1. Know Your Grass Type
The first move in learning how to care for your lawn in winter is knowing what type of grass grows on your soil. Texas lawns are usually warm-season grasses like Buffalo, Bermuda, St. Augustine, or Zoysia. These grasses naturally become dormant by turning brown but not dead in winter. However, cool-season grasses like ryegrass or fescue keep growing but slowly during the colder months.
Knowing your grass species helps you decide the right winter lawn care tips, fertilizer, and mowing schedule for it.
2. Mow Smart Always
As much as it’s tempting to take away your lawn mower in winter months, lawn mowing shouldn’t stop unless there is no need for it. Grass starts growing slowly as the cold temperatures go lower and lower but doesn’t stop entirely, especially in warmer parts of the state.
Readjust your mower blade a bit higher than usual as this will protect the grass crown and retain moisture in the soil. Do not mow wet grass, and never scalp your lawn before a cold front. Professional lawn care services like GOMOW Lawn Care Service can handle winter mowing schedules efficiently, keeping your yard tidy without harming the grass.
3. Remove Debris
Wind and dormant trees usually leave piles of leaves, sticks, and debris on the lawn surface. This pile can grow in size to block sunlight and trap moisture, causing mold growth and dead patches.
Packing and removing leaves and debris from the lawn surface is an essential aspect of winter yard maintenance. This simple practice gives your grass room to breathe and stops pests or fungal diseases from developing under the rotten leaves.
4. Fertilize Before the First Frost
Fall fertilization, though important is sometimes overlooked. Introduce a slow-release, nitrogen-rich fertilizer before the first frost of winter comes. This fertilizer will strengthen your grass roots with the nutrients it needs to survive winter dormancy.
If you missed fall fertilization, early winter fertilizer application can still work on your lawn. A professional residential lawn care provider like GOMOW Lawn Care Service can test your soil and recommend the right nutrient blend for optimal winter protection.
5. Water Wisely During Cooler Months
Even though winter brings cooler temperatures, your lawn still needs water but not too much of it. Aim to water your lawn once every two to three weeks, depending on rainfall. Overwatering can lead to soggy soil and root decay.
For Texas lawn care in winter, irrigate the lawn in the late morning so that excess moisture evaporates before the end of the day. If your area experiences freezing nights, drain your sprinkler system to prevent pipe damage.
6. Aerate to Loosen Compacted Soil
Aerating in late fall or early winter helps your soil breathe, solves compaction, and promotes deeper root development. This practice ensures your lawn absorbs nutrients better, takes in water, and oxygen more effectively when dormant.
If you are too busy or lack the experience to implement it, hiring an affordable winter lawn service in Texas can save you time and effort.
7. Overseed Thin Spots
It’s time to overseed the lawn with cool season grass if you notice bare spots during winter. Ryegrass, for instance, grows fast and remains green in winter, adding beauty and protection to your lawn yard.
Overseeding is often recommended in winter lawn care guides as it helps maintain a uniform look while enhancing your grass base for spring recovery.
8. Tackle Weeds Early
Weeds love to overtake dormant lawns if left poorly-maintained. Therefore, treat your lawn with a pre-emergent herbicide in late fall or early winter to stop unwanted weed encroachment. Hand-pulling visible weeds also keeps your yard weed-free, try it if you haven’t before.
Professional lawn care services can schedule this treatment alongside other winter care tasks to keep your yard weed-free without harming the grass.
9. Trust the Experts for Year-Round Care
Even with the best preparations, being consistent with winter yard maintenance can be tasking and exhausting. That’s where experienced professionals like GOMOW Lawn Care Service are needed to take away the stress of lawn care.
They offer affordable winter lawn service in Texas that can work with anyone’s budget, ensuring your turf gets expert care through every season.
From regular mowing to yard cleanup, the GOMOW team helps Texas homeowners achieve healthy, beautiful lawns without the hassle.
Get started with us today – https://gomow.com/lawn-care/
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mow my lawn during winter in Texas?
Yes, you can mow the lawn occasionally as the grass grows, but keep the mower blade adjusted high to avoid scalping. Do not cut damp or frosty grass so as not to spread any disease infections.
Should I fertilize my lawn in winter?
Fertilize before the first frost with a slow-release, organic nitrogen-rich fertilizer to improve the grass roots through the season. Ensure you follow professional counsel while doing this.
Do I need to water my lawn in winter?
Yes, introduce water every two to three weeks if there’s no rain fall to keep the lawn hydrated. Water preferably in the late morning to prevent freezing.
Is aeration necessary in winter?
Yes, winter aeration can improve the flow of oxygen, nutrient absorption, and improve root development for a healthier spring lawn in the new year. Only undertake aeration once a year.
What is the best winter lawn service in Texas?
GOMOW Lawn Care Service provides affordable winter lawn service Texas residents can count on. With them, you can get lawn mowing, blowing, edging, weed-eating and seasonal maintenance.
