If you’re a Central Texas homeowner, you know that lawn care isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” task. Our unique climate means your lawn’s needs change with each season, and keeping it healthy requires attention year-round.
Here’s your quick and dirty (no pun intended) guide to seasonal lawn care in Central Texas:
Spring: Wake it Up
(Why start in the spring instead of the winter??? Because most people forget about their lawns until the spring, so we are starting here).
Spring all about getting your grass back in shape and preparing it for the heat of summer. Spring is where you can gain some growth in the visible parts of the plant (roots develop most in the fall).
Tips:
- Fertilize: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to give your lawn a nutrient boost as it begins to grow. This ensures that the fertilizer feeds your grass over time. You can do this via a bag and spreader from Home Depot or you can hire a professional that will match your lawn with specialized fertilizers.
- Aerate: Winter’s compacted soil can hinder root growth. Aerating helps water, nutrients, and air reach the roots more effectively. This in turn will allow for the grass “leafs” to thrive.
- Mow Regularly: As grass starts to grow, mow your lawn regularly, keeping the grass height between 2.5 to 3 inches. This encourages healthy growth and reduces stress on the roots. 2.5-3 inches is a generalization. Each grass type and microclimate will prefer a slightly different height for optimal conditions (ex: bermuda prefers to be cut shorter than St. Augustine).
Summer: Beat the Heat
Central Texas summers are tough on lawns. Maintain the ground you gained in the spring. Present your lawn from being damaged. With temperatures often exceeding 100°F, your primary focus should be water management and protection from the intense heat.
Tips:
- Water Wisely: Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation. Deep watering encourages root growth, making your lawn more drought-resistant. Want to know more about how to do this? Call and ask or get one of our irrigators to help you out.
- Mow Higher: Set your mower to a higher setting, leaving your grass slightly longer. This provides shade to the soil, reduces evaporation, and helps prevent weed growth. This tip applies more to St. Augustine than Bermuda.
- Weed Out: Summer is prime weed-growing season. Keep an eye out for weeds and apply an appropriate herbicide early to prevent new growth.
Fall: Prep for Freeze
Fall is the perfect time to prepare your lawn for the coming winter months and to set it up for a healthy spring.
Tips:
- Fertilize Again: Fall fertilization is crucial for strong root development. Use a fertilizer with high potassium content to help your grass endure the cold.
- Top Dress: You can apply topdressing in the fall but it is a smaller window than the spring.
- Rake Fallen Leaves: While autumn leaves are beautiful, they can smother your grass if left too long. Regularly rake them to allow your lawn to breathe.
Winter: Let it Rest
Winter in Central Texas is generally mild, but a hard freeze can still damage your lawn. The key during the winter months is protecting your lawn while it rests.
Tips:
- Limit Foot Traffic: Avoid walking on your dormant lawn, as it’s more susceptible to damage.
- Water Occasionally: Even when dormant, your lawn still needs water. Water it every week during dry spells, but avoid over-watering.
- Prep for Freeze: If a light freeze is expected, water your lawn the day before to ensure the roots are hydrated. If it is going to be a deep and prolonged freeze (several days well below freezing then DO NOT WATER before). Adding a layer of mulch around trees and plants helps insulate them from the cold.
If you feel like this is more than you can handle, click the link below.
Seriously, you deserve a break—and the best lawn.