North Texas Winter Lawn Treatments

As the winter season approaches in North Texas, it’s essential to give your lawn the care it needs to thrive when spring arrives. While your grass may go dormant, your lawn still benefits from targeted treatments to combat seasonal challenges. Here’s what you need to know about winter lawn treatments in North Texas, including the importance of pre-emergent herbicides, fungus prevention, and other key steps.

Pre-Emergent Herbicides

Applying a pre-emergent herbicide in late fall or early winter is one of the most effective ways to prevent weeds like henbit, chickweed, and poa annua from overtaking your lawn. These herbicides stop weed seeds from germinating, helping you maintain a healthy lawn through the colder months. We have mild winters in North Texas, which means we have a longer time period for applying these pre-emergents.

Tips for Pre-Emergent Application:

• Apply when soil temperatures are consistently around 50-55°F.
• Water the lawn lightly after application to activate the herbicide.
• Avoid overseeding your lawn, as pre-emergents inhibit grass seed growth.

Pro-tip: Avoid applying pre-emergent herbicide around the time of a freeze, as it needs to be activated in soil temperatures between 50-55°F to effectively create a barrier against weeds.

Fungus Control

Winter can create conditions conducive to lawn diseases, especially if your grass stays damp for extended periods. Common fungi like brown patch or rust fungus will wreak havoc on dormant lawns.

Fungus Prevention Tips:

• Avoid overwatering your lawn in winter, as excess moisture can encourage fungal growth.
• Use a fungicide designed for your grass type if you notice early signs of disease, such as discolored patches.
• Rake and remove fallen leaves, as they trap moisture and create breeding grounds for disease.

Hardy (2023) but more advanced infestations may require calling in a professional:

• If over 50% of the lawn is affected
• For a rapid-spreading disease like pythium blight
• If the disease continues to spread after multiple fungicide applications
• For lawn replacement if turf is extensively damaged 

Go to our lawn fertilization and weed control service page for details on how we can help.

Common Winter Lawn Fungi in North Texas

Brown Patch

• Appears as circular brown patches on the lawn, often caused by excessive moisture and cool weather.
• Common in warm-season grasses like St. Augustine and Bermuda.

Dollar Spot

• Small, silver-dollar-sized spots of discoloration that merge into larger patches over time.
• Often occurs in under-fertilized lawns or those with low nitrogen levels.

Gray Leaf Spot

• Yellow or brown lesions on grass blades that spread, creating thinning or bare areas.
• Most common on St. Augustine grass during humid weather.

Powdery Mildew

• White, powdery growth on grass blades, often found in shaded areas with poor air circulation.
• Can weaken the lawn and make it susceptible to other issues.

Fairy Rings

• Circular rings of discolored or lush green grass, often with mushrooms growing in or around the area.
• Caused by fungal growth in the soil and organic material decomposition.

Rust Fungus

• Grass blades develop orange or yellow powdery spores that rub off easily.
• Occurs in stressed lawns with low nutrient levels or irregular watering.

Soil Health and Fertilization

While heavy fertilization isn’t necessary during winter dormancy, soil treatments set the stage for healthy growth in spring.

Winter Soil Treatments:

• Conduct a soil test to determine pH and nutrient levels.
• Apply lime or sulfur as needed to adjust soil pH for optimal grass growth.
• Use a slow-release fertilizer designed for winter to provide your lawn with nutrients without encouraging excess growth.

Other Winter Lawn Care Tips

1. Remove Debris: Keep your lawn free of leaves, sticks, and other debris to prevent moisture buildup and fungal growth. Contact us to find out about our leaf removal service.
2. Limit Foot Traffic: Dormant grass is more susceptible to damage, so avoid heavy foot traffic on your lawn.
3. Monitor Watering Needs: If rainfall is scarce, water your lawn sparingly to prevent dehydration, especially during warm spells.

Read one of our other articles for more Winter Lawn Care Tips.

Conclusion

Winter lawn treatments are crucial for ensuring a healthy, vibrant yard when spring arrives. By properly caring for your lawn, you will keep weeds and diseases at bay while preparing your lawn for new growth.

Applying pre-emergent herbicides and caring for fungi infected lawns are two essential North Texas winter lawn care treatments. With proper care, even the dormant season is an opportunity to set your lawn up for success.

For tailored advice and professional lawn care services in North Texas, contact us at Ryno Lawn Care today!

References:

Hardy, K. (2023, September 18). Lawn fungus control: a complete guide to getting rid of grass diseases. Gardening Latest. https://gardeninglatest.com/lawn-fungus-control-getting-rid-of-grass-diseases/