The number one reason that plants and lawns die during Texas winters is dry weather. It can be tough on your lawn, especially with dry weather and water restrictions. To keep your yard healthy through the cold months, follow these tips for managing your lawn during a dry winter. Despite the chill and harsh conditions, your lawn can survive and come back strong in the spring with the right care.
Winter Lawn Care Tip #1: Water Wisely and Fertilize Early
During winter in Texas, avoid overwatering by only giving your lawn moisture when it’s truly needed. Watch for signs like grass that doesn’t bounce back or turns blue-gray to determine when watering is necessary.
Additionally, late fall to early winter is the best time to fertilize cool-season grasses like bluegrass. This will provide essential nutrients to help your lawn stay healthy through winter and bounce back beautifully in spring.
Winter Lawn Care Tip #2: Gradually Lower Your Grass Height
Avoid shocking your grass by cutting it too short too quickly in cold weather. While keeping your grass low helps deter pests like field mice, cutting it too low can expose the crown to harsh conditions and hinder growth. Aim for a balanced height to protect your lawn during winter while maintaining its health.
Winter Lawn Care Tip #3: Remove Objects from Your Lawn
Leaving objects on your grass (such as logs, lawn furniture, large toys, etc.) during the cold can create large, barren areas by pressing down on the grass. Clear your lawn of any items after your last fall cut and regularly check for new debris throughout the season to keep your lawn healthy.
Winter Lawn Care Tip #4: Limit Traffic on Your Lawn
During the cold of winter, your grass will be in a vulnerable state. If a lot of people walk on it or drive on it, then it will not recover well–even when spring comes. Keep foot and vehicle traffic off your lawn to protect its health.
Winter Lawn Care Tip #5: Monitor Weather and Use Proper Fertilizer
Extreme weather can harm your lawn, so stay updated on local conditions like frost and freezes. Protect your lawn by breaking up ice if necessary. Additionally, use a bio-stimulant with micro-nutrients to reduce the need for moisture and support healthy soil. With these precautions and the right fertilizer, you can maintain a healthy lawn even during dry winter conditions.
Let Impact Landscapes Take Care of Your Lawn in Winter
Your lawn is naturally hardy and durable, but Jack Frost will push it to its limits. Be sure not to neglect your lawn during the cold season. With a bit of awareness of your yard and plants and some extra prevention and maintenance, your lawn during a dry winter doesn’t need to result in disaster, even when water restrictions prevent more frequent and scheduled waterings.
Contact Impact Landscapes for assistance in making sure your beautiful landscaping survives a dry winter. We’ll be happy to provide both advice and maintenance to keep your yard looking its very best.