In this Fall Lawn Care Essentials episode of the Houston Grass Podcast, Michael Romine discusses the effects of late September’s cool front on grass maintenance in South Texas. He emphasizes the emergence of brown patch due to the temperature swings and available moisture and shares insights on the planting grass, highlighting fall as the second-best period after spring. Romine provides detailed steps for yard replacement, emphasizing watering and proper fertilization with Nitro-Phos products. He also covers the importance of pre-emergent application, managing irrigation schedules, and core aeration. Lastly, he addresses common issues such as chinch bugs and offers actionable advice for maintaining a healthy lawn throughout the cooler months. Call us at 281-431-7441 for answers to your questions and a quick quote for your project.
Summary of the Fall Lawn Care Essentials Video Podcast
Welcome to the Houston Grass Podcast! I’m Michael Romine, owner of Houston Grass. It’s late September, and we’ve finally experienced our second cold front, marking the arrival of fall in South Texas. As the weather cools, it’s time to shift our focus to fall lawn care essentials.
The fluctuating temperatures during this time, from warm days to cool nights, can impact our plants, trees, and especially our lawns. One of the biggest concerns for Houston lawns in the fall is brown patch, a fungal disease that causes unsightly yellow circles. We’ll delve deeper into brown patch prevention and treatment later on.
Fall Lawn Care Includes Planting New Grass and Repairing Hurricane Damage
Fall is an excellent time for planting grass in our region. While spring is ideal, fall offers a second chance, particularly in late September, October, November, and even early December. Planting in the fall is easier on the grass, on you, and on your water bill, as you won’t need to water as much as in the summer.
At Houston Grass, we’re open year-round to assist you with your lawn care needs, including sod, fertilizer, and fungicide. If you’re considering replacing your lawn due to hurricane damage, excessive weeds, or other issues, now is a great time to tackle this project.
The process involves spraying the existing vegetation with a non-selective herbicide, allowing it to die back, and then removing it, preferably with a sod cutter. Next, add a layer of fresh topsoil before laying the new sod. Remember to water the new sod thoroughly – two inches on the first day and an inch per day for the first week.
Fall Lawn Care Includes Watering
For established lawns, the watering requirement remains an inch per week, whether from rain or irrigation. However, as we approach dormancy in late December, you can reduce watering to an inch every other week. Be mindful of overwatering, as it can contribute to brown patch, especially when combined with cooler nighttime temperatures and excessive nitrogen from fertilizer.
Speaking of fertilizer, Nitro-Phos offers a Fall Special Fertilizer with a lower nitrogen content, perfect for feeding the roots and promoting a healthy lawn going into dormancy. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they encourage green growth when the grass should be slowing down.
Early fall is also the time to apply a pre-emergent herbicide like Nitro-Phos Barricade to prevent winter weeds. Aim to apply both the fertilizer and pre-emergent by mid-November.
Brown patch is a common concern in the fall. The fungus thrives in cool, moist conditions, often appearing in lower-lying areas of the yard. To prevent brown patch, apply a granular fungicide like Heritage G preventatively. If you already see brown patch, treat it curatively at a higher rate.
As temperatures cool, you can reduce your mowing frequency. You may be able to mow every other week in November if we experience more consistent cold fronts.
Lastly, consider core aeration to alleviate soil compaction and improve oxygen flow to the roots. This is a beneficial practice year-round but is particularly helpful in the fall.
To recap:
- Apply Heritage G to prevent brown patch.
- Fertilize with Nitro-Phos Fall Special.
- Monitor your watering schedule and reduce irrigation as temperatures cool.
- Watch out for chinch bugs, which can thrive in dry conditions.
- Allow your lawn to lose its color naturally as it goes dormant.
- Reduce mowing frequency as growth slows.
- Aerate your lawn to improve soil health.
For more information, call us at 281-431-7441. We’re here to answer your questions and help you maintain a healthy, vibrant lawn year-round.
Thank you for listening to the Houston Grass Podcast!
