Texas weather has long been known for its reputation. Old timers refer to it as the wild west of weather because one week it may be spring and the next it may be summer. Cold fronts move in from the Plains states, humidity comes in from the Gulf, and long dry spells may appear out of nowhere.
For a homeowner in Texas, this type of weather pattern presents a real challenge in maintaining a healthy lawn. Grass types such as Bermuda and St. Augustine are prevalent in Texas and have a tendency to thrive in this type of weather pattern. A warm front may cause them to come in too early, and a sudden cold snap may cause them to go dormant.
The difference between a struggling lawn and a thriving lawn may come down to understanding how the weather in Texas may affect lawn care decisions. Here is how the weather affects your lawn care.
1. Early Spring: Reading the Soil, Not the Calendar
The biggest mistake that people make is to treat their lawns as a calendar event. This is, of course, not true, especially when it comes to Texas, as the soil temperature is more important than the date.
Grass and weeds both respond to the soil temperature. Two important thresholds must be met for proper spring lawn care:
- Soil Temperature of 50°F – Time to apply pre-emergent herbicide to prevent crabgrass and other weeds from growing during the summer
- Soil Temperature of 65°F – Time to fertilize warm-season grass types, such as Bermuda or St. Augustine
Lawns in San Antonio, Texas, tend to come alive earlier than the rest of the country. This is the reason why many people opt for professional help, especially for lawn care in San Antonio, as experts know the soil temperature and apply the right treatment at the right time, as opposed to guessing.
2. Late Spring: The Growth Surge
Texas lawns are in their prime come late springtime. Warm-season grasses transition from dormancy to vigorous growth as daytime temperatures stabilize between the 70s and 80s.
The key maintenance activities to undertake during this period include:
- Mowing to avoid scalping and promote density
- Fertilization to promote strong root growth
- Spot control of broadleaf weeds that may have missed earlier control measures
- Aeration, particularly on compacted clay soils, which are common in Texas
A lush spring lawn lays the foundation for strong root growth to withstand what’s to come. You see, summer in Texas is not just hot; it’s relentless.
3. Summer: When Lawns Enter Survival Mode
July and August put Texas lawns in survival mode, with daily high temperatures above 95°F and unpredictable rainfall. If not properly watered, your lawn can quickly deteriorate. Therefore, during summer, your goal is simple: to preserve your lawn’s root system. The best way to do this is through deep and infrequent watering.
Rather than watering your lawn lightly every day, water your lawn about 1 to 1.5 inches per week, divided into two or three sessions. This forces your grass’s roots to grow deeper, where water is available longer.
Shallow watering, on the other hand, causes your grass’s roots to grow shallowly, making your lawn extremely susceptible to heat stress.
What else to do:
- Raising the mowing height slightly
- Avoiding heavy fertilizer applications
- Watering early in the morning
- Watching closely for insect damage
When handled properly, even extreme heat does not have to destroy a Texas lawn.
4. The Drought Factor
Texas is known for its drought cycles. In dry years, lawns may slow down or go dormant in some areas. However, this does not necessarily mean that the lawn is dying. Warm-season types such as Bermuda are surprisingly hardy. They just conserve energy until moisture returns.
Some tips to help lawns survive a drought include:
- Water lawns deeply but less often
- Don’t cut your lawn too short
- Minimize foot traffic during extreme heat
- Make sure irrigation systems are working well
Even under watering restrictions, strategic watering will keep the crown of the grass alive and help it come back faster when rain returns.
5. Fall: Recovery and Preparation
Fall is an opportunity for lawns to recover. The temperature drops, and the rain falls more reliably. Lawns recover from the stress of the summer. This is the time for:
- Fall fertilization for stronger root development
- Pre-emergent for winter weed control
- Overseeding some Bermuda lawns for winter color
- Ongoing mowing until the grass slows its growth
6. Winter Dormancy: The Quiet Season
Texas winters are mild compared to the rest of the country, but warm-season grasses still go dormant. Bermuda grass and St. Augustine turn brown as the growth process comes to a stop.
During the winter season, the following activities occur:
- There is a slowdown in mowing
- Fertilizing comes to a complete stop
- Preventing weeds is the main focus
Final Thoughts
The weather in Texas is always an interesting factor when it comes to lawn care. From the dormancy of winter, the growth spurt of spring, and the scorching heat of summer, each season plays a role in the growth and survival of grass.
Being aware of soil temperature, watering deeply but infrequently, and being vigilant for pests and diseases can go a long way in maintaining healthy warm-season grass types, such as Bermuda and St. Augustine.
The best results are realised from consistency. Lawns respond well when care is planned according to the season, rather than guessing. This can go a long way in maintaining a healthy, hardy, and lush lawn despite the unpredictable weather in Texas.
