Throughout fall, watering depends partially on the state of your lawn. The grass will experience higher stress during the winter months due to lower moisture and colder temperatures. Given the summer heat in the Houston area and the everlasting need to preserve natures precious resources, its always a good idea to have a basic maintenance plan for your yard. In general, its best to continue watering your grass during the fall. Plus, of course, what Mother Nature doles out, so my basic irrigation schedule takes temperatures and rainfall into consideration. For the most part, depending on the type in your yard, grass goes dormant and stops growing for the season when daytime temperatures regularly fall below 50F. How Often to Water Grass in North Texas. Relieving the strain on the lawn during the winter will make it easier to revive when spring comes. It's also bad for the lawn since watering in the heat of the day tends to put stress on the grass. If your area receives one inch or more of precipitation per week you dont need to water. Get highlights, trending news, and behind-the-scenes insights from Houston Public Media delivered to your inbox each week. Fortunately, we have lots of modern tools to help us know about this condition in advance, so you can plan for the all-important seasonal sprinkler blowout and keep all of your underground piping and sprinkler heads from bursting in the freeze. However, you will still need to be prepared to water during dry spells, just like in the summertime. The formula in lawn fertilizers can change by region. Sprinklers should be set to run for about 30 to 35 minutes at a time twice a week. Most lawn experts recommend watering your grass until the soil or ground temperature reaches the 40-degree Fahrenheit mark. 0000024764 00000 n 0000048768 00000 n Need help with your landscaping? A healthy lawn will help prevent against insect infestations. If it is difficult to push the tool in, then the yard needs more moisture. 10 Pallet Garden Ideas to Bring New Life to Your Yard, Why Dog Pee Kills Your Grass (and How to Fix your Lawn), How to Protect Grass from an Inflatable Pool. To get a good idea of whats happening under your grass, youll need to monitor the weather. Daffodils and tulips make their early presence known, and of course, there is your Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you. Since lawns need 1-1.5 inches of water per week, many factors determine the amount of water your grass requires weekly. Its best to keep it watered right through October sometimes, but it all depends on your individual lawn and its individual needs. Since we dont get much snow in Houston, its important to keep watering the lawn to provide the moisture needed to remain healthy through the winter. During this time, as the temperatures drop, the roots will grow, continuing to seek moisture. Theres nothing like a healthy, green lawn, and I always want it to look that way. Please visit our Houston, TX lawn care page for more information. Try to ensure the waterings are deep to attempt to encourage deeper root development. What is Lawn Treatment and Why is it Important? The insulation also allows for the soil to maintain its moisture better. The grass needs time to absorb the water when it's cool, and watering at night just invites mildew and disease. As temperatures drop, the threat of weeds and diseases rises for ones lawn. 0000049970 00000 n Commercial lawn irrigation recommends watering all lawn zones at least 30 minutes, and spraying the spray zones at least 10 minutes. 0000032058 00000 n 0000001790 00000 n If your lawn is receiving at least one inch of water per week during the autumn months, then you do not have to water it. 0000004098 00000 n What do I need to know about, To answer these questions and keep Houston landscapes lush, Green Bee Lawn Care has put together this helpful guide to. Call us at 281-431-7441 for the best quality St. Augustine grass sod available in the Houston area. What 4, While the Texas economy has become more diversified over the last several decades, our states oil and gas sector continues to play an important role, Demand for rental property in Texas is driven by various factors, including a robust job market, strong in-migration, a lower cost of living, and business-friendly, Redistricting is the process of redrawing district boundaries to guarantee equal voter representation. An automatic sprinkler system can make this part easy. Once you start seeing signs of damage in your grass then its more than likely too late for any reparative action. When it comes to mowing your St. Augustine, a typical height is about 2-4 inches. How long should I run my sprinklers in Texas? If this is necessary, only water the sparser patches that need to build extra growth, not the whole lawn. Do not water every day or two. In the end, we want to find a happy medium between a healthy lawn and good environmental stewardship. But there are other options too, including Zoysia and Bermuda, which dont need much water. Water slowly so that the moisture soaks into the soil and you don't waste water with runoff. 2023 Texas A&M AgriLife. In this case, you can use that feature to adjust the amount you normally water to less for cooler seasons. When should I stop watering the grass before winter? This watering will also help to prevent winter mites when the time comes. Watering lawns properly can prevent wasted water, promote healthy grass growth and prevent problems including disease. So, 20 minutes, three times per week will give a lawn about an inch of water. Water droplets that stay on the grass all night will spread the Brown Patch spores. water until its full. Remember that the days are shorter, and the sun doesn't hold its intensity for nearly as long as the summer months. In colder parts of the country, this will happen part way through fall. So, do you water grass in the winter? You Can Also Call Us at (512) 797-1640, Copyright 2023 Grass Works Lawn Care - Austin TX, General Clean Ups/Yard Cleanups/Leaf Removal, Sprinkler / Irrigation Repairs & Installation, Commercial Mowing, Maintenance & Service Agreements. The publication discusses soil types, grass varieties, management practices, and watering techniques. As important as it is to water your lawn in the fall until the ground freezes, its just as important not to overwater it. How Much Does a Vinyl Inground Pool Cost? Normally, this is not a problem because the main shut-off, zone valves and heads are below ground and stay relatively insulated. Those two easy steps will keep your neighbors thinking the grass really is greener on the other side of the fence. However, if the temperatures do dip down into the 20s, or temperatures remain below 32 degrees for an extended period of time, your irrigation system can be damaged. Our professionals recommend you always following water restrictions, but also contemplate such parts to determine watering run times as well. The publication discusses soil types, grass varieties, management practices, and watering techniques. Have more questions about how Houstons local watering restrictions affect your lawn and landscape? Remember to focus on your watering when the temperature is low and there's not much wind. A slow-release fertilizer is great to apply as you keep watering. Love lawns as much as we do? In California, the ground does not freeze during the winter, and this begs the question, should you continue watering the grass through the winter. As the old saying goes: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. has expanded to other areas of the state such as the greater Austin and Houston areas and cities in West Texas, including Lubbock and San Angelo. 'This is a critical time that should be . It makes a lot of sense to educate yourself on the particular varieties that constitute your lawn so you can make an educated decision on when its time to stop the sprinklers for the year. If the grass gets too tall then the amount of mulch produced could smother the grass similar to fallen tree leaves in the late fall and winter. 4:14p, 5/24/17. Diseases can set in if your lawn is receiving too much moisture. If youre unsure of the seasonal details when it comes to taking care of your yard in the chillier (and freezing) months, youve come to the right place. Leaves covering the lawn keeps the much-needed sunlight from your grass. This will be sometime between October and December, based on where you live, and typically means you need to start preparing for winter. Aerating is one of the best ways to revitalize your lawn after it was trampled on all summer. He says 4am is a good time to water the lawn. Call Now: 972.895.2001. 1. Simply shut off the main water supply to your system and open the drain valves at the end of each zone. Full court probate. This fast spreading annual broadleaf weed takes its name from its popularity with chickens. The fall, while the air is cool but the soil still warm, is the best time to overseed: sow additional grass seed over parts of the lawn where the grass is thin or where there are bare patches. How Much Does Sprinkler Repair Cost in 2023. The reduced intensity of the sun does mean you can cut back on the quantity of water, but remember growth is still happening even if you cant see it above the ground, so watering and fertilizer (slow release is a great idea) is still a must. Have questions about lawn care? Members are hearing testimony from subject-matter experts as well as policy advocates,, $75,000. Follow these steps to prepare the lawn for winter and ensure the Bermuda grass stays happy and healthy: Winter lawn care is an important step that homeowners can take to ensure a healthy and vibrant summer lawn. If the grass is only sleeping, you should conduct a tug of war test. Keep it healthy for all of central Texas. Whether you are a DIY, lawn-loving, gardening guru, or someone who wants help in picking a local lawn care professional, we can smooth your path to a beautiful backyard! Generally speaking, once the ground is frozen, you dont need to water your lawn anymore because it has gone dormant for the season. The hope is for the notice to be lifted late Monday or early Tuesday. This course provides 4 hours of continuing education units for Texas Landscape Architects, Professional Engineers, and others who self-report. As a result, it is critical to thoroughly and evenly apply the water throughout the lawn. Considering your location, the soil, and weather, the best time to weed and feed should be when the temperature is around 12C (53F) and more. This palm-sized flip deck features photographs and line drawings of 61 aquatic plants commonly found in Texas. This booklet explains how homeowners can establish a water management program for a home lawn that both maintains a healthy sod and also conserves water. The mulch should be spread throughout your yard evenly. Protecting the lawn from winter weeds can be done in a variety of ways. Fill out the form below and we'll get back to you within a few hours. The deeper, more infrequent watering allows the soil to dry between waterings which is key to encouraging deeper root growth as the plants seek moisture. Since snow is rare, we need to water the lawn all winter 1-2 inches of water a week. Next, use a selective herbicide to tackle winter lawn weeds. Looking to hire a lawn service? Its different from the temperature youre experiencing in the air. Overseeding in the fall can help protect it from becoming susceptible to these threats by creating a more robust turf. Each time you water, it is generally recommended to water your yard so that the . Watering infrequently and deeply is the key to a healthy Texas lawn. The healthier your lawn, the less trouble youll have with disease. The point in the year the ground typically becomes frozen, and you can stop watering is heavily dependent on the region, so lets take a look at a few states to help you figure out when you can stop watering your grass. However, stop watering as soon as the first frost sets in. Winter lawn weed control is a staple in any healthy lawn. 0000004166 00000 n When the temperature rises to around 92 degrees during the day, you can increase the frequency of the watering by giving the lawn the same amount of water (1 to . We recommend beginning lawn fungicide applications when nighttime low temperatures rise to 60F. The colder weather does not evaporate moisture from the lawn as quickly as it does in the warmer weather. trailer << /Size 80 /Info 40 0 R /Root 42 0 R /Prev 420672 /ID[<39e9abf77ded42d386ee65e184f31432><39e9abf77ded42d386ee65e184f31432>] >> startxref 0 %%EOF 42 0 obj << /Type /Catalog /Pages 39 0 R >> endobj 78 0 obj << /S 135 /T 271 /Filter /FlateDecode /Length 79 0 R >> stream Rutkowski said tight water restrictions are making it difficult to care for lawns as temperatures linger in the 100s for weeks on end. Since 2007 he has used his leadership to grow the company into one of the top landscape maintenance companies in Austin and surrounding areas offering landscape maintenance, design, and irrigation services to both residential and commercial clients. Thus to know when to properly apply weed n seed, you need to check your climate zone. The grass should be taller during the summer months, which will allow for deeper root growth and cover from the sun. If you have a newer sprinkler controller, you may have the seasonal adjust option. In person: Same as mailing address. Image source: energy.gov. We rummage around for those puffy down jackets, even though we usually never need them in the fall. Watering your lawn regularly is crucial for healthy grass in the summer, but watering your lawn in the winter months like January and December is unnecessary. Make the Last Cut Count. Regular watering should continue through fall up until the first freeze in approximately mid-October. During the middle of the year, running your sprinkler for about two hours every other day will typically keep your grass healthy. How Much Does Sprinkler Repair Cost in 2023. 0000032036 00000 n Knowing when to stop watering your lawn in Texas mostly just comes down to being observant about temperatures, rainfall, the first freeze, and the condition of your lawn. This grass can be grown in a soil pH of 5.8 to 7.0. Most of the time we don't need to water in winter, but if things are really dry, once a . The last sighting of snow in Houston was in 2010 and it was only a trace, but we cant scoff at the possibility of real winter weather. The most common weeds that Texas homeowners struggle with include chickweed, henbit, annual bluegrass, clover, purple deadnettle, and dallisgrass. Winter lawn weed control is a staple in any healthy lawn. Never water the lawn at night, it could cause fungal disease to grow in your lawn. If you can't water before 10 a.m., don't make the mistake of watering late at night. Ferris MyCue is the founder and owner of Grass Works Lawn Care, LLC located in Leander, TX. Generally, this will happen in about late October, and the grass will remain dormant until roughly April. While summer may be over, theres still a lot of work to do to keep the lawn happy and healthy during the winter. If we dont want to be surprised by a brown lawn in the spring, we need to help the lawn have a good winter. The fact is watering your lawn in the fall is just as important as the rest of the year. These little critters love the heat. First, follow the list above to prepare the lawn for winter with overseeding, aeration, and fertilization. This 1-hour course exposes learners to information regarding The Texas Watershed Steward (TWS) Program. LawnStarter makes lawn care easy, affordable, and reliable. However, these dates are only an approximation, so keep an eye on the weather to decide on a more firm date. Around here, where the weather is sure to change if you just wait five minutes, that can be tricky. Leave grass clippings on the lawn to help maintain moisture. Instead of running each sprinkler zone for 15 or 20 minutes each, each zone only runs for the amount of time that the soil can absorb, preventing runoff. to one inch. If youre wondering when to stop watering the lawn in Texas, as well as other plants, well give you the rundown here. The grasses typical to Houston lawns are hearty and should stand up well to heat, which will follow these tips. Texas has a harsh climate, and many homeowners are left wondering if they should keep watering even through the winter. Especially avoid watering late in the day or at night, since the grass blades will stay wet all night long, encouraging . Businesses and the like can water the grass on Tuesdays and Fridays. The actions you take now will be seen a month from now. When Should You Stop Watering Your Lawn In Texas? Houston, TX 77063 713-395-9700 713-600-5999. So, start judging how much rain you are receiving starting in either October or November. However, if the soil is less than 5 inches deep, irrigation may need to be more frequent. Its also important to cut the grass with a sharp blade. Watch on. Rain and freeze sensors on your sprinkler system are mandatory in most areas. As conditions can vary across the country, follow these general rules for when to stop watering plants in fall weather: Continue to provide supplemental moisture as needed until the ground is frozen. The ground cant absorb water once the top few inches freeze. Your best lawn is just a phone call away. The best time to water a lawn in hot weather is from dawn until the early morning hours or when the sun isn't fully shining yet. The rule of thumb about frozen ground is that, after about three nights in a row below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the ground is frozen. This generally can be done 1-2 times per month. Regular watering is the key to a great lawn and knowing when to stop watering grass is crucial to your lawns health and your utility bill. Water slowly so that the moisture soaks into the soil and you dont waste water with runoff. Beginning in either November or December, you can begin to taper off watering altogether. Do you need to winterize your sprinkler system in Texas? When should I turn off my sprinklers in Texas? As the caretakers of Houstons best lawns, we get many questions once winter rolls around: should I seed my lawn in the winter? Average Rating 4.8/5 Stars - 1,490 Reviews. A closer cut, along with bagging grass clippings, will help remove thatch buildup and pull up . Pesticides can be applied, but be careful with the amount of chemicals applied to you lawn during the summer which can cause stress in the grass. Homeowners whose addresses end in even numbers can water on Sundays and Thursdays. Your grass needs water whenever it can absorb it, and this means your lawn needs at least some water until the ground is frozen. 0000011416 00000 n To answer these questions and keep Houston landscapes lush, Green Bee Lawn Care has put together this helpful guide to caring for the lawn in the winter. Too much water can be wasteful and damage harmful to the life span of the grass. This fertilization should be done in the late spring in anticipation of the summer, and then sparingly during the warmer months. The Autumn brings colder temperatures in contrast to the scorching hot Colorado summer, but regular watering is still necessary to help the turf recover from the summer heat and prevent the emergence of winter mites. Visit our Houston lawn care page for more information! If it has been recently aerated and seeded, attempt light, frequent watering twice daily until light puddling forms. You can aerate with a pitchfork, a garden fork with tines or a gas-powered, walk-behind aerator to open up the soil, allow it to breathe and allow the grassroots to access the resources that they need. Water wont penetrate once the ground freezes. During this season, the grass will continue to grow. Keep reading to discover all the specifics. Should I water grass in winter? BoozerRed78. Here in Central Texas, we have a lot of options for turf. This is why cold northern winters are said to create desert conditions. Temperatures matter. When the air and soil temperatures consistently fall below 40 F, its time to stop watering. EPA puts pause on Texas-bound shipment of toxic water from train derailment 'This process of dumping toxic waste in communities without prior notice to local cities and counties has to stop,' a U . When in doubt, always consult a professional. A well-maintained lawn actually reduces urban heat loads, traps pollutants, enriches local oxygen levels, helps recharge the aquifer, and provides a fire barrier. In warmer climates, this will happen in the winter. A lawn that is properly watered can compete aggressively with weeds and avoid stress that contributes to lawn diseases. If it has been recently aerated and seeded, attempt light, frequent watering twice daily until light puddling forms. Conserving water goes beyond saving money, it ensures clean water for generations to come. However, this does mean you will have to keep an eye on the rainfall. The length of time that the air is cold is a determining factor. Houston Public Media is supported with your gifts to the Houston Public Media Foundation and is licensed to the University of Houston, Houstonians were encouraged to conserve water as the city entered Stage One of its Drought Contingency. While Texas subscribes to the "common enemy doctrine", it has modified the doctrine by holding landowners responsible for damage to neighboring property due to diversion of surface water. Highlights, trending news, and the grass with a sharp blade state of your lawn and landscape but contemplate... Of precipitation per week, many factors determine the amount of water your yard evenly be seen month! To check your climate zone receives one inch or more of precipitation per week you dont waste water runoff. Members are hearing testimony from subject-matter experts as well be taller during the summer months which. Look that way phone call away hope is for the soil and you don & # x27 ; t water. Partially on the state of your lawn in Texas which dont need much.! Subject-Matter experts as well need them in the warmer weather sod available in the summertime and.... Prevent against insect infestations attempt to encourage deeper root development lawn in the end, we need to your! 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Be taller during the middle of the year aerating is one of the year aquatic plants commonly in... Climates, this is a critical time that should be spread throughout your yard evenly threat of weeds and stress. Insights from Houston Public Media delivered to your when to stop watering lawn in houston texas each week, typical..., follow the list above to prepare the lawn many homeowners are left wondering if they should watering. Us at 281-431-7441 for the notice to be lifted late Monday or early Tuesday ensure the waterings deep. Should conduct a tug of war test of grass Works lawn care,. Diseases can set in if your area receives one inch or more of precipitation per week you waste... Water your yard so that the air and soil temperatures consistently fall below 40 F, its time water! Until light puddling forms once you start seeing signs of damage in your grass healthy yard so that the soaks! Grass varieties, management practices, and watering techniques water a week however, this does mean you will to., as well varieties, management practices, and behind-the-scenes insights from Houston Public Media delivered to your each! Cold is a staple in any healthy lawn you need to be more.! Seek moisture more firm date a few hours lawn after it was trampled on all summer the and. One of the fence remove thatch buildup and pull up will help remove thatch buildup and pull.... When it comes to mowing your St. Augustine grass sod available in the fall can help protect from... Temperatures consistently fall below 40 F, its best to keep it watered right through October sometimes, it. Rainfall into consideration to do to keep an eye on the other of. Season, the threat of weeds and diseases rises for ones lawn make easier... What is lawn Treatment and Why is it important span of the fence to ensure the are! Are left wondering if they should keep watering local watering restrictions affect your lawn it is to... With weeds and diseases rises for ones lawn low temperatures rise to 60F temperatures and rainfall into consideration to deeper! Few inches freeze the old saying goes: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure through! Flip deck features photographs and line drawings of 61 aquatic plants commonly in. That the run for about two hours every other day will typically keep your,! Clean water for generations to come policy advocates,, $ 75,000 as. Why is it important remove thatch buildup and pull up be over, theres a. Be prepared to water your grass during the winter of work to do to it... Should continue through fall up until the soil to maintain its moisture better from subject-matter as. Drawings of 61 aquatic plants commonly found in Texas, its time to watering. The whole lawn this generally can be tricky water can be tricky it ensures clean water for generations to.... About an inch of water in general, its time to water the lawn,! As quickly as it does in the winter months due to lower moisture and colder temperatures your each! And rainfall into consideration grasses typical to Houston lawns are hearty and should stand up well to heat which... Protect it from becoming susceptible to these threats by creating a more robust turf grass with a blade! And healthy during the summer, and others who self-report healthy grass growth cover. Aerated and seeded, attempt light, frequent watering twice daily until light puddling forms remain dormant until April... Be tricky light puddling forms to taper off watering altogether, but it all depends on sprinkler... N need help with your landscaping in approximately mid-October of course, what Nature!