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Lawn Care 101: Guide to a Thriving Lawn in Williamson County, TX

Writer's picture: Hannah O'ConnorHannah O'Connor

In Central Texas, keeping a lawn healthy involves challenges such as intense heat, drought conditions, and soil variability.

This guide includes choosing the right grass, seasonal maintenance, proper watering techniques, pest management, fertilization, and sustainable practices to ensure a lush lawn year-round.



 

Choosing the Right Turfgrass for Williamson County


Not all grasses thrive in Texas' hot summers and unpredictable rainfall. Choosing the right type for your specific needs—sun exposure, water requirements, and maintenance level—will set your lawn up for success.


Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon)

Best for: Full sun, high-traffic areas (sports fields, playgrounds, and large lawns).


Pros:

  • Extremely drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal watering

  • Fast-growing and self-repairing, making it great for high-traffic areas

  • Develops a dense, carpet-like lawn that competes well against weeds

  • Available in both seeded and hybrid (sod) varieties, with hybrids offering finer texture


Cons:

  • Requires frequent mowing (one to two times per week in peak season) due to rapid growth

  • Spreads aggressively into flower beds and walkways, requiring edging or barriers

  • Not shade-tolerant—struggles in areas with more than four hours of shade

  • Goes dormant in winter, turning brown until temperatures warm up


Maintenance Tips:

  • Mow at one to two inches for common Bermuda; hybrid varieties may need to be kept at half an inch to one and a half inches

  • Fertilize regularly (every four to six weeks) with a balanced fertilizer (15-5-10 or similar) during the growing season

  • Water deeply but infrequently—about one inch per week in summer

  • Dethatch every one to two years to prevent buildup and promote healthy growth


Best for homeowners who want a fast-growing, tough lawn but do not mind frequent mowing.



St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum)

Best for: Partial shade, residential lawns with moderate maintenance needs.


Pros:

  • Best shade-tolerant warm-season grass (survives with four to six hours of sunlight)

  • Forms a thick, carpet-like turf that crowds out weeds

  • Soft, lush texture that looks great for traditional home lawns

  • Tolerates moderate drought but responds best to regular watering


Cons:

  • Higher water requirements—needs at least one inch of water per week in summer

  • Prone to chinch bugs, a common pest that causes brown, dead patches in hot weather

  • Can develop thatch buildup, requiring occasional dethatching

  • Not as cold-tolerant as Bermuda—may suffer winter damage in extended freezes


Maintenance Tips:

  • Mow at two and a half to four inches (higher mowing helps retain moisture and discourage pests)

  • Water consistently—does not tolerate extended drought well

  • Watch for chinch bugs in hot weather and apply insecticide if needed

  • Aerate once a year to improve soil drainage and root growth


Best for homeowners looking for a soft, dense lawn that thrives in partial shade.



Zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.)

Best for: Sun to light shade, medium-maintenance lawns, homeowners wanting a premium lawn


Pros:

  • Tolerates heat and drought well, making it ideal for Texas summers

  • Softer and denser than Bermudagrass, with a finer leaf texture

  • Slower-growing, meaning less mowing (only every seven to ten days)

  • Moderate shade tolerance—better than Bermuda, but not as strong as St. Augustine

  • Low thatch buildup compared to other turfgrasses


Cons:

  • Slow to establish, especially from seed—sod or plugs are recommended

  • More expensive than Bermuda or St. Augustine due to slower production

  • Not as wear-resistant as Bermudagrass, meaning it takes longer to recover from heavy foot traffic


Maintenance Tips:

  • Mow at one to two inches for a neat appearance

  • Water every seven to ten days (about one inch) to maintain a healthy lawn

  • Fertilize with slow-release nitrogen every six to eight weeks in spring and summer

  • Avoid heavy traffic—Zoysia recovers more slowly than Bermuda


Best for homeowners who want a beautiful, dense lawn with lower mowing frequency.


Buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides)

Best for: Low-maintenance, eco-friendly, drought-prone lawns


Pros:

  • Native to Texas, making it highly adapted to local conditions

  • Thrives on natural rainfall—needs little or no supplemental irrigation once established

  • Very low mowing requirements—may only need mowing every three to four weeks

  • No fertilizer needed—tolerates poor soil and requires minimal inputs


Cons:

  • Not ideal for high foot traffic—grows slowly and does not repair damage quickly

  • Prefers full sun—struggles in shaded areas

  • Lighter green color and finer texture may not appeal to homeowners wanting a traditional, dark-green lawn


Maintenance Tips:

  • Mow at three to four inches or let it grow naturally for a prairie-style lawn

  • Minimal fertilization needed—once per year with organic compost or low-nitrogen fertilizer

  • Water occasionally during extreme droughts, but generally relies on natural rainfall

  • Avoid overwatering—excess moisture encourages weeds and disease


Best for homeowners seeking a sustainable, water-saving lawn with minimal upkeep.


Grass Type

Best For

Pros

Cons

Bermudagrass

Full sun, high traffic

Drought-tolerant, fast-growing, self-repairing

Requires frequent mowing, spreads aggressively

St. Augustinegrass

Partial shade, thick coverage

Lush, weed-resistant, shade-tolerant

Higher water needs, prone to chinch bugs

Zoysiagrass

Sun to light shade, premium lawns

Dense, soft, low mowing needs

Slow to establish, more expensive

Buffalograss

Low-maintenance, water-wise lawns

Native, drought-resistant, minimal mowing

Not traffic-tolerant, prefers full sun


 

Seasonal Lawn Care Schedule


Knowing what to do and when keeps your lawn thriving year-round.


Spring (March-May): Wake-Up & Growth Season

  • Mow: First mow of the season; St. Augustine at 2.5-3 inches, Bermudagrass at 1-2 inches​

  • Fertilize: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer (15-5-10) after the last frost​

  • Weed Control: Apply pre-emergent herbicide to stop summer weeds like crabgrass

  • Check for Pests & Diseases: Watch for brown patch in St. Augustine​

  • Deep Watering Begins: 1 inch per week if no rain​


Summer (June-August): Surviving the Heat

  • Mow Higher: Taller grass shades the soil & reduces evaporation

  • Water Efficiently: Water early morning, deep soak once or twice a week​

  • Pest Control: Chinch bugs in St. Augustine, grubs in Bermuda​

  • Drought Strategy: If needed, allow lawn to enter dormancy rather than frequent shallow watering​


Fall (September-November): Strengthening for Winter

  • Fertilize for Root Growth: Apply low-nitrogen, high-potassium fertilizer​

  • Mow as Needed: Gradually lower mowing height before winter

  • Aerate & Overseed (if needed): Improves soil and fills in bare spots

  • Weed Prevention: Apply pre-emergent to control winter weeds


Winter (December-February): Minimal Maintenance

  • Water Occasionally: If there’s no rain for 3+ weeks, water deeply

  • Avoid Mowing: Dormant grass needs little to no mowing

  • Test Soil: Plan spring fertilization​


 

Smart Watering: Keep Your Lawn Alive During Drought


With Texas' frequent water restrictions, efficient watering is critical. Overwatering wastes resources, weakens grass, and promotes disease. The key is deep, infrequent watering that encourages strong root growth while conserving moisture.


1. Water Deeply & Infrequently

Rather than daily watering, apply one deep soak per week, ensuring water penetrates six inches into the soil. Shallow watering leads to weak roots, making grass more drought-prone. Use a screwdriver test—if it pushes in easily to six inches, your lawn is adequately watered.


2. Best Time to Water: Early Morning (4-8 AM)

Watering before sunrise minimizes evaporation and reduces fungal risks. Avoid evening watering, as prolonged moisture promotes disease.


3. Prevent Runoff with the Cycle-Soak Method

Clay soils absorb water slowly. Instead of running sprinklers for a long stretch, water in short bursts (10-15 minutes), pause, and repeat. This prevents runoff and ensures deep absorption.


4. Drought-Tolerant Grasses Need Less Water

Some turfgrass varieties require minimal irrigation:


  • Bermudagrass: Survives dormancy during drought and revives with rain.

  • Buffalograss: Native and highly water-efficient, thriving on minimal irrigation.

  • Zoysiagrass: Moderate drought tolerance, benefits from occasional deep watering.

  • St. Augustinegrass: Needs consistent watering, especially in full sun.


Even drought-tolerant lawns should not be overwatered—forcing excessive growth weakens root systems.


5. Use Tuna Cans to Measure Watering

To ensure proper sprinkler output:


  1. Place several tuna cans around your lawn.

  2. Run sprinklers for 15 minutes, then measure water depth.

  3. Multiply by four to estimate hourly output—adjust to provide one inch per week.


 

Lawn Pests & Diseases: Prevention & Treatment

A healthy lawn is more resistant to pests and diseases, but even well-maintained grass can develop issues. Identifying problems early and using the right treatment strategies will help keep your lawn lush and thriving. Below are the most common pests and diseases affecting Central Texas lawns, along with effective solutions.


Common Lawn Pests

1. Chinch Bugs (Blissus insularis)

  • Signs: Patches of dry, yellow, or dead grass that look like drought stress but do not recover after watering.

  • Where It Happens: Mostly in St. Augustinegrass during hot, dry weather.

  • Why It’s a Problem: Chinch bugs suck moisture from grass blades, leaving them wilted and brown. Infestations spread quickly if untreated.


Solution:

✔ Reduce thatch buildup, as chinch bugs hide in thick thatch layers.✔ Water deeply and infrequently to strengthen grass roots.✔ Apply an insecticide labeled for chinch bugs if damage is severe.


2. Grubs (June Beetle Larvae)

  • Signs: Irregular brown patches, grass that lifts easily like a carpet, and increased wildlife activity (armadillos, skunks, and birds digging for grubs).

  • Where It Happens: Most common in Bermudagrass and St. Augustinegrass.

  • Why It’s a Problem: Grubs feed on grass roots, causing severe damage if populations are high.


Solution:

✔ Check for grubs by pulling up a square foot of turf—if you see more than 5-10 grubs, treatment is needed.

✔ Apply a grub control product in July, when larvae are small and vulnerable.

✔ Keep the lawn healthy and well-watered to help roots recover.


Common Lawn Diseases

1. Brown Patch (Rhizoctonia solani)

  • Signs: Circular brown or yellow patches that widen over time. Affected grass pulls up easily from stolons.

  • Where It Happens: Mostly in St. Augustinegrass during humid weather (fall and spring).

  • Why It’s a Problem: Fungus spreads in damp conditions, causing thinning and weak spots in the lawn.


Solution:

✔ Improve drainage and air circulation—avoid overwatering and reduce thatch.

Water in the morning, so grass dries before nightfall.

✔ Apply MicroLife Brown Patch for organic control or a fungicide if the disease is severe.


2. Take-All Root Rot (TARR) (Gaeumannomyces graminis var. graminis)

  • Signs: Thinning, yellowing, and weak growth. Grass may die in irregular patches, and roots appear brown and rotted.

  • Where It Happens: Mainly in St. Augustinegrass, especially in spring and fall.

  • Why It’s a Problem: This root-attacking fungus thrives in alkaline soils and weakens turf over time.


Solution:

✔ Lower soil pH by applying peat moss or an Acidifer to acidify the soil.

✔ Improve soil health with compost and organic fertilizers to encourage beneficial microbes.

✔ Reduce stress on grass by maintaining proper mowing and watering practices.


 

Fertilization & Soil Health: Feeding Your Lawn Right


Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving lawn. A proper fertilization schedule and soil management plan will ensure strong root growth, drought resilience, and vibrant color. The right products and amendments will help optimize nutrient levels, correct deficiencies, and maintain a balanced pH.


Choosing the Best Fertilizer for Central Texas Lawns

Texas soils are often alkaline and nutrient-deficient, so applying the correct fertilizer at the right time is essential.


  • Spring & Summer: Use a balanced fertilizer like MicroLife 6-2-4 to promote healthy green growth and root development.

  • Fall: Switch to a low-nitrogen, high-potassium blend to help grass prepare for winter dormancy and strengthen roots.

  • Slow-Release vs. Quick-Release Fertilizers: Slow-release fertilizers provide steady nutrients over time, while quick-release products deliver an immediate boost but may require more frequent applications.


✔ Recommended Product: Nature’s Creation Premium Lawn Fertilizer (15-5-10) – Organic-based, slow-release formula for strong root development and sustained growth.


Iron Supplements: Correcting Yellowing Grass

Grass turning yellow despite proper watering? This could be due to iron deficiency, common in alkaline soils.


  • Apply iron sulfate or chelated iron supplements to correct the imbalance.

  • Choose a granular iron supplement for a slow-release effect or a liquid iron product for faster results.


✔ Recommended Product: Medina Iron & Soil Acidifier – Provides iron for greening and sulfur for pH correction, ideal for St. Augustine and Bermudagrass.


Soil Testing: The Key to Long-Term Lawn Health

Every lawn is different, and guessing nutrient needs can lead to over-fertilization or nutrient deficiencies. A soil test helps determine:

  • Nutrient levels (N-P-K balance)

  • pH levels (acidic or alkaline soil)

  • Organic matter content


For alkaline soil (pH above 7.5), apply peat moss, Medina Soil Acidifier, or sulfur-based products to lower pH.For acidic soil (pH below 6.0), apply lime to raise pH and improve nutrient availability.


✔ Recommended Product: Soil Testing Kit – Helps you measure pH and nutrient levels to apply the right amendments.

 

Sustainable Lawn Care: Eco-Friendly Practices


  • Reduce Lawn Size → Use native plants & xeriscaping to cut water use​

  • Grasscycling → Leave clippings on the lawn for natural fertilization​

  • Avoid Excess Chemicals → Too much fertilizer causes thatch & disease​

  • Encourage Pollinators → Plant wildflowers around lawn edges​


 

Conclusion: Your Best Lawn Starts Today


Caring for your lawn doesn’t have to be complicated—by choosing the right grass, watering wisely, managing pests, and fertilizing appropriately, you’ll have a lush, healthy yard all year long.


Want personalized advice? Contact your local Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office for soil tests & recommendations.


Happy Gardening!

 

Sources:


Reviews the best turfgrass varieties for Williamson County, with insights on drought tolerance, shade adaptation, and maintenance requirements​.



Provides a month-by-month lawn maintenance guide, covering mowing, fertilization, watering, and pest control for Central Texas lawns​.



Covers best practices for St. Augustine grass maintenance, including fertilization schedules, mowing heights, and pest prevention​.



A comprehensive guide to Bermudagrass care detailing proper mowing, fertilization, watering, and pest management​.



Offers drought survival strategies for Texas lawns.



Explains how to identify and manage Brown Patch and Take-All Root Rot, two common fungal diseases affecting St. Augustine grass lawns in Texas​.







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