As temperatures drop and winter starts to approach, it’s easy to assume your lawn won’t need much attention as things cool off.  However, winter lawn care is crucial for maintaining healthy, lush grass year-round.  In Texas, our winter weather can be unpredictable, ranging from mild and dry to frosty and wet, so taking steps now will ensure your lawn bounces back beautifully in the spring.  Here are a few things you can do to keep your lawn thriving even during the cooler months.

1. Prep Your Lawn Before Winter

   • In Texas, it’s common to use warm-season grasses like Bermuda, St. Augustine, and Zoysia.  These grasses will go dormant in the winter, which reduces their need for maintenance, but it doesn’t eliminate it completely.  Before the first frost, complete some seasonal lawn prep by doing the following:
     • Mow your lawn one last time. Cut the grass slightly higher than you normally do to protect the roots from potential frost and provide some insulation.
     • Rake leaves and debris. Allowing leaves to sit on your lawn through winter can block sunlight and trap moisture, creating the opportunity for fungus to grow.  Consider mulching leaves to add the nutrients back to the soil.
     • Fertilize with a winter fertilizer. A fertilizer that is high in potassium will strengthen grass roots, helping them survive winter stress and boost the color in the spring.  The fertilizer type and application should fit your specific type of grass, so if you’re unsure you may want to consult with a professional.

2. Adjust Your Watering Schedule

   • Here in Texas, our winters are generally fairly mild.  Even so, your lawn will require some moisture, especially when the weather is dry.  Here are a few watering tips to keep in mind:
     • Monitor rainfall. If your area hasn’t received at least an inch of rain in the last two to three weeks, your lawn likely requires a light watering.
     • Water early in the day. Watering early in the day prevents the water from freezing on the grass overnight and protects it from additional damage from frost.

3. Control Weeds Before They Spread

   • Winter weeds, like clover and chickweed, can take over your lawn while the grass is dormant for winter.  Fall is a great time to apply pre-emergent herbicide to stop those weeds from germinating. If the weeds show up during winter, it’s best to hand-pull or spot-treat them to prevent them from spreading.

4. Overseed for a Green Winter Lawn

   • If you’d like to keep your lawn green all winter, overseeding with a cool weather grass is a great option.  Cool weather grass, like ryegrass, will stay green during the winter and your warm weather grass will return in the spring.  A professional can help with this process if you’d like the results but aren’t sure how to achieve them on your own.

5. Don’t Forget About Lawn Pests

   • Many common lawn pests will be dormant over the winter, but some, like grubs, remain active beneath the surface of your lawn.  If you’ve noticed discoloration in your lawn, bare spots, or a pest problem, it’s best to not assume winter will take care of it.  Consider applying a pest control treatment before winter to protect your lawn from additional damage.

6. Consider Updating Landscaping and Flowers for Winter Color

   • Though it’s not directly related to the lawn itself, updating the flowers and landscaping in your yard to offer winter blooms and foliage colors is a great way to liven up your outdoor space during the cooler months.  Having landscaping that brings life to each season allows your yard to be enjoyed year-round.  Professional landscapers can recommend the best and most vibrant choices for your yard.

7. Professional Care Helps Achieve Optimal Results

   • Great lawn care in the winter can help relieve the stresses of trying to recover your lawn in the spring.  Lawns and Sprinklers USA has a team of lawncare experts who know exactly the lawns in Seabrook, League City, and the surrounding area need to survive winter and thrive in the spring.

Taking steps in the winter to care for your lawn reduces the difficulty of creating a lush lawn when spring rolls around.  If you want professional help prepping, fertilizing, or maintaining your lawn over the winter, the lawn care experts at Lawns and Sprinklers USA have you covered.  Contact us today to schedule your winter lawn care services and we’ll help keep your lawn and landscape looking its best!