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:
Place several tuna cans around your lawn.
Run sprinklers for 15 minutes, then measure water depth.
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.
Comments