Fall Lawn Care and Common Lawn Problems in Houston, Texas
As fall approaches in Houston, Texas, the weather begins to cool down, but that doesn’t mean your lawn care routine should come to a halt. Fall is a crucial time to prepare your lawn for the cooler months ahead and address common problems that may have developed during the summer. Here’s a guide to fall lawn care and how to tackle typical lawn issues in Houston.
Fall Lawn Care Tips for Houston Lawns
Adjust Your Mowing Routine
Although your grass may not grow as quickly in the fall as it does in summer, it’s still important to mow your lawn regularly. The key is to adjust your mower height to help your grass recover from summer stress and prepare for winter dormancy.
- For warm-season grasses like Bermuda and St. Augustine, raise your mower to a slightly higher setting. This helps the grass store energy in its roots and protects it from cooler temperatures.
- Mow frequently enough to keep the grass at a healthy height but avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade at a time.
Fertilize for Strength
Fall fertilization is essential to keep your lawn strong and healthy through the cooler months. Apply a slow-release fertilizer in mid-to-late fall to promote root growth, which will help your grass withstand winter dormancy and bounce back stronger in the spring.
- Choose a fertilizer with a good balance of nitrogen and potassium. Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to excessive top growth and make your lawn more vulnerable to disease. Always remember to water your lawn after applying fertilizer.
Control Weeds with Pre-emergent Herbicide
Weeds like annual bluegrass, chickweed, and henbit thrive in the cooler temperatures of fall and winter. To prevent these weeds from taking over your lawn, apply a pre-emergent herbicide in the fall months and again in late winter to early spring.
- Timing is important: In Houston, apply pre-emergent herbicide in September to October before weed seeds begin to germinate. Follow the product instructions and water the lawn after application to activate the herbicide.
Fall Lawn Aeration
If your lawn suffered from compacted soil over the summer, fall is a great time to aerate. Aerating improves water and nutrient absorption by creating small holes in the soil, allowing the grass roots to breathe and grow deeper. Aggieland Green offers both core aeration and liquid aeration for homeowners near Houston and College Station.
- Tip: Water the lawn before aeration to allow the aerator machine to pull better soil plugs. Aerate before fertilizing for the best results. This ensures the fertilizer reaches the roots where it’s needed most.
Water Wisely
In Houston, the weather in fall can be unpredictable. While temperatures are cooler, you may still experience periods of drought or heavy rainfall. It’s important to adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Aggieland Green offers a lawn treatment called Stress Helper, that helps the lawn recover from heat and drought stress brought on by Texas summers! Contact us today to learn more and get a quote.
- Water deeply but infrequently: Your lawn needs about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall. Watering deeply encourages strong root growth and helps your grass survive winter dormancy.
- Morning watering: Watering in the morning reduces evaporation and helps prevent fungal diseases.
Common Lawn Problems in Houston During Fall
Brown Patch Disease
One of the most common lawn problems in Houston during the fall is brown patch disease. This fungal disease thrives in the cooler, humid conditions of fall and affects warm-season grasses like St. Augustine and Zoysia.
- Signs of brown patch: Look for circular patches of brown or yellow grass that seem to spread over time.
- Prevention: Avoid overwatering, especially in the late afternoon or evening, as this creates a moist environment where brown patch can thrive. Apply a fungicide, if necessary, but focus on improving drainage and airflow in your lawn first.
Chinch Bugs
Chinch bugs are a common pest in Houston lawns, especially in the fall as temperatures begin to cool down. These small insects feed on grass, causing brown patches that resemble drought stress.
- Signs of chinch bugs: Brown or yellow spots that don’t improve with watering may indicate chinch bug damage.
- Treatment: You can treat chinch bugs with insecticide or by encouraging natural predators like ladybugs to take care of the problem. Proper watering and lawn care practices can also help prevent infestations.
Fall Armyworms
Armyworms are caterpillars that feed on lawn grasses primarily during fall. They march in large groups and can quickly destroy a healthy lawn. If you notice these small caterpillars in your lawn, or grass blades with chewed edges, you may have a problem. Contact a professional lawn care service as soon as possible for an insecticide treatment.
Poor Drainage
Houston is known for its heavy fall rains, which can lead to poor drainage and standing water in your yard. Poor drainage can result in root rot, lawn diseases, and an unhealthy lawn. Cycle and Soak watering is a great way to prevent puddling in your lawn.
- Fix drainage issues: Aerating the soil annually can help alleviate compaction in the soil which will improve soil absorption over time. If you have a lawn with a heavy slope, you may need to consider installing irrigation drains if the problem is severe.
Houston Lawn Care You Can Trust
Fall is an essential time to care for your lawn in Houston, Texas. By showing your lawn some extra love and care in the cooler season, you can keep your lawn healthy through the fall and into the winter. With the right care, your lawn will be ready to thrive when spring arrives! For homeowners in College Station, Bryan, and NW Houston, Aggieland Green is the local lawn service to trust with your lawn. We have years of experience providing top-quality lawn care in Texas. Our services include lawn aeration, fertilization and weed control, tree and shrub care, mosquito control, lawn pest control, and more. Contact us today to get a free quote.