Ah, Houston winters. One moment, you’re planning a BBQ in shorts and flip-flops; the next, you’re frantically searching for mittens. And guess who else is caught off guard? Your lawn. The first step to winning this winter game is recognizing that Houston weather doesn’t play by the rules. And neither should you. Keep your lawn strong by anticipating the unexpected and laughing in the face of that surprise freeze.
Preparation is Everything
So, winter is knocking, and your lawn is out here in its summer shorts, blissfully unaware. Time to give it a little reality check. First up, break out the mower for one last snip before the chill sets in. Then clean up those leaves and twigs on the ground. They’re just blocking sunlight and inviting mold to crash the party. This is also the perfect time to edge and tidy up your lawn borders. And let’s not forget aeration. Poke some holes in that soil to let air, water and nutrients get down to the roots. Finally, be on the lookout for any bare patches. Seed those spots to give your lawn a fighting chance when winter decides to show up uninvited.
Pick the Perfect Fertilizer
Think of winter-specific fertilizer as your grass’s secret weapon, loaded with nutrients to help it face the cold. Look for key ingredients like potassium and phosphorus, which help strengthen roots and prep your lawn for the icy days ahead. Nitrogen, on the other hand, should take a backseat. Your grass doesn’t need to bulk up; it needs to toughen up. Apply it just before the ground goes into hibernation mode. Too early and you’re just overfeeding; too late and, well, your grass missed the memo.
Winter Watering Advice
Aim to water once every couple of weeks. Any more than that, and you’re just creating a soggy, stressed-out lawn. How do you know if you’re overdoing it? If your grass starts squishing under your feet like you’re walking on a sponge, you’ve gone too far. Also, remember to turn off your sprinklers when a freeze is coming. The last thing you want is an ice rink where your grass used to be.
Long-term Strategies for Lawn Care
If your lawn survived its first Houston winter, here are some long-term strategies to keep it healthy. Pick grass types that can handle Houston’s mood swings. St. Augustine and Bermuda are tough, adaptable and ready to face whatever Mother Nature throws at them. After winter waves goodbye, make sure you’re keeping up with the basics: mow it regularly, poke some holes in that soil for aeration and dethatching. Consider a soil test every now and then. Knowing what your soil needs helps you give it the right balance of nutrients, so your grass stays strong and healthy all year round.
Check Out Our Homes and Our Lawns
What looks great with a beautiful lawn? A beautiful home. You will find both at Cypress Green. Stop by our information center, then explore our model homes. Your new home is just waiting for you.