Texas Lawn Care Guide
Everything you need to know about lawn care in Texas. From warm-season grass selection to seasonal fertilizer schedules, we've got you covered.
Quick Facts
- Capital
- Austin
- Season Type
- Warm-Season
- USDA Zones
- 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
- Recommended Grasses
- Bermuda Grass, St. Augustine Grass, Zoysia Grass, Bermuda + Rye Overseed, Bahia Grass
Best Grass Types for Texas
Bermuda Grass
WarmMowing Height: 0.5"–2"
Ideal Soil Temp: 65°F–85°F
St. Augustine Grass
WarmMowing Height: 3"–4"
Ideal Soil Temp: 65°F–85°F
Zoysia Grass
WarmMowing Height: 1"–2.5"
Ideal Soil Temp: 65°F–85°F
Bermuda + Rye Overseed
TransitionMowing Height: 1"–2.5"
Ideal Soil Temp: 55°F–85°F
Bahia Grass
WarmMowing Height: 3"–4"
Ideal Soil Temp: 65°F–85°F
Texas Lawn Care Calendar
Round 1 — Early Spring Pre-Emergent
When soil temperature reaches 55°F- Pre-Emergent Herbicide — Apply pre-emergent herbicide before soil reaches 55°F to prevent summer annual weeds.
Round 2 — Spring Green-Up
When soil temperature reaches 65°F- Low-N / High-K Stress Fertilizer — Apply a low-nitrogen, high-potassium fertilizer as warm-season turf exits dormancy.
- Pre-Emergent (2nd Application) — Second split-app of pre-emergent for extended weed prevention.
- Bio-Stimulant(optional) — Bio-stimulant to jumpstart soil biology as soil temps rise.
Round 3 — Early Summer
28-42 days after previous round- High-Nitrogen Fertilizer — Apply high-nitrogen fertilizer during peak warm-season growth.
- Grub Preventative — Apply preventative grub control (e.g. GrubEx / chlorantraniliprole) before grubs hatch. Critical for warm-season lawns where grubs can cause severe damage.
- Post-Emergent Broadleaf Herbicide(optional) — Spot-treat or blanket-spray broadleaf weeds while they are actively growing. Use warm-season safe formulations (avoid 2,4-D on St. Augustine).
- Bio-Stimulant(optional) — Bio-stimulant for root depth and nutrient uptake.
- Moisture Manager(optional) — Optional wetting agent to improve water distribution during heat.
Round 4 — Mid Summer
28-42 days after previous round- High-Nitrogen Fertilizer — Continue high-nitrogen feeding during warm-season peak growth.
- Surface Insect Control(optional) — Apply a surface insecticide (e.g. bifenthrin) to control armyworms, chinch bugs, sod webworms, and other surface-feeding pests.
- Bio-Stimulant(optional) — Bio-stimulant for sustained soil health.
Round 5 — Late Summer
28-42 days after previous round- High-Nitrogen Fertilizer — Final high-nitrogen application before growth slows in fall.
- Surface Insect Control(optional) — Monitor for late-season armyworm and chinch bug activity. Apply surface insecticide if damage is present.
- Bio-Stimulant(optional) — Bio-stimulant to prepare turf for seasonal transition.
Round 6 — Fall Transition
When soil temperature drops to 70°F- Low-N / High-K Stress Fertilizer — Switch to low-nitrogen, high-potassium to harden turf for winter dormancy.
- Pre-Emergent (Fall) — Fall pre-emergent to prevent cool-season annual weeds (poa annua).
- Post-Emergent Broadleaf Herbicide(optional) — Fall is an effective time for broadleaf weed control in warm-season lawns. Target weeds as they prepare for winter.
- Bio-Stimulant(optional) — Bio-stimulant to support root carbohydrate storage.
Round 7 — Late Fall / Dormancy
When soil temperature drops to 55°F- Bio-Stimulant(optional) — Light bio-stimulant application to maintain soil biology through winter dormancy. No nitrogen fertilizer needed.
USDA Zones in Texas
Zone 6b
Winter Low: -5°F to 0°F
Transition Zone zone
Zone 7a
Winter Low: 0°F to 5°F
Transition Zone zone
Zone 7b
Winter Low: 5°F to 10°F
Transition Zone zone
Zone 8a
Winter Low: 10°F to 15°F
Warm-Season zone
Zone 8b
PrimaryWinter Low: 15°F to 20°F
Warm-Season zone
Zone 9a
Winter Low: 20°F to 25°F
Warm-Season zone
Zone 9b
Winter Low: 25°F to 30°F
Warm-Season zone
Top Cities in Texas
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start fertilizing my lawn in Texas?
In Texas, the best time to start fertilizing depends on your grass type. For warm-season grasses, begin fertilizing when soil temperatures consistently reach 65°F in spring. Use a soil thermometer for accurate timing rather than relying on calendar dates alone.
What is the best grass type for Texas?
Texas is in the warm-season zone, so the best grass types include Bermuda Grass, Zoysia Grass, and St. Augustine Grass. The ideal choice depends on your specific USDA zone, sun exposure, and maintenance preferences.
How often should I mow my lawn in Texas?
Mowing frequency in Texas varies by season. During peak growing season, mow warm-season grasses every 5-7 days in summer. Always follow the one-third rule — never remove more than one-third of the blade height in a single mowing.
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