Maintaining a beautiful, healthy lawn year-round requires consistent care and attention, especially in the diverse climate of the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area.
This guide provides a detailed year-round lawn care schedule, including tips tailored to the most common turf types in DFW: Bermuda grass, St. Augustine grass, and Zoysia grass.
By following this schedule, you can ensure your lawn remains lush and green throughout the year.
January – February: Winter Dormancy
During the winter months, most grasses in DFW enter a period of dormancy. Although lawn care tasks are minimal, there are still important steps to take to prepare for the growing season.
Bermuda Grass
- Mowing: Keep the mower stored away; no mowing is needed.
- Watering: Water sparingly if there is no rain for several weeks.
- Fertilization: Avoid fertilizing during dormancy.
St. Augustine Grass
- Mowing: No mowing is required during dormancy.
- Watering: Water only during dry spells to prevent the grass from drying out.
- Fertilization: Do not fertilize; wait until spring.
Zoysia Grass
- Mowing: Mowing is not necessary.
- Watering: Minimal watering is needed only during prolonged dry periods.
- Fertilization: Hold off on fertilizing until the growing season begins.
General Tips
- Weed Control: Apply a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent weeds from germinating.
- Equipment Maintenance: Sharpen mower blades and service lawn equipment in preparation for spring.
March – April: Early Spring Growth
As temperatures begin to rise, your lawn will start coming out of dormancy. This is a crucial time to set the stage for healthy growth throughout the year.
Bermuda Grass
- Mowing: Begin mowing as the grass starts to green up. Set the mower height to 1 – 1.5 inches.
- Watering: Start a regular watering schedule, about 1 inch per week.
- Fertilization: Apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer to encourage early growth.
St. Augustine Grass
- Mowing: Mow to a height of 2.5 – 4 inches as the grass greens up.
- Watering: Water deeply and infrequently, about 1 inch per week.
- Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer to promote growth.
Zoysia Grass
- Mowing: Mow to a height of 1 – 2 inches as growth resumes.
- Watering: Begin regular watering, approximately 1 inch per week.
- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer to support new growth.
General Tips
- Aeration: Aerate the lawn to alleviate soil compaction and improve root growth.
- Soil Testing: Conduct a soil test to determine nutrient needs and pH levels.
May – June: Peak Growing Season
With warmer temperatures and longer days, your lawn will be in full growth mode. This period requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best.
Bermuda Grass
- Mowing: Mow frequently, maintaining a height of 1 – 2 inches.
- Watering: Water deeply once or twice a week, aiming for 1 – 1.5 inches per week.
- Fertilization: Apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer every 6 – 8 weeks.
St. Augustine Grass
- Mowing: Mow to a height of 2.5 – 4 inches, mowing as needed to maintain this height.
- Watering: Water deeply and infrequently, about 1 – 1.5 inches per week.
- Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer every 6 – 8 weeks.
Zoysia Grass
- Mowing: Maintain a mowing height of 1 – 2 inches, mowing frequently.
- Watering: Water deeply, about 1 – 1.5 inches per week.
- Fertilization: Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every 6 – 8 weeks.
General Tips
- Weed Control: Continue monitoring for weeds and treat them as necessary.
- Pest Control: Keep an eye out for lawn pests such as grubs and treat if needed.
July – August: Summer Stress Management
The intense heat of summer can stress your lawn. Adjust your care routine to help your grass withstand the high temperatures. There are ways to notice when your lawn is experiencing summer stress. If you identify them, call a lawn care company to help find a way to bring your lawn back to life.
Bermuda Grass
- Mowing: Continue mowing at 1 – 2 inches, but avoid cutting more than one-third of the blade height at a time. Also, raise the mower one notch to allow grass to hold moisture from irrigation longer and not dry out as fast in the heat.
- Watering: Increase watering frequency to compensate for evaporation, aiming for 1 – 1.5 inches per week.
- Fertilization: Apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer in early July.
St. Augustine Grass
- Mowing: Maintain a height of 2.5 – 4 inches, mowing as needed. Also, raise the mower one notch to allow grass to hold moisture from irrigation longer and not dry out as fast in the heat.
- Watering: Water deeply and more frequently, about 1 – 1.5 inches per week.
- Fertilization: Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in early July.
Zoysia Grass
- Mowing: Mow to a height of 1 – 2 inches, mowing as needed. Also, raise the mower one notch to allow grass to hold moisture from irrigation longer and not dry out as fast in the heat.
- Watering: Ensure consistent watering, approximately 1 – 1.5 inches per week.
- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early July.
General Tips
- Monitor for Heat Stress: Look for signs of heat stress, such as wilting or browning, and adjust watering accordingly.
- Pest Control: Watch for signs of pest activity and treat as necessary.
September – October: Preparing for Fall
As temperatures begin to cool, it’s time to prepare your lawn for the coming winter months.
Bermuda Grass
- Mowing: Gradually raise the mowing height to 2 – 2.5 inches.
- Watering: Reduce watering frequency as temperatures cool, maintaining 1 inch per week.
- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early September.
St. Augustine Grass
- Mowing: Continue mowing to a height of 2.5 – 4 inches.
- Watering: Decrease watering frequency, maintaining 1 inch per week.
- Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer in early September.
Zoysia Grass
- Mowing: Maintain a height of 1 – 2 inches.
- Watering: Water less frequently, aiming for 1 inch per week.
- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early September.
General Tips
- Overseeding: Consider overseeding with cool-season grass if desired.
- Weed Control: Apply a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent winter weeds.
November – December: Late Fall and Winter Prep
As winter approaches, prepare your lawn for dormancy and ensure it has a strong foundation for the next growing season.
Bermuda Grass
- Mowing: Continue mowing until the grass stops growing.
- Watering: Water only during dry spells.
- Fertilization: Avoid fertilizing; focus on weed control.
St. Augustine Grass
- Mowing: Mow as needed until growth slows.
- Watering: Water sparingly during dry periods.
- Fertilization: Hold off on fertilizing until spring.
Zoysia Grass
- Mowing: Continue mowing until growth ceases.
- Watering: Water only during extended dry spells.
- Fertilization: Do not fertilize; concentrate on weed prevention.
General Tips
- Leaf Removal: Keep the lawn clear of fallen leaves to prevent smothering the grass.
- Soil Testing: Conduct another soil test to prepare for spring fertilization.
Ensure a Lush, Green Lawn
Maintaining a healthy lawn in DFW requires consistent care and attention throughout the year. By following this year-round lawn care schedule and tailoring your practices to the specific needs of Bermuda, St. Augustine, and Zoysia grass, you can ensure a lush, green lawn no matter the season.
For professional assistance and tailored lawn care solutions, consider using Gecko Green’s expert services. Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve the perfect lawn.
