Cheval Landscape Services

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

Cheval, located in northwestern Hillsborough County within the Tampa Bay metro area, follows Gulf Coast/Southwest Florida regional protocols for green waste management. Residents should place yard waste—such as grass clippings, palm fronds, and small branches—curbside on designated collection days, bundled in 4-foot lengths and weighing under 50 pounds per bundle. Plastic bags are prohibited; use paper bags or reusable containers. Larger storm debris may require special pickup or drop-off at county transfer stations, which operate weekdays and require proof of residency. Commercial landscapers must use approved disposal sites and may be subject to fees. Never blow or dump debris, clippings, or fertilizer into streets, swales, or storm drains, as this violates the Clean Water Act and local MS4 stormwater rules.

Cheval Public Works Department
19105 Gunn Hwy, Odessa, FL 33556
Phone: (813) 272-5680
Official Website: Cheval Public Works Department

Lawn Care Regulations & Permits in Cheval, FL

Lawn care in Cheval is governed by a combination of state and local ordinances. The Florida Pesticide Law - Chapter 487 and Florida Statutes 403.9337 regulate pesticide and fertilizer use, including required commercial applicator certification under Florida Statutes 482.1562. Hillsborough County enforces a rainy-season fertilizer blackout (June 1–September 30), restricting nitrogen and phosphorus applications and requiring slow-release nitrogen. Irrigation is limited to twice weekly per Southwest Florida Water Management District rules, with rain sensors mandatory. Noise ordinances restrict equipment operation to 7 a.m.–7 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m.–5 p.m. on weekends. Commercial operators must maintain proper licensing, insurance, and vehicle compliance.

Cheval Development Services Department
601 E Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: (813) 272-5600
Official Website: Cheval Development Services Department

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

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve in Cheval, FL?

Cheval’s neighborhoods reflect the Gulf Coast’s sandy, shell-influenced soils and high water table. The Cheval West and Cheval East gated communities feature St. Augustinegrass lawns, thriving in full sun but requiring careful irrigation due to rapid drainage and chinch bug risk. The Estates at Cheval, with larger lots and mature oaks, face shade challenges and root competition, favoring zoysiagrass in shaded areas. The Clubside and Lakeside enclaves border ponds and wetlands, requiring strict fertilizer setbacks and stormwater-friendly practices. The Villas at Cheval, with smaller lots and HOA landscaping rules, often use drought-tolerant turf and micro-irrigation. Along Gunn Highway, commercial and mixed-use properties must manage runoff and comply with county stormwater infrastructure standards. All areas must observe fertilizer blackout periods, irrigation schedules, and proper debris disposal to protect local water bodies.

Partnering With Cheval’s Stormwater, Environmental, or Sustainability Office

Cheval coordinates with Hillsborough County’s Environmental Services and Stormwater Management to protect local ponds, wetlands, and the broader Tampa Bay watershed. Sustainable landscaping is promoted through:

• Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ education (Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program)
• Proper mowing and grasscycling
• Use of rain sensors and micro-irrigation
• Buffer zones along water bodies
• Reduced fertilizer and pesticide use
• Native and adapted plantings These efforts align with Florida DEP - Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) requirements and local environmental initiatives.

Hillsborough County Environmental Services
332 N Falkenburg Rd, Tampa, FL 33619
Phone: (813) 744-5671
Official Website: Hillsborough County Environmental Services

Top Cheval Lawn Problems (and How We Solve Them)

Cheval lawns face several region-specific challenges:

• Chinch bugs in St. Augustinegrass
• Dollarweed and sedges in wet, low-lying areas
• Large patch and gray leaf spot from humidity
• Nutrient leaching in sandy soils
• Standing water after heavy rain
• Sod webworms and armyworms in summer
• Salt stress near ponds or after storms

Science-based solutions include:

• Regular scouting and targeted treatment for pests (UF/IFAS Extension - Lawn Maintenance)
• Improving drainage and using raised beds in wet zones
• Applying slow-release fertilizers and following blackout rules
• Mowing at recommended heights and grasscycling
• Using salt-tolerant turf near water bodies
• Calibrating irrigation to avoid overwatering
• Following Best Management Practices for Your Lawn

What Makes Lawns in Cheval Different From the Rest of Florida?

Cheval’s Gulf Coast/Southwest Florida context sets it apart:

• USDA Hardiness Zone 9b: mild winters, rare frost
• Summer rainy season (June–September) with high humidity
• Sandy, shell-influenced soils with rapid drainage
• High water table and flood-prone low spots
• St. Augustinegrass dominant, with zoysiagrass in shaded or premium areas
• Strong chinch bug and fungal disease pressure
• Strict fertilizer blackout and stormwater protection rules
• Proximity to Tampa Bay and local ponds increases runoff sensitivity
• HOA and golf community landscaping standards

Supporting Local Events in Cheval With Lawn Expertise

Cheval’s lawn care professionals support a variety of community events:

• Parks and athletic field maintenance for tournaments and recreation
• Waterfront and golf course event preparation
• School functions and outdoor classroom spaces
• Neighborhood festivals and farmers markets
• Volunteer cleanup and beautification days
• Emergency response for tropical storm or hurricane debris
• Seasonal events at Cheval Park and community centers

Cheval Parks & Recreation Department
19105 Gunn Hwy, Odessa, FL 33556
Phone: (813) 264-3806
Official Website: Cheval Parks & Recreation Department

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

Cheval aligns with Florida-Friendly and water conservation goals by promoting:

• Smart irrigation controllers and rain shutoff devices
• Micro-irrigation for beds and foundation plantings
• Turf reduction in low-use or shaded areas
• Compost topdressing and mulch reuse
• Integrated pest management and reduced-chemical approaches
• Pollinator-friendly and native plantings
• Battery-powered equipment and route efficiency
• Compliance with Southwest Florida Water Management District watering rules

Cheval Utilities / Water Conservation Office
925 E Twiggs St, Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: (813) 307-1000
Official Website: Cheval Utilities / Water Conservation Office

Proudly Serving These Streets and Areas in Cheval

Cheval’s service area includes:

• Cheval West and Cheval East gated communities
• The Estates at Cheval
• Clubside, Lakeside, and The Villas at Cheval
• Major corridors: Gunn Highway, Lutz Lake Fern Road, and Dale Mabry Highway
• Cheval Boulevard, Avila Boulevard, and TPC Boulevard
• Cheval Park, TPC Tampa Bay Golf Course, and local lakes/ponds
• School zones: McKitrick Elementary, Martinez Middle, Steinbrenner High
• HOA-regulated areas and reclaimed water zones
• Flood-prone lowlands and pond-adjacent neighborhoods

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

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

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

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

Hillsborough County Solid Waste Management
201 S Falkenburg Rd, Tampa, FL 33619
Phone: (813) 272-5680
Official Website: Hillsborough County Solid Waste Management

Cheval’s approach to lawn care is rooted in regional science, environmental stewardship, and strong community partnerships, ensuring healthy landscapes and protected water resources for all residents.