage, colonies have already established themselves.”

Why this matters now: 

• Warmer weather has extended swarming seasons
• Increased new construction can disrupt soil and drive termites into neighboring properties
• The cost of untreated termite damage can easily exceed $10,000–$30,000 

Proactive protection—rather than reactive treatment—is increasingly considered standard in South Florida’s coastal communities. 

The Mosquito Surge: A Problem for Comfort and Health 

Outdoor living is part of the Palm Beach lifestyle, but rising mosquito populations are making patios, pools, and gardens harder to enjoy. Higher rainfall totals, more standing water, and warmer evenings have contributed to an explosion of mosquito breeding cycles. Island Environmental uses a two-pronged mosquito program that targets both adult mosquitoes and their larvae: 

1. Misting, which dramatically reduces active adults
2. In2Care stations, which attract gravid mosquitoes and expose them to agents that eliminate larvae and interrupt breeding across the property

This approach provides long-term, sustainable protection—both for comfort and for reducing the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses. 

The New Rules of Luxury Lawn Maintenance 

Maintaining a premium landscape in Palm Beach requires more than standard practices. Homeowners should consider the following: 

1. Irrigation Precision
Overwatering and underwatering can both weaken turf and make it vulnerable to insects and disease. Smart irrigation adjustments can save lawns and reduce water waste.
2. Proper Fertilization
South Florida soils often lack key nutrients. The right treatment schedule strengthens roots and helps grass resist environmental stress.
3. Seasonal Strategy
Summer rains, winter dryness, and transitional seasons each require different care approaches.
4. Professional Oversight
Frequent inspections by trained professionals ensure minor issues are caught before they become expensive problems. 

“The best lawns aren’t lucky,” Charles notes. “They’re maintained through strategic care— especially in Palm Beach’s climate.” 

What Homeowners Can Do Now

Island Environmental recommends a simple but powerful approach: 

1. Schedule an annual lawn and property health assessment
2. Establish termite protection before activity is detected
3. Invest in mosquito prevention, not just reaction
4. Address unusual lawn symptoms immediately
5. Follow a customized, property-specific maintenance plan

For homeowners who have invested significantly in their landscape, these steps protect both beauty and property value. 

Expert Guidance for a Beautiful, Resilient Property 

Island Environmental’s team of specialists works exclusively in Palm Beach County, giving them firsthand knowledge of local climate patterns, pest behavior, and turf vulnerabilities. Whether addressing a spreading virus, implementing termite protection, or strengthening a home’s outdoor environment, the company’s approach combines science, prevention, and a deep understanding of South Florida’s unique ecosystem.