When To Fertilize Lawn In Texas

Knowing when to fertilize lawn in Texas is the single most important factor for a healthy, green yard. Get the timing wrong, and you’re fighting an uphill battle against the tough climate. This guide cuts through the confusion with clear, expert timing for every region.

Texas lawns face unique challenges. Our soil varies from sandy to heavy clay, and the weather swings from humid Gulf coast heat to dry Panhandle winters. A one-size-fits-all schedule doesn’t work here.

Your success depends on two things: your grass type and your location. We’ll break it down so you can plan your entire year with confidence.

This is your core schedule. The primary growing season for warm-season grasses, which cover most of Texas, is late spring through summer. Fertilizing outside this active growth period is wasteful and can harm your lawn.

Spring Fertilization: The Critical First Feeding

Wait until your grass is fully green and has been mowed at least twice. This is usually mid-to-late April for Central and North Texas, and late March to early April for South Texas.

Applying fertilizer too early in spring feeds weeds, not grass. The soil needs to be consistently warm (around 70°F at a 4-inch depth).

Target Date Range: April 15 – May 15 for most of the state.
Key Sign: Soil is warm and grass is actively growing, not just greening up from the roots.
Product Tip: Use a balanced, slow-release nitrogen fertilizer. A ratio like 15-5-10 is a common choice for Texas soils.

Summer Fertilization: Maintaining Strength

Your second application comes in early summer, around June. This feeds the grass through it’s peak growth period and helps it withstand heat stress.

If you use a slow-release fertilizer, you might only need two summer feedings. For quick-release products, you may need a third light feeding in July, especially in North Texas.

Target Date Range: Early June and optionally late July.
Key Caution: Never fertilize during a drought or if the lawn is under water restrictions. Fertilizer can burn stressed grass.
Watering Rule: Water deeply after applying to move nutrients into the soil and prevent burning.

Fall Fertilization: The Most Important Feeding

This is the non-negotiable one. A fall fertilizer application in early September builds strong roots for the next year. It helps the lawn recover from summer and store energy for winter dormancy.

Use a fertilizer that is higher in potassium (the third number) for winter hardiness. Some experts argue this single fall feeding is more crucial than all the spring ones combined.

Target Date Range: September 1 – September 20 for most regions.
Product Tip: Look for a “winterizer” formula with a ratio lower in nitrogen and higher in potassium, such as 10-10-20.

Winter: A Strict No-Fertilize Zone

Do not fertilize your lawn in winter. Dormant grass cannot use the nutrients, which then pollute waterways through runoff. The only exception is for cool-season grasses like ryegrass used for winter color.

Regional Adjustments Across Texas

Texas has multiple climate zones, and your timing needs to reflect that. Here’s a quick regional guide:

North Texas (Dallas-Fort Worth, Lubbock, Amarillo)

Spring comes later and winter earlier. Stick to the later end of all date ranges.

Spring: Late April to mid-May.
Summer: Early June, light July feeding if needed.
Fall: By September 15. Early frosts are possible.

Central Texas (Austin, San Antonio, Waco)

This is the standard baseline for timing. Follow the core schedule closely.

Spring: Mid-April.
Summer: Early June, optional late July.
Fall: Early September.

South Texas & Gulf Coast (Houston, Corpus Christi, Brownsville)

Longer growing season and earlier spring. You may need an extra summer feeding due to heat stress.

Spring: Late March to early April.
Summer: June, July, and a light August feeding if grass shows need.
Fall: Mid-to-late September. Watch for tropical weather patterns.

Grass Type Matters: St. Augustine, Bermuda, Zoysia, & More

Your fertilization schedule shifts slightly based on your grass variety. All are warm-season but have different growth rates.

Bermuda Grass

This durable grass loves heat and can handle more frequent fertilization. It often benefits from 4-5 feedings per season.

Start: When fully green and soil is warm.
Frequency: Every 6-8 weeks during active growth (April-August).
Fall: Apply winterizer in September.

St. Augustine Grass

Popular but less hungry than Bermuda. Over-fertilizing leads to thatch and disease problems. Less is often more.

Start: Mid-to-late spring.
Frequency: 2-3 times max (Spring, Summer, Fall).
Key: Ensure even water distribution to prevent brown patch, a common fungus.

Zoysia Grass

Slow-growing and needs less fertilizer. It greens up later in spring and goes dormant earlier in fall.

Start: Wait until late spring, often early May.
Frequency: 2 times is usually sufficient (Late Spring & Fall).
Tip: Zoysia is very efficient with nutrients; overfeeding is a common mistake.

Step-by-Step Lawn Fertilization Process

Test Your Soil. Every 2-3 years, get a soil test from your local county extension office. It tells you exactly what nutrients your lawn lacks.
Mow Beforehand. Mow your lawn a day or two before you plan to fertilize, and leave the clippings on the lawn to recycle nutrients.
Check Your Spreader. Calibrate your broadcast or drop spreader. Setting it wrong causes streaks and uneven growth. Fill it on a driveway, not the lawn, to avoid spills.
Apply Half Lengthwise. Walk at a steady pace, applying half of the product in parallel lines across your lawn.
Apply Half Crosswise. Apply the second half walking perpendicular to your first pass. This criss-cross pattern ensures even coverage and prevents missed strips.
Water Deeply. Lightly water the lawn after application to wash granules off grass blades and into the soil. Then, follow with your normal deep watering cycle.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Fertilizing Too Early: This is the #1 error. It fuels weeds and weakens grass.
Ignoring Soil Tests: Guessing your soil’s needs leads to imbalance and wasted money.
Using Weed & Feed at Wrong Times: Weed & Feed products have specific timing for the weed killer to work, often in early spring or fall. The fertilizer part may not align with your lawn’s best feeding schedule.
Overwatering After Application: You want to water it in, but excessive irrigation causes nutrient runoff into storm drains, which is bad for the enviroment.

FAQ: Your Texas Lawn Fertilization Questions

What month do you fertilize lawns in Texas?

The key months are April (spring), June (summer), and September (fall). Adjust slightly earlier for South Texas and later for North Texas.

Can I fertilize my lawn in February in Texas?

No. For warm-season grasses, February is too early. The grass is still dormant or just beginning to wake, and fertilizer will only benefit winter weeds.

Is it too late to fertilize in October?

For most of Texas, yes. A late October application can prompt tender new growth that will be damaged by the first frost. Stick to an early September schedule.

How often should I fertilize my St. Augustine grass?

St. Augustine typically does well with 2-3 feedings per year: one in spring after green-up, one in early summer if needed, and the crucial fall feeding.

Should I fertilize before or after rain?

Avoid applying right before a heavy rainstorm, which can cause runoff. Light rain is okay. The best practice is to apply when no rain is forecast for 24-48 hours, then water it in yourself.

Final Tips for Success

Always read the label on your fertilizer bag. Rates and instructions vary. More product is not better and can damage your lawn.

Keep a simple lawn care calendar. Mark your planned fertilization dates based on your region and grass type. This takes the guesswork out for the next season.

Healthy lawns start with proper timing. By feeding your Texas grass when it’s ready to grow, you build a resilient turf that can better handle heat, drought, and the occasional cold snap. With this schedule, you’ll have a lawn that looks great from spring green-up to fall dormancy.