Winter Lawncare: Tips for Keeping Your Texas Lawn Healthy

Here in Texas, we don’t get a winter like the rest of the country. Because of our warm climate, our lawns consist of both cool-season and warm-season grasses. This means that our lawns are usually growing year-round which means we need to care for it year-round too. While things do slow down a lot in the winter it does not mean that you should put away all your tools. Here are some tips to help care for your yard in the winter.

Cut Your Grass Shorter

Since our grass tends to slow down in the winter it means we get to mow less. For the final cut of the season, you want to cut your grass 1 inch shorter than you would usually cut it. This will help prevent thatch buildup and debris from getting stuck in your grass over the winter. Cutting your grass shorter also exposes the crowns to more sunlight allowing the grass to conserve its energy during the winter.

Rake Debris Off your Lawn

When we start to slack on lawn care leaves and debris can build upon our lawn. Debris can smother your grass and prevent it from getting the water, air, and nutrients it needs. Leaves block sunlight and retain moisture, which can create the perfect conditions for lawn diseases such as snow mold.

Stop Weeds Before They Start Growing

The winter may not seem like the perfect time to fight weeds but the steps you take now can have a huge impact on weeds in other seasons. Start by spot spraying weeds that have already begun to grow. This will prevent them from going to seed and causing more problems later. Use pre-emergent weed control in December to stop weeds from developing into spring weeds. By the time spring arrives, you will have more time to enjoy your yard rather than wage war on it.

Fertilizing Your Lawn During Winter

Weed control isn’t the only way to prevent weeds. A healthy lawn will naturally repel weeds but in order to achieve that you need to properly feed your lawn. 

When shopping for fertilizers for your lawn, you will notice that each bag has three letters, N-P-K, followed by a number. These letters and numbers represent the Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) content of the fertilizer. 

In order to perform at its best, your lawn needs a certain balance of these elements at different times of the year. For example, a fertilizer high in nitrogen and potassium is best for encouraging root growth, cold hardiness, disease resistance, and wear tolerance.

Set Your Sprinkler System for Winter Watering

Along with weed control and fertilizer, winter irrigation is a vital step to keeping your grass strong and healthy. Because the grass in Texas never actually stops growing, you still need to water your lawn during the winter. Instead of watering your lawn three times a week you only need to water your grass once a week in the winter. Check your rain and freeze sensors to be sure they are operating correctly.

Get Lawn Care Services From Lawn Lab

At Lawn Lab, we have decades of experience working with Texas lawns. Our lawn care program is guaranteed to turn your yard into a work of art. 

The pros at Lawn Lab care about your trees as much as you do. 

With our tree and shrub program, you will receive a 7-step treatment that includes deep root fertilization and dormant oil applications to protect it from pests.

Secure your lawn care program today by calling us at (972) 287-7400. You could also easily request a free quote here. Check out our blog for monthly tips and make sure to follow us on Facebook for the latest Lawn Lab deals and news.