A successful Texas lawn care program includes regular fertilization, proper mowing techniques, strategic watering, and pre-emergent and post-emergent weed control throughout the year. These core practices help your grass stay healthy despite our harsh conditions. Many homeowners skip important steps like soil testing or proper watering schedules, leading to disappointing results.
We’ve created this guide to help you navigate lawn care throughout all Texas seasons. You’ll learn when to fertilize, how to identify common problems, and simple ways to keep your grass looking great without wasting water or money. With these tips, you can enjoy a healthy lawn that stands up to HOA requirements and makes your property look its best.
Understanding Texas Lawn Types
Texas lawns require specific grass varieties that can withstand our challenging climate conditions. The right grass type for your lawn depends on your region, sun exposure, and maintenance preferences.
Bermuda Grass Care
Bermuda grass thrives in Texas heat and full sun conditions. This drought-resistant variety establishes quickly and can repair itself when damaged.
- Watering needs: 1 inch per week during the growing season.
- Mowing height: Keep between 1-2 inches tall.
- Fertilization: Apply nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during the growing season.
Bermuda grass goes dormant and turns brown in winter. This is normal and doesn’t mean it’s dead. Core aeration in spring reduces thatch buildup and improves water penetration. To maintain a healthy Bermuda lawn, treat for weeds before they appear. Pre-emergent herbicides work best when applied in early spring and fall.
St. Augustine Grass Maintenance
St. Augustine grass is popular in coastal and central Texas regions. It forms a thick, carpet-like turf that handles shade better than Bermuda grass.
- Water requirements: 1-1.5 inches weekly.
- Ideal mowing height: 2.5-4 inches.
- Fertilization schedule: Every 8-10 weeks during the growing season.
St. Augustine is susceptible to chinch bugs and brown patch fungus. Watch for yellowing patches or dry spots in summer, which may indicate pest issues. This grass type needs more water than Bermuda, but still benefits from deep, infrequent watering. Watering in the early morning can reduce fungal problems.
Fine Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass
Fine fescue and Kentucky bluegrass varieties are less common in Texas but can work in cooler, northern regions of the state.
These cool-season grasses:
- Prefer temperatures between 60-75°F
- Require more water than warm-season varieties
- Stay green during mild Texas winters
Kentucky bluegrass creates a lush, dark green lawn but struggles in extreme heat. It works best in partially shaded areas with consistent irrigation. Fine fescue varieties tolerate drought better than Kentucky bluegrass. They need less fertilizer and perform well in shady locations where other grasses fail.
Tall Fescue and Zoysia Grass Alternatives
Tall fescue offers good versatility for transitional Texas climates. It handles heat better than other cool-season grasses while maintaining color in mild winters.
Benefits of tall fescue:
- Deep root system (up to 2-3 feet)
- Moderate drought tolerance
- Less irrigation than Kentucky bluegrass
- Holds up well to moderate foot traffic
Zoysia grass provides excellent heat and drought tolerance for Texas lawns. It forms a dense, carpet-like turf that crowds out weeds naturally. Zoysia establishes slower than Bermuda but requires less fertilizer and water once established. Its finer texture makes it popular for a manicured appearance. We recommend mowing zoysia at 1-2 inches and fertilizing only 2-3 times per year.
Soil Health and Lawn Nutrition
Healthy soil provides the foundation for a vibrant Texas lawn. The right balance of nutrients and proper soil structure allows grass roots to thrive even in challenging conditions.
Testing and Amending Soil
Test your soil every 2-3 years to understand its pH level and nutrient content. Most Texas soils are alkaline (high pH), which can limit nutrient availability. To improve soil structure, address compaction through regular aeration. This process creates small holes in the soil, allowing water, air, and nutrients to penetrate deeper. For clay-heavy Texas soils, aeration is important in spring or fall.
Adding organic matter improves soil quality dramatically. Top-dressing with compost (¼ to ½ inch layer) helps break up clay soil and adds beneficial microorganisms. For sandy soils, organic matter helps retain moisture and nutrients. If your soil test shows high alkalinity, gradually adjust pH with sulfur-based amendments. This takes time, so patience is key.
Fertilization Essentials
Proper fertilization keeps your Texas lawn green and resilient, and we suggest using a slow-release fertilizer that provides nutrients gradually rather than all at once.
The best times to fertilize in Texas are:
- Early spring (March-April)
- Late spring (May-June)
- Fall (September-October)
Fertilizer numbers (like 16-4-8) represent:
- First number: Nitrogen (N) – promotes leaf growth
- Second number: Phosphorus (P) – supports root development
- Third number: Potassium (K) – enhances overall health
Texas lawns generally need more nitrogen in spring and more potassium in fall. Always water thoroughly after fertilizing to help nutrients reach the root zone.
Balancing Nitrogen and Potassium
Nitrogen is crucial for leaf growth and vibrant green color in your lawn. Too little causes yellowing, while excess promotes rapid growth that attracts pests and requires more mowing. For warm-season grasses common in Texas (like Bermuda and St. Augustine), apply 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per application. Split this into several applications throughout the growing season.
Potassium strengthens grass against drought, disease, and temperature extremes – all common challenges in Texas. Increasing potassium before summer heat or winter cold improves lawn resilience.
The ideal N ratio changes with seasons:
- Spring/Summer: Higher nitrogen (like 3:1 N ratio)
- Fall: Higher potassium (like 1:1 N ratio)
Avoid fertilizing during drought conditions or when temperatures exceed 85°F, as this can damage your lawn.
Lawn Watering and Irrigation
Water management is crucial for maintaining healthy lawns in Texas’s challenging climate. Proper irrigation practices can save money, conserve water, and promote deeper root growth in your grass.
Creating an Efficient Watering Schedule
Early morning watering (between 4-8 AM) is ideal for Texas lawns, as this reduces evaporation and helps prevent fungal diseases that can develop with evening watering. Most Texas lawns need about 1 inch of water per week, though this varies by season and grass type. During summer heat, you may need to increase frequency, while spring and fall require less frequent watering.
Rather than daily light sprinkling, water deeply and less frequently. This approach encourages roots to grow deeper, making your lawn more drought-resistant. Adjust your schedule based on recent rainfall. If it rained significantly, delay your next watering session. Remember that overwatering wastes resources and can cause root rot or fungal problems.
Installing an Irrigation System
A properly designed irrigation system delivers water efficiently and evenly across your lawn. Sprinkler heads should be positioned to avoid overlap or missed spots. Check your system monthly for leaks, clogs, or misaligned heads, as a single broken sprinkler can waste hundreds of gallons and create brown spots in your lawn.
Use drip irrigation for garden beds and shrubs, while rotary or spray heads work well for grassy areas. Each zone should be tailored to the specific water needs of that area. Smart controllers are also worth the investment. These devices automatically adjust watering schedules based on weather data and soil moisture levels. Consider hiring a professional for initial installation. Though costlier upfront, professional installation typically provides better coverage and fewer long-term issues.
Utilizing Rain Sensors
Rain sensors are simple devices that prevent your irrigation system from running during or after precipitation. They can reduce water usage by 15-20% annually. Most sensors work by measuring rainfall amounts and automatically shutting off your system when sufficient moisture is detected. This prevents the wasteful practice of watering during rain. Smart rain sensors can be integrated with your phone for remote monitoring. This technology allows you to check moisture levels and make adjustments even when you’re away from home.
Installation is relatively simple and typically costs between $50 and $150. We recommend placing sensors in open areas where they can accurately measure rainfall without interference from trees or structures. Remember to check sensor functionality twice yearly. Over time, debris or mineral buildup can affect accuracy, so regular maintenance ensures your sensor continues to work properly.
Pest Management and Lawn Repair
Texas lawns face unique challenges from pests and environmental stress. Proper management of these issues keeps your grass healthy and vibrant throughout the year.
Combatting Weeds and Insects
Weeds compete with your lawn for nutrients and water, but applying pre-emergent herbicides in early spring (February-March) and fall (September-October) can prevent weed seeds from germinating. For existing weeds, spot-treat with post-emergent herbicides appropriate for your grass type. Be careful with application during hot summer months, as chemicals can damage stressed grass.
Common Texas lawn insects include chinch bugs, grubs, and armyworms. Watch for brown patches or thinning grass as signs of infestation. Apply insecticides specifically labeled for your pest problem, but always follow label instructions carefully for safe and effective treatment.
Signs of insect damage:
- Yellow or brown patches that don’t respond to watering
- Grass that pulls up easily from the soil
- Visible insects when you part the grass blades
Aeration and Overseeding
Texas soil often becomes compacted, preventing water, nutrients, and oxygen from reaching the grass roots. Aeration solves this problem by creating small holes in your lawn. The best time to aerate cool-season grasses is fall, while warm-season grasses (like Bermuda or St. Augustine) benefit from late spring aeration. Rent a core aerator from your local hardware store for the best results.
After aerating, consider overseeding bare or thin patches. Choose grass seed varieties that match your existing lawn and are appropriate for the Texas climate. Water newly seeded areas lightly twice daily until germination, then gradually reduce to a normal watering schedule.
Aeration benefits:
- Improves soil drainage
- Reduces thatch buildup
- Enhances fertilizer effectiveness
- Promotes stronger root development
Dealing with Fire Ants
Fire ants are a common Texas lawn problem, creating unsightly mounds and delivering painful stings. We recommend a two-part approach to control these aggressive pests. First, use bait products containing insect growth regulators around your yard perimeter. These slow-acting baits are carried into the colony by worker ants and eventually kill the queen.
For individual mounds, drench treatments provide quick results. Mix a liquid insecticide according to label directions and pour directly onto the mound. Prevention is also important. Keep your lawn well-maintained with regular mowing and remove food sources like fallen fruit or pet food left outdoors.
For persistent problems, call professional pest control services that specialize in fire ant management. Many offer quarterly treatment plans that provide year-round protection for your Texas lawn.
Get in touch to discuss your lawn’s needs and ways to maintain it year-round.
