Introduction to Fall Lawn Care Tips for the Houston Area
Good afternoon, everyone! I’m Michael Romine, and welcome to the Houston Grass Podcast for some late fall lawn care tips. As we find ourselves in late October, with just a couple of days left before Halloween, it’s time to start preparing for winter and spring. Despite the autumn season, the weather outside is unusually warm. Most of Texas, and certainly the Gulf Coast, has been experiencing some form of drought, with a forecast for some rain showers later in the week. Whether it’s just abnormally dry or a first or second stage drought, areas in central Texas are facing worse conditions, with temperatures close to 90 degrees today.
In this post, we’ll dive into essential fall lawn care tips, including fertilization, watering schedules, and mowing adjustments to suit the current weather conditions. These tips will help your lawn thrive, even as the weather becomes warmer and drier than usual. This time of year is ideal for planting grass and giving it a great start before winter. Let’s walk through the steps you need to take to maintain lush, healthy turf during the fall.
Fertilization: Preparing for Dormancy and Spring
Fall fertilization is a critical task right now. It’s essential to apply the Nitro-Phos Fall Special before November ends. This particular fertilizer isn’t meant to green the grass but to strengthen the plants as they prepare for dormancy. The low nitrogen content (8-12-16 NPK) ensures the grass builds a robust root system for a healthy spring green-up. Apply six to seven pounds per thousand square feet, which means a 40-pound bag will cover approximately 5,000 to 6,000 square feet. Be sure to water it thoroughly with at least an inch of water after application.
Weed Prevention
Another crucial task for this time of year is preventing weed growth. Apply Nitro-Phos Barricade to established lawns, but avoid new grass planted within the past 12 months, as it can prevent root development. Barricade creates a protective layer over the soil to prevent weed germination. Although it doesn’t eliminate all weeds, maintaining a healthy, sunlight-filled yard with regular mowing will help reduce weed penetration.
Mowing: Adjust for Seasonal Change
During the cooler months, observe the slowing growth of your grass. Continue mowing once a week, keeping the height around three and a half to four inches. Taller grass will help retain moisture, which is crucial given the dry, warm conditions. As temperatures drop in December, consider moving to an every-other-week mowing schedule.
Watering: Keep Moisture Levels Consistent
With the drought continuing, watering remains essential. Typically, fall is the time to cut back, but my irrigation is still set to water as frequently as in July and August. Maintain watering two to three times a week, aiming for an inch of water per session. Adjust your irrigation system for the forecast rain to ensure your lawn receives adequate moisture but not too much.
Dealing with Brown Patch
Brown patch is a common issue in fall, resulting in large, circular patches of yellowing grass. Avoid overwatering to prevent brown patch. Use a fungicide like Heritage G as a preventive measure to ward off these fungal diseases. If the fungus has already appeared, apply the fungicide promptly to halt its progression.
Conclusion for Late Fall Lawn Care
It’s important to maintain your lawn care program despite the season. A consistent approach to fertilization, watering, and mowing will keep your grass healthy and flourishing. Contact us if you have any questions; we’re here year-round except for Thanksgiving week and the week between Christmas and New Year’s. You can plant grass year-round in Texas without any issues. Thank you for tuning in, and happy Thanksgiving!
