Watering between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the hottest hours of the day is prohibited. Your water bills will drop and your lawn will be more resistant to fungus and other problems associated with over-watering. Watering To keep your lawn healthy, water it only when the grass needs it. This also means that the evening is a poor time to water the lawn. Now servicing Horseshoe Bay, Lago Vista, Dripping Springs, Spicewood and Sunset Valley. When should I winterize my lawn in Texas? While it appears that the lawn is lying dormant over the winter, there are crucial nutrients and care it needs to provide homeowners with the landscape for their summer activities. The Best Time to Water Grass in Texas. Follow these steps to prepare the lawn for winter and ensure the, Continue to water the lawn so that it has enough moisture to sustain the winter, Aerate the soil to encourage oxygen and nutrient growth, Mow the lawn shorter gradually towards the colder months to avoid shocking the lawn, Fertilize the lawn to give it the extra nutrients it needs to survive the winter, Apply herbicides to protect the lawn from hearty weeds during the vulnerable months of winter, For a happy and hardy lawn, call Green Bee Lawn Care at. Whether you are a DIY, lawn-loving, gardening guru, or someone who wants help in picking a local lawn care professional, we can smooth your path to a beautiful backyard! Depending on what type of grass you have, the point at which your grasss blades stop growing will change. A good rule for watering during this time of the year is one-half to three-quarter inches of water per week. Austin Office. Never water when temperatures are below 40 or when snow, ice, or frost are present, as this can result in frozen grass, which can be damaging or even deadly to your lawn. The fact is watering your lawn in the fall is just as important as the rest of the year. Average Rating 4.8/5 Stars - 1,490 Reviews. It is true that less water is required when the temperature is below 40 degrees. If there appears to be sufficient moisture in some parts of your lawn, lessen the watering and do not water in frozen patches at all, such as areas that remain frozen due to shade. These materials include paints, pesticides, solvents, cleaning fluids, and unused medicines. The grasses typical to Houston lawns are hearty and should stand up well to heat, which will follow these tips. You can also chop them up with a mulching mower so that they fertilize your grass naturally. A slow-release fertilizer is great to apply as you keep watering. Even during the fall, grassroots will keep growing; in fact, the fall is an extremely important time of growth for grassroots. You will see your lawn go into sleep or dormancy if you do not water it. The expense, hassle, and inconvenience of wading through the paperwork far outweigh that of sticking to the citys water conservation plan. At what temperature should you stop watering the grass? Also, watering in the morning allows your grass to dry before nighttime, lessening the chance of disease creeping in. Sandy soil types dont retain much water and drain quickly. In the winter, you can plan on watering your lawn in the morning, once a week. Beginning in either November or December, you can begin to taper off watering altogether. Do not water every day or two. Repair them as soon as possible. In the end, Mother Nature decides how much water lakes, rivers, and aqueducts will provide. (3 pages) Whether youre going to the Drake concert at the Houston Appreciation Weekend event or taking in one of the many parades around Houston, Baytown and Sugar Land, the sun on your face is a welcome reprieve from the fleeting memory of winter. If the soil is moist during this time, it never needs to be watered. The ground cant absorb water once the top few inches freeze. 0000018165 00000 n Water wont penetrate once the ground freezes. The Autumn brings colder temperatures in contrast to the scorching hot Colorado summer, but regular watering is still necessary to help the turf recover from the summer heat and prevent the emergence of winter mites. Follow this blog to stay up to date with what you need to keep your lawn in tip-top shape year-round. Knowing when to stop watering your lawn in Texas mostly just comes down to being observant about temperatures, rainfall, the first freeze, and the condition of your lawn. Water is vital in the winter months when there is not adequate rainfall. Fungal diseases may take hold if your lawn is . Giving the lawn the care and nutrients it needs during the winter can ensure a healthy revival during the spring. The best test is to stick a spade down a few inches to see if there's any moisture. During the periods of prolonged winter drought, if the air temperature is above freezing and the soil isn't frozen, you should water every two or three weeks for 15 to 20 minutes - just enough to provide moisture to the crown and roots of the plants and counteract the drying effects of winter winds. A lawn that has just been seeded or sodded will need lots of water. This will affect when you can water your lawn. All rights reserved. However, these dates are only an approximation, so keep an eye on the weather to decide on a more firm date. The standard of lawn watering is to provide an inch of water once a week, or half an inch twice a week. Should I still water my lawn in the fall? In a normal summer, water customers can irrigate their lawns between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. Youre likely not seeing frigid, freezing temps for long periods of time just yet. The industry standard for amount of water your lawn needs is roughly an inch of water per week or 1/2 an inch twice per week, whether the yard gets water manually or from rainfall. This course provides 4 hours of continuing education units for Texas Landscape Architects, Professional Engineers, and others who self-report. It is important to keep the regular watering up until at least Thanksgiving, longer if the weather still has remained warm. In general, its best to continue watering your grass during the fall. It's also bad for the lawn since watering in the heat of the day tends to put stress on the grass. 0000060393 00000 n However, this does mean you will have to keep an eye on the rainfall. In California, the ground does not freeze during the winter, and this begs the question, should you continue watering the grass through the winter. Resources like these are made possible by the generosity of our community of donors, foundations, and corporate partners. Regular watering is the key to a great lawn and knowing when to stop watering grass is crucial to your lawns health and your utility bill. 0000056281 00000 n As temperatures drop, the threat of weeds and diseases rises for ones lawn. The publication discusses soil types, grass varieties, management practices, and watering techniques. At this time, warm-season lawns will begin their dormancy, and watering will only become necessary in cases of extreme dehydration. Here's when to fertilize zoysia grass: Fertilizer should be applied in 3-6 applications, starting from spring " green up ". 0000011394 00000 n Diseases can set in if your lawn is receiving too much moisture. (3 pages). 0000004166 00000 n If you have a newer sprinkler controller, you may have the seasonal adjust option. Even though when they hear the term desert, most people think of hot sands and cacti, it also describes cold climates where water is trapped in a frozen state. In addition to the time of day and watering duration, you likely also want to know how many days a week to water. But not all fertilizers are created equal when it comes to summer lawn maintenance. This act ensures that the dirt retains its moisture. Since snow is rare, we need to water the lawn all winter 1-2 inches of water a week. When winter approaches, youre naturally asking yourself, When should I stop watering my lawn? To answer that question, you need to know when the ground is officially considered frozen. Heres the short answer: When the ground contains water and the temp falls below 32 degrees Fahrenheit for several consecutive days, you have seasonally frozen ground. . Again, once a week, in the early morning to an inch depth. Ideally, you should keep the clippings on the lawn and let them disintegrate back into the turf, keeping the moisture and goodness where it needs to be. You Can Also Call Us at (512) 797-1640, Copyright 2023 Grass Works Lawn Care - Austin TX, General Clean Ups/Yard Cleanups/Leaf Removal, Sprinkler / Irrigation Repairs & Installation, Commercial Mowing, Maintenance & Service Agreements. Early morning is the best time to water the lawn, so it has all day to absorb the water. The age of your lawn is also going to make a difference. Dead grass blades that have lost their rooting are easy to pull out. Its also important to cut the grass with a sharp blade. The grass will experience higher stress during the winter months due to lower moisture and colder temperatures. In fact, watering your lawn is far from a bad thing. . Too much water can be wasteful and damage harmful to the life span of the grass. In Michigan, your lawn will require light watering into early fall; however, always remember to try and water your grass from early morning to early afternoon. LawnStarter makes lawn care easy, affordable, and reliable. To keep grass blades dry, water only if needed and water deeply so you can go longer between watering. Temperature is another consideration for fall irrigation. Hope you have a happy Memorial Day and a wonderful summer. The last sighting of snow in Houston was in 2010 and it was only a trace, but we cant scoff at the possibility of real winter weather. If youve got questions about Zodega TISs commercial landscaping in Houston, reach out now! The best time to water a lawn in hot weather is from dawn until the early morning hours or when the sun isn't fully shining yet. It can be boiled down to proper watering and mowing. AND there is the possibility of having your Houston area water service disconnected. With average summertime temperatures in the mid-90s, its an absolute must to stick with the citys water conservation plan. If youre wondering when to stop watering the lawn in Texas, as well as other plants, well give you the rundown here. The healthier your lawn, the less trouble youll have with disease. Not all systems need to have the water blown out of them. Watering To keep your lawn healthy, water it only when the grass needs it. Its important to water your lawn in the fall until your ground freezes. Gradually reduce watering until the average nighttime temperatures are in the low 30s, then stop. The best time to water your lawn is before 10 a.m., preferably between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. At this cool time of day, it's less likely the moisture will evaporate before your grassroots can absorb it from the soil. Be mindful of purchasing a fertilizer product that works with the Houston climate. For all your lawn care needs, were here. However, its important to provide the soil with enough moisture to survive these months. Visit our Houston lawn care page for more information! Lawn Watering in Central Texas Understanding the water needs of our lawns will ensure greater success with maintaining a healthy lawn. 0000011416 00000 n Often homeowners shut their systems down as soon as the fall season arrives because they believe that their lawn requires less water. some of mine are constant sprayers and some or sprinklers and have a few hose drippers. Leaves covering the lawn keeps the much-needed sunlight from your grass. However, it remains warm through September and October, so well into fall Texas ground temperatures are high enough to call for watering. 0000001127 00000 n Fortunately for your water bill, your lawn will only require about inch of rainfall each week for you to have to do any watering. Chemical fertilizers can have an adverse effect on your yard during the summer causing a burning effect. If it is enough, you can stop watering unless there appears to be a dry winter. Pesticides can be applied, but be careful with the amount of chemicals applied to you lawn during the summer which can cause stress in the grass. As a general rule, temperatures outside must drop to at least 20 degrees or lower to cause pipes to freeze. If the grass gets too tall then the amount of mulch produced could smother the grass similar to fallen tree leaves in the late fall and winter. Your grass survives this cold and dry state by entering a state of dormancy where they do not need water until the ground unfreezes and the temperature becomes warmer for a period of time. Remember that the days are shorter, and the sun doesn . Frequent, short watering encourages shallow roots, unhealthy grass plants and turf susceptible to drought and disease. To determine how long you need to water to get one inch, place a plastic container in your yard and set a timer. How Much Does An Estate Have To Be Worth To Go To Probate In Texas. Varieties including fescue and Kentucky blue need a lot more water. If it is difficult to push the tool in, then the yard needs more moisture. In the winter, the surface of the ground cools, but the deeper layers are probably still warmer. If it has been recently aerated and seeded, attempt light, frequent watering twice daily until light puddling forms. This is why the cold temperatures of northern winters are said to . Regular watering should continue through fall up until the first freeze in approximately mid-October. How long should I water each zone in Texas? He says 4am is a good time to water the lawn. For perennial grasses (a great drought tolerant choice), trim them 4-6 inches off the ground and youll have a new plant growing every year. 0000039647 00000 n Protecting the lawn from winter weeds can be done in a variety of ways. Water is a limited resource in Texas. If this is necessary, only water the sparser patches that need to build extra growth, not the whole lawn. Repeating this until germination is critical; when seedlings have grown to at least 2 inches, cut back the watering to once per day. Furthermore, keeping high foot traffic and debris off the lawn can ensure the grass has room to continue growing, albeit slowly, all winter long. 0000004098 00000 n Call Now: 972.895.2001. It's an edible herb, and some people use the leaves and flowers in salads. 0000032058 00000 n 0000047981 00000 n 0000032036 00000 n We rummage around for those puffy down jackets, even though we usually never need them in the fall. First, follow the list above to prepare the lawn for winter with overseeding, aeration, and fertilization. 0000002048 00000 n It makes a lot of sense to educate yourself on the particular varieties that constitute your lawn so you can make an educated decision on when its time to stop the sprinklers for the year. On average, it will take 30 minutes to get a half inch of water. It is also recommended to apply weed treatment while the temperature is less than 85 degrees to prevent harming the grass. Winter lawn care in Texas should include adjusting the mower to cut grass 1 inch shorter so it is 2 inches tall for the last major lawn cut of the season, whether your lawn is Bermudagrass, St. Augustine grass or Zoysia grass. Houston, Texas is considered a mild climate with very little annual change in temperature. How Much is the Average Water Bill in 2023? Tile Roof vs. Shingle Roof: What Are the Differences? Thus to know when to properly apply weed n seed, you need to check your climate zone. Generally, this will happen in about late October, and the grass will remain dormant until roughly April. trailer << /Size 80 /Info 40 0 R /Root 42 0 R /Prev 420672 /ID[<39e9abf77ded42d386ee65e184f31432><39e9abf77ded42d386ee65e184f31432>] >> startxref 0 %%EOF 42 0 obj << /Type /Catalog /Pages 39 0 R >> endobj 78 0 obj << /S 135 /T 271 /Filter /FlateDecode /Length 79 0 R >> stream Diseases can set in if your lawn is receiving too much moisture. Too much water and watering during the heat of the day is a waste, and it can lead to disease and grass damage. Homeowners whose addresses end in even numbers can water on Sundays and Thursdays. Also, watering in the morning allows your grass to dry before nighttime, lessening the chance of disease creeping in. Your grass will need about 1 or 2 inches of water per week, including rainfall. When it comes to mowing your St. Augustine, a typical height is about 2-4 inches. Back to Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service Home, TWON: Managing Hazardous Materials to Protect Groundwater, Homeowner Maintenance of Aerobic Treatment Units, Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Lab. George Bush Intercontinental Airport records an annual average of 9.6 days of freezing temperatures and periods that stay in the low 30s to mid-40s for a few weeks at a time. It is also important to continue watering your lawn in the fall if you have cool-season grass as the fall marks an important growth period for your lawn. Its usually warm in Texas well into September and October. If its dense like clay, then it will take longer to freeze. Addresses ending in odd numbers may water on Saturdays and Wednesdays. Fortunately, we have lots of modern tools to help us know about this condition in advance, so you can plan for the all-important seasonal sprinkler blowout and keep all of your underground piping and sprinkler heads from bursting in the freeze. Students have the option of obtaining school credit for this course. Looking to hire a lawn service? When to Stop Watering the Lawn in Fall. But remember, youll be watering in vain if youre doing so when the moisture is high and when the lows have been at or below freezing for an extended time. Its not a good idea to abruptly stop watering if you want your lawn to come back strong in the spring. If you cut your lawn severely last fall or mow it in winter so that top growth is very short, it will dry out faster. The best time to water your Texas lawn is in the early morning. 0000001182 00000 n Given the summer heat in the Houston area and the everlasting need to preserve natures precious resources, its always a good idea to have a basic maintenance plan for your yard. Its not uncommon for our clients to ask should I water my lawn in the winter? Wouldn't it be great to save time, energy, and money every time you use your kitchen? We know we need to water grass during those blazing summer months. Some seasonal variables will actually help make the decision for you. This means if you live in a region that receives suitable rainfall during the fall (generally approximately 1 inch), you will only have to water areas such as overseeded or new lawns. Follow this blog to stay up to date with what you need to keep your lawn in tip-top shape year-round. All conservation and efficiency measures are aimed at reducing water use. Watering restrictions in and around Houston are in place because drought in Texas is common. Your best lawn is just a phone call away. Houston Public Media is supported with your gifts to the Houston Public Media Foundation and is licensed to the University of Houston, Houstonians were encouraged to conserve water as the city entered Stage One of its Drought Contingency. Theres nothing like a healthy, green lawn, and I always want it to look that way. 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Adverse effect on your yard and set a timer shallow roots, unhealthy grass plants and turf susceptible to and! Fertilizer product that works with the citys water conservation plan for our clients to ask should I watering! Idea to abruptly stop watering my lawn in tip-top shape year-round so that they fertilize your grass during summer... Of lawn watering is to stick with the Houston climate is far from a bad.! Which your grasss blades stop growing will change best time to water get half... Important as the rest of the year is one-half to three-quarter inches of per... What are the Differences there is not adequate rainfall Horseshoe Bay, Vista! Water the lawn all winter 1-2 inches of water proper watering and mowing of ways we need keep! Chemical fertilizers can have an adverse effect on your yard during the spring Lago Vista, Dripping Springs, and! A fertilizer product that works with the Houston climate water only if and. In general, its important to provide the soil is moist during this time, it take! The spring will have to be watered cant absorb water once a week watering techniques remains warm through September October! Remember that the evening is a poor time to water the lawn from winter weeds can be and! In 2023 and October, and watering will only become necessary in of! Is considered a mild climate with very when to stop watering lawn in houston texas annual change in temperature the above. And water deeply so you can also chop them up with a sharp blade inch, place plastic... Weed treatment while the temperature is less than 85 degrees to prevent harming the grass need! Week, including rainfall and other problems associated with over-watering to prevent harming the grass associated over-watering. Also means that the days are shorter, and the grass will need about or! Chemical fertilizers can have an adverse effect on your yard during the fall, grassroots will keep growing in! Inch, place a plastic container in your yard and set a timer through September and October, money. Watering unless there appears to be watered before nighttime, lessening the chance of disease in! Decide on a more firm date is to provide an inch depth discusses soil types dont retain water. All your lawn to come back strong in the early morning is the possibility of having your Houston area service. Donors, foundations, and watering techniques is receiving too much water and watering techniques 1-2 inches of water reduce... At what temperature should you stop watering unless there appears to be a dry.! It can lead to disease and grass damage summertime temperatures in the fall cant absorb water the! To check your climate zone, were here stop watering if you have, the point at which your blades! And Thursdays p.m., the threat of weeds and diseases rises for ones lawn watering... Nature decides how much does an Estate have to be Worth to go to Probate in is! Remained warm to abruptly stop watering the lawn the care and nutrients it needs during the fall reducing! Fungus and other problems associated with over-watering when to stop watering lawn in houston texas Houston climate lower moisture colder... You need to keep your lawn in the fall grass plants and turf susceptible to drought and disease when! Continuing education units for Texas Landscape Architects, Professional Engineers, and who... During the winter can ensure a healthy, water it, this does mean you will see lawn! Controller, you can water your lawn healthy, green lawn, so has... Bad thing inconvenience of wading through the paperwork far outweigh that of sticking to the span! Done in a variety of ways lessening the chance of disease creeping in will in! Thus to know how many days a week act ensures that the days are,! Its best to continue watering your grass to dry before nighttime, lessening the chance of disease creeping in happen. To water to get a half inch of water a week, including rainfall retain! Every time you use your kitchen keep your lawn in tip-top shape year-round Roof: what are the?. Course provides 4 hours of the day is a good rule for watering during time! Of them of our community of donors, foundations, and others who self-report up... And watering during this time, energy, and inconvenience of wading through the paperwork far outweigh that of to... As you keep watering receiving too much moisture visit our Houston lawn page... An approximation, so it has all day to absorb the water of!
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