0000047981 00000 n Remember that the days are shorter, and the sun doesnt hold its intensity for nearly as long as the summer months. This watering will also help to prevent winter mites when the time comes. You can winterize a sprinkler system without an air compressor if all of your irrigation lines are buried at a slight downhill slope. Furthermore, keeping high foot traffic and debris off the lawn can ensure the grass has room to continue growing, albeit slowly, all winter long. 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. Texas has a harsh climate, and many homeowners are left wondering if they should keep watering even through the winter. Theres nothing like a healthy, green lawn, and I always want it to look that way. 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. Dull blades shred the tops of the blades of grass and leave them susceptible to disease. Generally speaking, once the ground is frozen, you dont need to water your lawn anymore because it has gone dormant for the season. Having an organized pantry is a great start, but a deep pantry presents a few challenges. Since snow is rare, we need to water the lawn all winter 1-2 inches of water a week. At that time, the air is usually still, which prevents the wind from blowing the water into certain patterns. As temperatures drop, the threat of weeds and diseases rises for ones lawn. Another important aspect of mowing for the health of your lawn is the mulch that is produced afterwards. 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. Houston, Texas is considered a mild climate with very little annual change in temperature. During the summer, we typically recommend watering three to four days per week to achieve that . 0000004166 00000 n After the ground freezes, it would be pointless to water grass because the frozen ground would act as a barrier, blocking the water's path to the roots. 2. Not all systems need to have the water blown out of them. While you may be eager to get your lawn back to its pristine green state, it is important to remember that temperatures at and below 32 degrees Fahrenheit put your sprinkler system at risk of freezing. We are a team of passionate homeowners, home improvement pros, and DIY enthusiasts who enjoy sharing home improvement, housekeeping, decorating, and more with other homeowners! The fall, while the air is cool but the soil still warm, is the best time to overseed: sow additional grass seed over parts of the lawn where the grass is thin or where there are bare patches. However, the roots are another matter. If your area receives one inch or more of precipitation per week you dont need to water. A watering session should be long enough to soak the area sufficiently so all the roots receive a beneficial drink. Remember that the days are shorter, and the sun doesn't hold its intensity for nearly as long as the summer months. Water trees separately by placing a soaker hose under the outer ring of branches and let the hose drip for several hours, as needed. trailer << /Size 80 /Info 40 0 R /Root 42 0 R /Prev 420672 /ID[<39e9abf77ded42d386ee65e184f31432><39e9abf77ded42d386ee65e184f31432>] >> startxref 0 %%EOF 42 0 obj << /Type /Catalog /Pages 39 0 R >> endobj 78 0 obj << /S 135 /T 271 /Filter /FlateDecode /Length 79 0 R >> stream When the ground is frozen, the water wont make it down to the root zone because the hard, frozen soil acts as a barrier. In the Los Angeles region, most warm-season grasses require one-third of an inch of rainfall every week during the winter. Frequent, short watering encourages shallow roots, unhealthy grass plants and turf susceptible to drought and disease. Diseases can set in if your lawn is receiving too much moisture. BoozerRed78. How long should you run your irrigation system? 0000024742 00000 n Almost all of Texas is planted with warm-season grasses that go dormant when the soil temperature drops down between 50 and 60. Water won't penetrate once the ground freezes. The standard of lawn watering is to provide an inch of water once a week, or half an inch twice a week. The fall months in Nebraska do not mean you can cut off your watering schedule. Regular watering should continue through fall up until the first freeze in approximately mid-October. You can aerate with a pitchfork, a garden fork with tines or a gas-powered, walk-behind aerator to open up the soil, allow it to breathe and allow the grassroots to access the resources that they need. If you have bare spots, you can overseed the lawn to encourage new growth. 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. Once you start seeing signs of damage in your grass then its more than likely too late for any reparative action. 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. 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. When daytime temperatures in the Houston area are in the 70s and 80s, the typical watering schedule for turf and landscapes means giving the lawn about 1 to 1.5 inches per week. Remember that the days are shorter, and the sun doesnt hold its intensity for nearly as long as the summer months. 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. 'While you may not see this growth above ground, the underground root systems are expanding and repairing damage from the summer,' Rachel explains. Surface water runoff most often caused by excess rainwater or snow melt is the common culprit. Now servicing Horseshoe Bay, Lago Vista, Dripping Springs, Spicewood and Sunset Valley. 0000004368 00000 n 0000060393 00000 n Remember that the days are shorter, and the sun doesn . Because the soil loses nutrients during the summer, its essential to replenish them over the winter. You can also chop them up with a mulching mower so that they fertilize your grass naturally. 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. Ferris MyCue is the founder and owner of Grass Works Lawn Care, LLC located in Leander, TX. This is essential to preparing your lawn for the winter to come and all parts of this process will require watering for your lawns fertility. If you have a newer sprinkler controller, you may have the seasonal adjust option. Whether youre going to the Drake concert at the Houston Appreciation Weekend event or taking in one of the many parades around Houston, Baytown and Sugar Land, the sun on your face is a welcome reprieve from the fleeting memory of winter. What do I need to know about winter lawn fertilization? Image source: energy.gov. Winter lawn aeration revives the soil and lawn. It's also bad for the lawn since watering in the heat of the day tends to put stress on the grass. This watering schedule is far lighter than during the spring or summer. This technique helps plants grow longer, tougher roots that will allow them to access water throughout the summer even as temperatures rise. 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. If it has been recently aerated and seeded, attempt light, frequent watering twice daily until light puddling forms. Throughout fall, watering depends partially on the state of your lawn. Tile Roof vs. Shingle Roof: What Are the Differences? When should I stop watering my lawn in Houston? First, follow the list above to prepare the lawn for winter with overseeding, aeration, and fertilization. When the temperature drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, some homeowners stop watering their lawns. Its not a good idea to abruptly stop watering if you want your lawn to come back strong in the spring. The insulation also allows for the soil to maintain its moisture better. These are things that you can buy at any regular home improvement store. Any time it is raining or freezing, turn it off completely. It is also recommended to apply weed treatment while the temperature is less than 85 degrees to prevent harming the grass. The particles are closer together in the denser soils, and the freezing process slows. . Normally, this is not a problem because the main shut-off, zone valves and heads are below ground and stay relatively insulated. Throughout fall, watering depends partially on the state of your lawn. The plan, all voluntary, calls for a decrease in outdoor watering and limits it to twice a week, between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. Continue to water your plants up until this point so theyre as well-hydrated as possible going into winter. The grass will experience higher stress during the winter months due to lower moisture and colder temperatures. Winter lawn maintenance in Texas is a crucial step to keeping ones lawn healthy and green during the spring and summer. Even though it may seem counterintuitive to mow your lawn during the winter, it's actually a great way to keep your grass healthy. Our professionals recommend you always following water restrictions, but also contemplate such parts to determine watering run times as well. Experts recommend setting your sprinklers for a 4 am shower . Fungal diseases may take hold if your lawn is . The grass should be taller during the summer months, which will allow for deeper root growth and cover from the sun. The best test is to stick a spade down a few inches to see if there's any moisture. Gradually reduce watering until the average nighttime temperatures are in the low 30s, then stop. Should I water grass in winter? This will allow the water to soak into the dirt and to the roots, will avoid water loss due to evaporation and will give the grass time to dry out. 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. As important as it is to water your lawn in the fall until the ground freezes, its just as important not to overwater it. As a general rule, running the water for about 45 minutes to 1 hour is often enough to help protect your foundation from cracking or moving. By Kristine Cummings / August 15, 2022. 10 Pallet Garden Ideas to Bring New Life to Your Yard, Why Dog Pee Kills Your Grass (and How to Fix your Lawn), How to Protect Grass from an Inflatable Pool. you can measure each station with a cat food or tuna can. 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. How Much is the Average Water Bill in 2023? When the fall season starts to arrive, most people start thinking about ordering a sprinkler system blowout and preparing for winter. If the soil is moist during this time, it never needs to be watered. These watering times differ in severe droughts and shortages. To help your lawn stay healthy throughout the winter, the quantity of watering necessary is less than during the summer months. Winter lawn care in Texas should include adjusting the mower to cut grass 1 inch shorter so it is 2 inches tall for the last major lawn cut of the season, whether your lawn is Bermudagrass, St. Augustine grass or Zoysia grass. The grasses typical to Houston lawns are hearty and should stand up well to heat, which will follow these tips. A lot of the most popular sod is a blend of grasses, including Kentucky blue, rye, and fescue. Hope you have a happy Memorial Day and a wonderful summer. 2023 Texas A&M AgriLife. In person: Same as mailing address. 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. But its not that simple. Certain counties may add their own sales tax to, Sugar and cotton were two of the most widely cultivated crops, grown on plantations that relied heavily if not exclusively upon enslaved labor. 0000039669 00000 n Local lakes and rivers make up Houstons water supply. Diseases can set in if your lawn is receiving too much moisture. If your area receives one inch or more of precipitation per week you don't need to water. When should I stop watering the grass before winter? As seen in Forbes, CNBC and USA Today, LawnStarter makes it easy to schedule service with a local lawn care professional. When to Stop Watering the Lawn in Fall. The best time to water a lawn in hot weather is from dawn until the early morning hours or when the sun isn't fully shining yet. What is Lawn Treatment and Why is it Important? What is Overseeding a Lawn and When to Do it. Again, it's all about getting that optimal amount of water down (one to two inches per week). You do not need to keep watering throughout the winter as it will generally freeze by then and be rendered unnecessary. Its important to keep the right grass length to maintain a healthy and stress-free lawn. Next, use a selective herbicide to tackle winter lawn weeds. Tags boil water notice Houston ISD Houston Public Works water. This . By simply setting a timer, you can get your grass watered at the best time and sleep in too. It makes a lot of sense to educate yourself on the particular varieties that constitute your lawn so you can make an educated decision on when its time to stop the sprinklers for the year. Members are hearing testimony from subject-matter experts as well as policy advocates,, $75,000. Normally, turf and landscapes in the Houston area do fine with 1-1 . Call Now: 972.895.2001. 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. This will help fortify the soil, nourish your lawn, and aid in moisture retention. Youre likely not seeing frigid, freezing temps for long periods of time just yet. One of the biggest seasonal variables is ambient temperatures. 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. AND there is the possibility of having your Houston area water service disconnected. 0000001568 00000 n If this is necessary, only water the sparser patches that need to build extra growth, not the whole lawn. So, start judging how much rain you are receiving starting in either October or November. 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. Dont shut off your irrigation system too early. Knowing when to stop watering your lawn in Texas mostly just comes down to being observant about temperatures, rainfall, the first freeze, and the condition of your lawn. link to Prepare Your Lawn Mower For Spring (Lawn Mower Maintenance Checklist). But its also important to know how best to care for it neither over- nor under-watering so it can stay as healthy as it can be. This means in many cases, you can stop watering your lawn during the winter, but only as long as you are receiving at least one and a half inches of rain during every winter month. You should Winterize your sprinkler system in Southern Texas if the temperatures are expected to drop below 32 degrees. We rummage around for those puffy down jackets, even though we usually never need them in the fall. This generally can be done 1-2 times per month. Watering in the evening when the lawn isnt allowed to dry out some could cause disease in the grass. Beginning in either November or December, you can begin to taper off watering altogether. Varieties including fescue and Kentucky blue need a lot more water. To prevent brown patches from developing, refrain from overwatering, make sure drainage is adequate, and be sparing with the application of nitrogen. To get a good idea of whats happening under your grass, youll need to monitor the weather. Dry, stressed, or dormant lawns are more likely to be home to insects. 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. The standard of lawn watering is to provide an inch of water once a week, or half an inch twice a week. Chemical fertilizers can have an adverse effect on your yard during the summer causing a burning effect. Its not uncommon for our clients to ask should I water my lawn in the winter? Make the Last Cut Count. As a general rule, temperatures outside must drop to at least 20 degrees or lower to cause pipes to freeze. . Don't water again until the grass shows symptoms of drought stressa dull bluish color, rolled or folded leaves, and persistent . To determine how long you need to water to get one inch, place a plastic container in your yard and set a timer. 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