Preparing Your Grass for Winter: Expert Advice from Houston Grass
Hello, everyone! I’m Michael Romine, and this is the Houston Grass podcast. This month, we’re getting started a little early since we’ll be closing for Thanksgiving week. As a reminder, we always shut down that week so our team can enjoy time with their families. With winter fast approaching, let’s talk about how to keep your lawn healthy and preparing your grass for winter in the Houston area.
A Frosty Morning to Start the Day
This morning was our coldest since mid-March, with temperatures dipping into the low 40s. Some areas even saw frost on rooftops. My brother, who lives on the farm, mentioned they had significant frost as well.
If you’ve noticed your Bermuda grass turning brown, don’t be alarmed. Bermuda is always the first grass to go dormant and brown during colder weather, but it’s also the first to green up in spring. In our area, we often get early frosts that are followed by warmer weather, causing grass to green back up temporarily. Still, the dormancy process has begun, and it’s time to prepare your grass for winter.
Late Fall Lawn Care: Key Areas to Focus On
Understanding and Treating Brown Patch
Brown patch is a fungal disease that’s particularly active during fall. It thrives in the combination of warm days, cool nights, and moisture. You’ll recognize it by the yellow-bordered, circular patches on your lawn. Here’s how to deal with it:
How to Identify Brown Patch
- Look for yellow, easily-pulled grass blades on the outer edges of the affected area.
- The outer ring of the patch is where the fungus is actively growing and damaging the grass. The inner part has already turned brown and hay-like.
How to Treat It
- Apply fungicides like Heritage G, which contains azoxystrobin, an effective active ingredient.
- For preventative treatment, apply 1.5 pounds per 1,000 square feet in mid-September.
- If treating an active infection, double the application to 3 pounds per 1,000 square feet.
- Repeat the treatment 14–21 days after the initial application.
Pro Tip: Preventative applications are more cost-effective and use less product. Treating proactively saves you time and money in the long run.
Causes of Brown Patch and Prevention
Brown patch thrives on:
- Excessive Moisture: Avoid overwatering, especially at night. Grass needs less water as it slows down growth in cooler weather.
- Excessive Nitrogen: Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers during fall and winter.
Adjusting Your Watering Schedule
With cooler temperatures and shorter days, your lawn’s water needs decrease significantly. Overwatering can do more harm than good this time of year. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Normal Watering: During the growing season (March through September), lawns typically need 1 inch of water per week.
- Fall and Winter: As temperatures drop, you can reduce watering to 1 inch every two weeks. Rainfall is often sufficient during this period, so monitor precipitation and adjust accordingly.
- Irrigation Systems: If rainfall normalizes, consider turning off your irrigation system entirely from late December to early March. Just make sure flower beds and other plants get the water they need.
Winter Mowing Tips
Grass growth slows down as it enters dormancy. Adjust your mowing practices for the season:
- Raise Mowing Height: Keep your grass at about 4 inches tall to help retain moisture, insulate roots, and protect the lawn from freezes.
- Reduce Mowing Frequency: Dormant grass requires less frequent mowing, giving you a well-earned break from yard work.
Planting Grass During Winter
Is Winter a Good Time to Plant?
Yes, winter is a great time to plant grass along the Texas Gulf Coast! While summer (June through August) can be challenging due to high water demands and stress, the cooler months are much more forgiving.
Benefits of Planting Now
- Grass may not grow fully before dormancy, but it will establish enough roots to hold the soil in place.
- Dormant grass prevents weeds and erosion while preparing for a strong green-up in spring.
Tips for Winter Planting
- Watering: When you lay new grass, water it heavily—about 2 inches on the first day to seal it to the ground.
- Foot Traffic: Keep heavy traffic off newly planted grass since it won’t root deeply until spring.
Note: If you wait until spring to plant, exposed soil can lead to erosion and weed growth. It’s better to plant now and allow the grass to settle through the winter months.
Managing Leaves and Preparing for Freezes
Dealing with Fallen Leaves
Leaves can create problems if they pile up on your lawn. They block sunlight and airflow, which can harm your grass. Here’s how to manage them:
- Clear Leaves Regularly: Use a blower, rake, or mower to remove heavy layers.
- Mulch Thin Layers: Light leaf cover can be mulched into the lawn for added nutrients.
Protecting Your Lawn from Freezes
Grass typically survives most freezes without issue. However, prolonged periods of below-freezing temperatures can cause damage. To protect your lawn:
- Pre-Freeze Watering: Water your lawn a day or two before a freeze to insulate the roots. Avoid watering during or immediately before the freeze.
Winter Lawn Myths: Should You Overseed with Ryegrass?
While ryegrass can keep your lawn green through winter, we generally don’t recommend it. Here’s why:
- Nutrient Competition: Ryegrass competes with your permanent grass for moisture and nutrients in late winter and early spring, weakening your lawn.
- Increased Maintenance: Overseeding requires watering and mowing throughout winter, negating the dormancy break for you and your lawn.
Instead, embrace the natural dormancy of your grass. It’s a healthy and normal process that prepares your lawn for the upcoming spring.
Final Reminders for Preparing Your Grass for Winter
As we head into the holiday season, keep these tips in mind:
- Adjust your watering schedule and mowing height.
- Treat brown patch early or prevent it altogether.
- Clear fallen leaves and prepare for any potential freezes.
- Don’t hesitate to plant new grass—it’s a great time of year to do so!
We’ll be closed for the Thanksgiving week and Christmas week but are happy to answer any questions before or after those breaks. Give us a call if you need quality grass, supplies for your grass or expert advice.
Thanks for listening, and have a wonderful holiday season!
