When Do You Fertilize Your Lawn In Texas

If you’re a Texas homeowner, you know a great lawn doesn’t happen by accident. Knowing exactly when do you fertilize your lawn in Texas is the single most important step for keeping it healthy and green. Our unique climate, with its scorching summers and variable winters, demands a specific schedule. Get it right, and you’ll have a turf that can handle the heat and look fantastic all year.

This guide cuts through the confusion. We’ll give you a clear, region-by-region schedule and the simple steps to follow it. Let’s get your lawn the nutrients it needs, right when it needs them.

Your fertilization schedule in Texas depends heavily on one thing: whether you have a warm-season or cool-season grass. Most lawns in Texas use warm-season grasses. These grasses grow actively in the heat and go dormant (turn brown) after the first hard frost.

Texas Lawn Fertilization Schedule by Grass Type

Here’s the general timeline for the most common Texas grasses:

For Warm-Season Grasses (Bermuda, St. Augustine, Zoysia, Buffalo)

Spring Feeding (Late April – Early June): Apply your first fertilizer when the grass is fully green and has been mowed 2-3 times. This is usually when soil temperatures consistently hit 65°F. Too early and you feed the weeds.
Summer Feeding (June – July): A second application 6-8 weeks after the first supports growth during the peak heat. Use a slow-release formula to avoid burning.
Fall Feeding (September – Early October): This is the most crucial feeding. It helps the grass recover from summer stress and build strong roots for winter. Do this about 4-6 weeks before your area’s first expected frost.
Winter: Do not fertilize. Your lawn is dormant and cannot use the nutrients.

For Cool-Season Grasses (Tall Fescue, Ryegrass – common in North Texas)

Fall Feeding (September – November): This is the primary growth period. Fertilize in early fall and again in late fall for strong root development.
Spring Feeding (March – April): A light application supports spring growth before the summer heat arrives.
Summer: Avoid fertilizing in the heat of summer, as it can stress the grass.

Adjusting for Your Texas Region

Texas is huge, and climate varies. Use this as a guide to fine-tune your timing:

North Texas: Start spring feeding in late April or May. Fall feeding is critical; aim for early to mid-September.
Central Texas & Hill Country: Begin in mid-to-late April. Fall feeding is best done in late September.
South Texas & Gulf Coast: You can start as early as March. Fall feeding can wait until early October due to later frosts. Watch out for extra rainfall leaching nutrients.
West Texas: Follow North Texas timing but be extra mindful of watering fertilizer in deeply due to arid conditions.

The Step-by-Step Fertilizing Process

Doing it correctly protects your lawn and gets the best results.

1. Get a Soil Test First

This is the best advice you can take. A soil test from your local county extension office tells you exactly what your soil lacks. You’ll save money and avoid guessing. It will tell you your soil’s pH and nutrient levels, so you can choose the perfect fertilizer blend.

2. Choosing the Right Fertilizer

Look for the three numbers on the bag (N-P-K). For Texas lawns, a common ratio is 3-1-2 or 4-1-2.

Nitrogen (N): Promotes green, leafy growth. This is the most important number for lawns.
Phosphorus (P): Supports root development. Many Texas soils have enough, so your soil test will tell you if you need it.
Potassium (K): Aids in overall plant health and stress tolerance (crucial for Texas heat and cold).

For the fall feeding, choose a fertilizer that is higher in potassium to boost winter hardiness.

3. Application Tips for Success

Mow First: Mow your lawn a day or two before you apply fertilizer.
Check the Spreader: Calibrate your broadcast or drop spreader according to the bag’s settings. This ensures even coverage.
Apply on a Dry Lawn: Fertilize when the grass is dry so the granules don’t stick to blades and cause burn.
Water Deeply After: Lightly water the lawn immediately after applying. This washes the fertilizer off the grass blades and into the soil. This step is non-negotiable.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Fertilizing Too Early in Spring: This feeds winter weeds like poa annua and can cause a surge of tender growth that a late frost can damage.
Over-Fertilizing: More is not better. It leads to thatch buildup, excessive growth (meaning more mowing), and can pollute waterways. It can also burn your lawn.
Ignoring the Weather: Don’t fertilize right before a heavy rainstorm, as it will all runoff. Also avoid fertilizing during drought stress unless you can irrigate.
Using the Wrong Product: Weed-and-feed products are not for every application. Apply them only if you have the specific weeds listed on the label at the right time of year.

FAQ: Texas Lawn Fertilization

When should I fertilize my lawn in Texas?

The core schedule is late spring, summer, and early fall for warm-season grasses. The fall feeding is most important.

Can I fertilize my lawn in February in Texas?

Generally, no. It’s too early for warm-season grasses. You risk promoting weed growth and tender shoots that frost can harm. Wait until consistent green-up.

What is the best fall fertilizer for Texas lawns?

Look for a fertilizer with a higher last number (potassium, like 10-10-20 or similar). This promotes root growth and winter hardiness. A soil test will give you the best answer.

Is it too late to fertilize in October?

In North Texas, yes, it might be too late. In South Texas, you may still have time. The rule is to fertilize about 4-6 weeks before the first expected frost so the grass can utilize the nutrients before dormancy.

How often should you fertilize your lawn in Texas?

Most healthy lawns do well with 3-4 applications per year: late spring, early summer, and early fall. Over-fertilizing is a common problem, so stick to the schedule.

Should I water after fertilizing?

Yes, absolutely. Watering lightly right after application moves the fertilizer off the grass blades and into the soil, preventing burn and making it available to the roots.

Following this Texas-specific schedule takes the guesswork out of lawn care. Remember, a soil test is your best starting point. By feeding your lawn at the right times with the right products, you’ll build a resilient, healthy turf that can stand up to our tough Texas weather. Your neighbors will be asking for your secret in no time.