In addition to the time of day and watering duration, you likely also want to know how many days a week to water. Do you need to winterize your sprinkler system in Texas? 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. Youll recognize it by the patches of damaged turf that can be inches in width to several feet. So, remember when the temperatures start dropping to consider when your lawn is ready to go dormant, and save yourself time and money. So if youre trying to figure out when to stop watering your lawn in Texas, here are the facts. Loamy soil with more clay tends to hold moisture much better, but it does not drain as well, so overwatering is a real risk. About 7,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes in the U.S. annually. The grasses typical to Houston lawns are hearty and should stand up well to heat, which will follow these tips. EPA puts pause on Texas-bound shipment of toxic water from train derailment 'This process of dumping toxic waste in communities without prior notice to local cities and counties has to stop,' a U . 0000018187 00000 n It can be boiled down to proper watering and mowing. Water is a limited resource in Texas. Thus to know when to properly apply weed n seed, you need to check your climate zone. Free Quote. 0000011394 00000 n Even in winter, it's best to leave our grass tall. You should not completely stop watering your lawn in the fall until the ground freezes. If you have questions about the care of your turf grass sod, drought resistant grass, or about which types of sod are best for your project, please call us at 281-431-7441. Start by accepting the fact that "lawns don't waste water, people do!" If you water your yard only when it needs it, for example, you could save between 750 and 1,500 gallons of water a month. When should I stop watering the grass before winter? Get highlights, trending news, and behind-the-scenes insights from Houston Public Media delivered to your inbox each week. 901 Mopac Expressway South, Barton Springs Rd . 0000001568 00000 n During this time, as the temperatures drop, the roots will grow, continuing to seek moisture. Either way, you are saving money on plastic bags, but even more important, you are helping to save the environment by taking the manufacture and transportation of plastic bags out of the equation and by not adding to the problems caused by landfills. Wait until late winter or early spring (February March) and only trim off the dead, brown growth where it meets the new green coming up. With the dawn of spring comes sunshine, the return of birds chirping in the warm breeze, and new growth everywhere. your lawn is 5,000 square feet, you will need 33 pounds of 15-5-10 fertilizer. So when should you stop watering your lawn? In Virginia, fall is an incredibly important growing season for the primary fescue lawns. 0000047981 00000 n You're likely to first notice this type of weed growing in the winter. Plants are like humans. Healthy grass grows the most in the autumn, so its critical to not only water but also fertilize your lawn all through the beginning of fall. What 4, While the Texas economy has become more diversified over the last several decades, our states oil and gas sector continues to play an important role, Demand for rental property in Texas is driven by various factors, including a robust job market, strong in-migration, a lower cost of living, and business-friendly, Redistricting is the process of redrawing district boundaries to guarantee equal voter representation. Here in Houston, winter presents its own set of challenges for caring for a lawn. Love lawns as much as we do? Watering lawns properly can prevent wasted water, promote healthy grass growth and prevent problems including disease. 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. The formula in lawn fertilizers can change by region. 3 Simple Lawn Care Tips For Your Summer Lawn, As the caretakers of Houstons best lawns, we get many questions once winter rolls around: should I seed my lawn in the winter? "Watering in colder climates can lead to . Since 2007 he has used his leadership to grow the company into one of the top landscape maintenance companies in Austin and surrounding areas offering landscape maintenance, design, and irrigation services to both residential and commercial clients. These materials include paints, pesticides, solvents, cleaning fluids, and unused medicines. Blowing off the rules at Stage Four means a fine starting at a grand or higher this in addition to surcharges tacked on to your next several water bills. 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. Have questions about lawn care? 1. Same as it would be in the summer, over watering grass is harmful to your 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. First, follow the list above to prepare the lawn for winter with overseeding, aeration, and fertilization. Should I water grass in winter? 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. Because the soil loses nutrients during the summer, its essential to replenish them over the winter. Simply shut off the main water supply to your system and open the drain valves at the end of each zone. How Much Does Sprinkler Repair Cost in 2023. Lawn care needs a full-circle plan. However, this does mean you will have to keep an eye on the rainfall. To answer these questions and keep Houston landscapes lush, Green Bee Lawn Care has put together this helpful guide to caring for the lawn in the winter. If youre unsure of the seasonal details when it comes to taking care of your yard in the chillier (and freezing) months, youve come to the right place. Thorough watering of lawns once a week is usually sufficient. In most of Houston, Texas ideal time to winterize lawn will be between June and August. Inspect your property for proper drainage, especially when it allows water to run into streets, gutters, alleys and adjacent areas. The Best Time to Water Grass in Texas. Try to stay diligent to the one inch per week of water guideline. 0000001182 00000 n This debris includes hoses, bikes, and even leaves. Drake concert at the Houston Appreciation Weekend, Bermudagrass Guide: Types, Traits, and Care, How to Get Rid of Anthracnose in the Lawn, 11 Essential Lawn Care Tools for Homeowners, How to Prevent the Neighbors Dog from Pooping in Your Yard, How to Protect Grass from an Inflatable Pool. Your grass needs water whenever it can absorb it, and this means your lawn needs at least some water until the ground is frozen. Also, watering in the morning allows your grass to dry before nighttime, lessening the chance of disease creeping in. Its important not to miss those allowed watering days, which could result in the grass drying out. When it comes to mowing your St. Augustine, a typical height is about 2-4 inches. In a normal summer, water customers can irrigate their lawns between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. (3 pages) During the middle of the year, running your sprinkler for about two hours every other day will typically keep your grass healthy. Remember to focus on your watering when the temperature is low and there's not much wind. This will avoid potential fungal growth from having wet grass after nightfall. Keeping it in good health is good for the central Texas ecosystem. A closer cut, along with bagging grass clippings, will help remove thatch buildup and pull up . . So, 20 minutes, three times per week will give a lawn about an inch of water. It's important to know that people waste water lawns don't. In fact, watering your lawn is far from a bad thing. The trick to having a lush and healthy lawn that will be the envy of the neighborhood this summer just takes care and attention. 1. Houston, TX 77063 713-395-9700 713-600-5999. By e-mail: whcrwa@txdistricts.info. In South Carolina, as the weather starts to get colder in late fall to early winter, you should only water your lawn if rainfall becomes absent. Water wont penetrate once the ground freezes. Ferris MyCue is the founder and owner of Grass Works Lawn Care, LLC located in Leander, TX. One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is abruptly cutting off the grass watering routine the moment the weather changes and the leaves start dropping. 1. The hope is for the notice to be lifted late Monday or early Tuesday. 0000056281 00000 n 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. Let the Houston Public Media newsroom help you start your day. Tags boil water notice Houston ISD Houston Public Works water. Frequent, short watering encourages shallow roots, unhealthy grass plants and turf susceptible to drought and disease. This booklet explains how homeowners can establish a water management program for a home lawn that both maintains a healthy sod and also conserves water. Brown patch often appears in the fall. Early morning is by far the best time to water. A sudden drop in moisture can shock your grass and cause it to dehydrate. Read Also: Can You Hydroseed Over Grass. If you opt to aerate your lawn in spring, the national average cost is $70-$100. 0000001790 00000 n Watering To keep your lawn healthy, water it only when the grass needs it. So, lets take a close look at when you should stop watering grass in Texas. 0000047199 00000 n 0000039647 00000 n How Much Does it Cost to Stain a Deck in 2023? Overview. 0000004368 00000 n So if you get 1/2-in. your lawn is 5,000 square feet, it will need 33 pounds of 15-5-10 fertilizer. Should I still water my lawn in the fall? 0000032058 00000 n Water is vital in the winter months when there is not adequate rainfall. What is Lawn Aeration and What are the Benefits? For winter, adjust down further, to 0-10%. The reduced intensity of the sun does mean you can cut back on the quantity of water, but remember growth is still happening even if you cant see it above the ground, so watering and fertilizer (slow release is a great idea) is still a must. 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. However, it is also important not to overwater. Diseases can set in if your lawn is receiving too much moisture. Once you start seeing signs of damage in your grass then its more than likely too late for any reparative action. Average Rating 4.8/5 Stars - 1,490 Reviews. Overwatering can harm the root system of grass, and the excess moisture can put the lawn at risk for fungal diseases. It is true that less water is required when the temperature is below 40 degrees. This is why cold northern winters are said to create desert conditions. 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. Then don't water again until the grass shows symptoms of drought stressa dull, bluish color, rolled or folded leaves, and . During the summer, we typically recommend watering three to four days per week to achieve that goal. Watering 2-3 times throughout the week - instead of daily or only once per week - is the best way to keep your lawn consistently hydrated. The general rule of thumb is to keep the grass roughly the same height as a soda can turned on its side. The best time to water the yard is early in the morning before the sun stars beating down on the turf. Do this after the first 15 minutes to check your progress. Do I need to take steps for weed control in the winter? Know that your lawn is benefiting from the sprinklers. Some materials that are commonly used around the household and farm can be hazardous if managed improperly. As important as it is to water your lawn in the fall until the ground freezes, its just as important not to overwater it. Tile Roof vs. Shingle Roof: What Are the Differences? When should I winterize my lawn in Texas? As seen in Forbes, CNBC and USA Today, LawnStarter makes it easy to schedule service with a local lawn care professional. However, if the soil is less than 5 inches deep, irrigation may need to be more frequent. This will all make a difference in when you shut off the water. Rainfall is best, but when its not raining, you can set up your sprinkler to run during Houstons schedule of watering hours. Grass dries out much more quickly in the summer heat. 0000032036 00000 n Diseases can set in if your lawn is receiving too much moisture. Once the first frost hits, it is time to stop your regular watering routine, but with the dry Colorado winters, some winter watering will normally still be necessary for extended periods between snowfall. How often should I water my grass in Texas? If we dont want to be surprised by a brown lawn in the spring, we need to help the lawn have a good winter. An automatic sprinkler system can make this part easy. This fertilization should be done in the late spring in anticipation of the summer, and then sparingly during the warmer months. An aerobic septic system, or aerobic treatment unit (ATU), uses oxygen to breakdown both dissolved and solid constituents into gases, cell mass, and non-degradable material contained in wastewater. Don't water again until the grass shows symptoms of drought stressa dull bluish color, rolled or folded leaves, and persistent . Because of the harsh Texas climate, many residents are unsure of the best lawn watering schedule to follow. Its important to water your lawn in the fall until your ground freezes. As a result, it is critical to thoroughly and evenly apply the water throughout the lawn. The best time to water is at 4 a.m. so the soil and roots of the grass can soak it all in before the heat of the day. 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. In the fall, adjust to 30-50%, depending on how warm it still is and how much rain has been falling. When the air and soil temperatures consistently fall below 40 F, its time to stop watering. Too much water can be wasteful and damage harmful to the life span of the grass. Sticking to the watering rules will help you avoid any sticky situations, later on. For the first three and last three months of the year, five hours every 10 days will normally do the trick. It will naturally begin to loosen up on its own, . The grass will experience higher stress during the winter months due to lower moisture and colder temperatures. Residential homes are required to only water two days per week during midnight to 10 a.m and/ or 7 p.m. to midnight. Students have the option of obtaining school credit for this course. All conservation and efficiency measures are aimed at reducing water use. Never water the lawn at night, it could cause fungal disease to grow in your lawn. When and how you water your lawn is the most important factor in the quality of your yard. The publication discusses soil types, grass varieties, management practices, and watering techniques. 0000049992 00000 n How Much Does An Estate Have To Be Worth To Go To Probate In Texas. We recommend the 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. time slot for efficient watering. 0000205977 00000 n Continue to water your plants up until this point so theyre as well-hydrated as possible going into winter. When should I stop watering my lawn in Houston? The rule of thumb about frozen ground is that, after about three nights in a row below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the ground is frozen. The best time to water is at 4 a.m. so the soil and roots of the grass can soak it all in before the heat of . When Should You Stop Watering Your Lawn In Texas? They enjoy having a sufficient amount of water. These little critters love the heat. Stop training your grass to be a water hog! First of all, its critical to take care of weed problems during the summer before theyre able to germinate and seed in the fall. Rainfall is best, but when it's not raining, you can set up your sprinkler to run during Houston's schedule of watering hours. When you do water, wet the soil to a depth of 6 inches. Winter Watering Since we rarely get snow here in Texas, you should still water your lawn in the winter, especially if its been several weeks without rain. In Houston, Texas, recommended best watering times for lawn grass are during the wee hours of the morning. However, an adjustment in routine is critical to maintaining a healthy and luscious lawn. Again, its all about getting that optimal amount of water down (one to two inches per week). water until its full. Many beetles and other insects lay their eggs in the grass during the early parts of the summer, which hatch into grubs during the middle of the season that will eat at your grass. It is also best to remember to water the grass during the early morning to give it the whole day to dry out before the night. You should shut off your irrigation system just before temperatures in your region begin to dip below freezing at night. of rain per week in your area, Fernandes suggests resetting your irrigation system to water only 1/2-in. As a former firefighter who maintained yards on his days off, he saw a need for a dependable, local maintenance company that knew the hill country climate and could deliver quality landscaping services for a reasonable price. Watering dormant or slow-growing grass in low temperatures prevents grass death, strengthens roots, and ensures a strong lawn return in spring. Water. 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. This generally can be done 1-2 times per month. 41 0 obj << /Linearized 1 /O 43 /H [ 1182 386 ] /L 421620 /E 206220 /N 4 /T 420682 >> endobj xref 41 39 0000000016 00000 n Water is a limited resource in Texas. Image source: energy.gov. 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. Do not water every day or two. This formula works best with healthy, well-cultivated soil. Remember that the days are shorter, and the sun doesn . Watering infrequently and deeply is the key to a healthy Texas lawn. Houston Water's Conservation team offers tools, programs, and resources to help customers conserve one of our most precious resources - water. But, I never knew what time was right to stop watering it. Watering in colder climates can lead to disease, so it is critical to reduce how often and how long you water your lawn, Rossi says. Make sure the grass is getting the proper amount of water at the right time, and ensure that the grass stays at the correct length. Its not a good idea to abruptly stop watering if you want your lawn to come back strong in the spring. Call us at 281-431-7441 for the best quality St. Augustine grass sod available in the Houston area. The fact is watering your lawn in the fall is just as important as the rest of the year. Watering will still be necessary into winter, demanding attention for when the temperature really begins to drop. If your lawn is receiving at least one inch of water per week during the autumn months, then you do not have to water it. 0000003039 00000 n Temperatures matter. If there does not appear to be a suitable amount of rain, try cutting back to approximately one thorough watering every week. The longer a cold spell endures, the more time the ground has to freeze. When should I turn off my sprinklers in Texas? A good test to make sure youre giving the yard enough water is to stick an instrument like a screwdriver into the dirt. Give Your Lawn a Drink. For an automatic irrigation system, Austin allows one day per week between the hours of midnight to 10 a.m. and/or 7 p.m. to midnight. to speak with a lawn care expert today! Rutkowski said tight water restrictions are making it difficult to care for lawns as temperatures linger in the 100s for weeks on end. As a general rule, temperatures outside must drop to at least 20 degrees or lower to cause pipes to freeze. Its different from the temperature youre experiencing in the air. Follow these steps to prepare the lawn for winter and ensure the Bermuda grass stays happy and healthy: Winter lawn care is an important step that homeowners can take to ensure a healthy and vibrant summer lawn. While Texas subscribes to the "common enemy doctrine", it has modified the doctrine by holding landowners responsible for damage to neighboring property due to diversion of surface water. If your lawn is receiving at least one inch of water per week during the autumn months, then you do not have to water it.