Winter in North Texas is unique. We have a mix of mild temperatures to hard freezes. Some years we even get the rare light snowfall. Caring for your lawn during this season requires a specific approach. To keep your yard healthy and ready for spring, follow these do’s and don’ts of winter lawn care.
Do: Continue Watering, But Adjust Frequency
While North Texas winters are mild, your lawn still needs water to stay healthy. Water your grass when the soil is dry, but reduce the frequency compared to summer.
Once every two to three weeks will suffice, depending on rainfall. Avoid watering before a freeze to prevent damage to your lawn.
Don’t: Overwater Your Lawn
Overwatering during winter leads to root rot and other fungal diseases. With cooler temperatures and dormant grass, the lawn requires less hydration.
Use a rain gauge or moisture meter to ensure you’re not overdoing it.
Do: Mow Occasionally
Even though most warm-season grasses like Bermuda and St. Augustine go dormant in winter, you may notice some growth during warmer stretches. Keep your mower handy and trim the grass lightly when needed. Set your mower to a higher blade height to avoid stressing the grass.
We offer a lawn care programs to take care of all your winter lawn care needs.
Don’t: Forget to Remove Debris
Leaves, twigs, and other debris will smother your lawn. Not to mention, create a breeding ground for lawn pests and diseases.
Regularly rake and remove debris to allow your grass to breathe and absorb sunlight. Schedule a leaf removal service by Ryno Lawn Care today.
Do: Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicides
Winter is the perfect time to tackle weeds before they become a problem. Apply a pre-emergent herbicide in late winter to prevent pesky weeds like crabgrass and dandelions from taking root in spring. Follow the product’s instructions carefully for the best results.
Don’t: Ignore Weeds
If winter weeds are already sprouting, don’t wait for spring to deal with them. Use a post-emergent herbicide or manually remove them to keep your lawn weed-free.
Read one of our other articles titled, “How to Kill Winter Weeds in My Yard.”
Do: Fill in Bare Spots with Sod
If your lawn has bare spots, winter is a good time to address them. Laying sod provides an immediate solution. Choose sod that matches your existing grass type and water it sparingly during the winter months.
Don’t: Skip Soil Testing
Healthy lawns start with healthy soil. Test your soil’s pH and nutrient levels during the winter months.
This will help you determine what your lawn needs, such as lime or fertilizer, to thrive in the coming spring.
Do: Fertilize with Caution
Use a winter-specific fertilizer designed for North Texas lawns. These fertilizers typically have lower nitrogen levels to prevent excessive growth and focus on strengthening the roots. Apply in late fall or early winter for the best results.
Don’t: Use High-Nitrogen Fertilizers
Avoid fertilizers with high nitrogen content during winter. These promote unnecessary growth, leaving your lawn vulnerable to damage during freezes.
Strickland (2021) you do not want to apply a fertilizer containing Nitrogen after August or before April/May. Fertilizing with nitrogen too late or too early in the year can set up your warm-season lawn for winter injury because the nitrogen will be encouraging the lawn to green-up and grow too early or too late for our climate.
Do: Prepare for Freezes
Freezing temperatures, though rare in North Texas, can still harm your lawn. Cover sensitive plants and ensure your irrigation system is winterized to prevent frozen pipes and sprinkler heads.
Kufert (n.d.) place cardboard boxes, large trash cans, or plastic tubs over outdoor plants. Be sure to cover the plants all the way to the ground. The warmth from the soil is what keeps the plant warm, since the soil takes longer to freeze.
Don’t: Walk on a Frozen Lawn
Walking on frost-covered grass will cause the blades to break and lead to long-term damage. Wait for the frost to melt before stepping on your lawn.
Final Thoughts
Winter lawn care in North Texas requires balance and attention to detail. By following these do’s and don’ts, your lawn will stay healthy through the colder months. As well as be ready to thrive in spring. For expert help with your winter lawn care needs, contact Ryno Lawn Care today!
References:
Kufert, D. (n.d.). How to protect plants before a freeze. Collin County Master Gardener. https://ccmgatx.org/resources/articles/article-repository/2021/november/how-protect-plants-before-a-freeze/#:~:text=Place%20cardboard%20boxes%2C%20large%20trash,soil%20takes%20longer%20to%20freeze.
Strickland, J. (2021, September 1). Think twice before fertilizing your lawn this fall. N.C. Cooperative Extension. https://wayne.ces.ncsu.edu/2021/09/think-twice-before-fertilizing-your-lawn-this-fall/
