In this episode of the Houston Grass Podcast, Michael talks about late August lawn care tips to maintain your grass in the summer heat and prepare for the fall season ahead. If you have questions or if you need a quote for a grass project, please call us at 281-431-7441. Our office is located in Arcola, just off Highway 6 a few miles east of Sienna.
Summary of the Houston Grass Podcast – Late August Lawn Care Tips
Weather Woes and Watering Wisdom
Hey there, folks! Michael Romine here with the Houston Grass Podcast. It’s the tail end of August, and boy, has the weather been a rollercoaster! Last month, we were drowning in hurricanes and rain. The farm was practically rained out more than it was cutting. Now, we’ve flipped the script entirely – it’s hot and dry as a bone. Just goes to show, you never know what you’re gonna get in Texas!
Last summer was all about the heat and drought, and those pesky chinch bugs were everywhere. This year, July’s heavy rains kept the bugs away, but we got hit with gray leaf spot fungus instead. Now, with a bit of rain this week, we’ll see what happens next. The rain chances seem to be dropping, and we’ve got some ground to make up. If you haven’t been watering, keep an eye out for those chinch bugs. I’m even seeing some dry spots around my own place, even with irrigation running. Remember, you can’t always rely on irrigation alone. Sometimes, you need to break out the hose and sprinkler for a little extra TLC in those hard-to-reach spots.
Fall is for Planting
Thankfully, fall is just around the corner. Hopefully, we’ll get past this hot, dry spell soon. And speaking of fall, it’s the perfect time to plant new grass. The temperatures are milder, so you don’t have to water like crazy. Anyone who’s planted anything in Texas, especially along the Gulf Coast, knows that summer is the worst time for it. Spring is ideal for grass, but fall is a close second. We have a long fall season here; it could be late December before we see our first frost.
Watering, Mowing, and More
Whether it’s raining or you’re sprinkling, your lawn needs about an inch of water per week. You can usually achieve this with two or three good waterings. But pay attention! Like I said, I’m seeing dry spots even with my irrigation system running. If you notice dry patches, don’t hesitate to give them some extra water with a hose. It can take a couple of hours with a sprinkler to get a good soaking, so don’t underestimate how long it takes. If you don’t, and we don’t get some rain soon, those dry spots will become a chinch bug buffet. If you do see chinch bugs, most liquid insecticides you attach to your hose will do the trick. We recommend Cyonara, but products like Cutters work too. Usually, a couple of treatments will take care of them.
Speaking of mowing, it’s time to raise that mower deck. There are a few reasons for this, whether your grass is in full sun or shade. Cutting a little higher helps the grass collect more sunlight and reduces stress. And remember, never remove more than one-third of the leaf blade at once. That means mowing at least once a week during the growing season. If you let it go too long, you’re putting a lot of stress on your lawn.
As for those grass clippings, if you’re mowing regularly, you can usually leave them on the lawn every other time. They’ll break down and return some nitrogen to the soil, especially if you have mulching blades. But if you mow infrequently and end up with a lot of thatch, you’ll need to remove it, either by bagging or raking.
Fertilizing and Fungus
We’re not recommending any fertilizer right now, except for Super Turf if you applied it earlier in the summer. But keep an eye out for our Fall Special fertilizer, which will be available in early September. It’s designed to help your lawn prepare for winter dormancy and come back strong in the spring. The best time to apply it is in the second half of September or throughout October.
This summer’s rain brought on a lot of gray leaf spot fungus, but as we head into fall, be on the lookout for brown patch. A preventative treatment of Heritage G fungicide in mid-September, followed by another 21 days later, can help keep your lawn looking its best throughout the winter. Preventing brown patch is much easier than trying to get rid of it once it takes hold.
Fall Planting Tips
As I mentioned, fall is a fantastic time for planting new grass. The milder temperatures make it easier on the grass and on your water bill. Plus, there are usually fewer pests and diseases to worry about. If you’re thinking about a fall planting project, give us a call. We’re always happy to answer your questions.
Remember, proper soil preparation is key. Never lay sod over existing grass. You want as much soil-to-soil contact as possible. And don’t forget to water thoroughly on the first day, at least two inches worth. This helps the new grass establish itself and prevents those air pockets that can kill new roots.
If you can, add some fresh topsoil before laying the sod. It gives those roots a nice, loose environment to grow in, instead of struggling through hard, compacted clay. Tilling can also be helpful to break up compacted soil and remove any existing vegetation or roots, but it’s not always necessary.
Finally, make sure you choose the right type of grass for your conditions. Shady areas need different grasses than full-sun areas. We’re always here to help you pick the perfect grass for your yard, whether it’s St. Augustine, Zoysia, Bermuda, or something else.
Wrapping Up
Well, that’s all I’ve got for you today. Don’t forget to download our tip sheets for more detailed information on all things lawn care. The tip sheets break down our recommendations by season and whether you have established or newly installed grass. And if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 281-431-7441. We’re always happy to help! Thanks for listening, and we’ll see you next month.
