Year-Round Texas Lawn Care Calendar: Month-by-Month Guide

Mastering Houston’s Unique Growing Seasons

Unlike northern climates with harsh freezes and snow cover, Gulf Coast lawns experience a prolonged growing season from March through November. Staying on top of timing ensures weeds never take hold and turf stays resilient during July and August heatwaves.

Spring (March – May): Awakening & Weed Prevention

• March: Apply spring pre-emergent herbicide when soil temperatures reach 55°F to block crabgrass and broadleaf weeds. Inspect sprinkler heads for winter freeze damage.
• April: First fertilization of the year using a slow-release nitrogen formula (e.g., 3-1-2 or 4-1-2 ratio) once the lawn has been mowed twice.
• May: Top-dress and aerate compacted clay soil to promote deep root development before summer heat sets in.

Summer (June – August): Heat Defense & Irrigation Management

• June: Raise mower blade height by 0.5 inches to provide shade for grass roots and reduce moisture evaporation.
• July: Water deeply and infrequently (1 to 1.5 inches per week in the early morning) to prevent fungal leaf spot diseases.
• August: Monitor for chinch bugs and sod webworms in St. Augustine lawns; apply targeted insect management if yellow patches emerge.

Fall (September – November): Recovery & Pre-Winter Prep

• September: Apply fall pre-emergent herbicide to stop winter weeds like Poa annua (annual bluegrass) and henbit.
• October: Apply winterizer fertilizer high in potassium to strengthen cell walls and roots against cold snaps.
• November: Refresh mulch beds to 3 inches thickness around trees and flower beds to insulate roots from sudden freezes.

Winter (December – February): Rest & System Maintenance

Keep turf clear of fallen leaves, minimize heavy foot traffic on dormant grass, and schedule sprinkler system audits and backflow testing ahead of spring.