Early Spring Lawn Care Tips for Houston and College Station
Taking care of your lawn in Texas, especially in Houston and College Station, requires a unique approach due to the warm climate and specific types of grass like St. Augustine, Bermuda, and Zoysia. Early spring lawn care is crucial to ensure a lush and healthy lawn during the hot summer months in Texas. This spring lawn care checklist will walk you through the most important tasks for maintaining a vibrant Texas lawn, from mowing and watering to fire ant control and tree care.
When to Start Spring Lawn Care in Texas
Understanding the best time to start your early spring lawn care tasks is key to seeing great lawn care results. In Texas, the best time to start lawn care is in early spring, from February through April. This period allows you to prepare your lawn for the growing season ahead and spot potential lawn problems before they become a bigger issue. Remember, we offer year-round lawn care in Houston to help homeowners sustain healthy grass.
Early Spring Lawn Care Checklist for Houston Homeowners
Mowing and Watering
Prepare Your Mower: Ensure your lawn mower is in top condition by sharpening the mower blades and changing the oil. This sets the stage for a clean first mow and will promote a healthy lawn throughout the growing season.
When to Start Mowing: Begin mowing in March to encourage new grass growth as the lawn comes out of dormancy. For St. Augustine grass, maintain a height of 2-2.5 inches, while Bermuda grass and Zoysia grass should be kept at 1-2 inches. To limit thatch build-up, bag the grass clippings after the first mow of the season. This will help remove any dead grass and debris leftover from winter.
Spring Lawn Watering Tips: In early spring, it’s a great time to make sure your sprinkler systems are in good working order. Homeowners should aim for about an inch of water per week. Rainfall may take care of the water your lawn needs but pay attention to your local forecast in Houston and College Station. Morning is the best time to water, as it allows the grass to absorb the water before evaporating from the heat of the day.
Schedule Lawn Aeration
When to Aerate: Schedule core aeration during early spring. The best time range for core aeration in Texas is from about late March through May. This process helps reduce thatch, improves nutrient absorption, and enhances the overall health of your lawn.
Benefits of Aeration: Aeration improves air circulation in the soil, promoting a stronger root system and reducing issues like compacted soil. Warm-season grasses in Texas become worn down from regular use over time. From weather, foot traffic, and mowing, aeration is crucial to repair a lawn and encourage healthy grass.
Fire Ant Control
When to Apply Fire Ant Control: Apply fire ant control in early spring before these pests become highly active. Look for active mounds around your lawn and landscape and treat them promptly.
Eliminating Mounds: Choose effective products to eliminate fire ant mounds, safeguarding your Texas lawn from these invasive pests. Fire ants can cause painful, itchy bites and fire ant prevention will protect your family and pets throughout the summer months. Aggieland Green offers fire ant control treatments starting in early spring to get ahead of any infestations on your property.
Weed Control and Fertilization
Weed Control: Combat common Texas grassy and broadleaf weeds with pre-emergent herbicides, targeting them before they sprout. Pre-emergents are designed to stop germination in the soil which will make your weed control battle more manageable throughout the growing season. Early spring pre-emergents are crucial to prevent summer weeds like crabgrass. For existing winter weeds like dandelions and poa annua, use post-emergent weed killer during early spring.
Spring Lawn Fertilizer: Start your spring fertilization to provide essential nutrients for healthy grass growth and encourage spring green-up after winter dormancy. Look for fertilizers with a balanced mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to give your lawn everything it needs. Mid-March to April is the best time of year to start lawn fertilization in Texas.
Tree and Shrub Care
Spring Fertilization and Insect Control: Fertilize trees and shrubs, and monitor for signs of pests. Early spring is also an ideal time for pruning.
When to Prune: Start pruning in early spring before new growth begins. This promotes healthy development and maintains the desired shape of your trees and shrubs.
Local Lawn Care Experts Near Houston and College Station
Established in 2008, Aggieland Green is a trusted lawn care service in the Houston and College Station areas. We are experts in Texas lawn care with a commitment to customer satisfaction and personalized care. With years of experience, we’ve been a go-to choice for homeowners seeking a reliable and professional lawn care partner. Our services include weed control and fertilization lawn care programs, tree and shrub care, mosquito control, and lawn aeration in Houston, Bryan, and College Station. Contact us today for a free quote to get a headstart on your early spring lawn care!