When To Fertilize Lawn In North Texas

Knowing when to fertilize lawn in north texas is the single most important factor for a healthy, green yard. Get the timing wrong, and you’re fighting an uphill battle against heat, drought, and soil issues. This guide gives you the expert schedule and tips to work with our unique climate, not against it.

Our region has two main growing seasons: cool-season grasses in spring/fall and warm-season grasses in summer. Your fertilization schedule depends entirely on which type of grass you have. Applying fertilizer at the wrong time can waste your money and even harm your lawn.

This is your core calendar. North Texas lawns thrive on a “feed in growth” principle. You fertilize when the grass is actively growing, not when it’s dormant or stressed.

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

These grasses love the heat. They green up in late spring, grow fast in summer, and go dormant (turn brown) after the first hard frost.

First Application (Spring Green-Up): Apply fertilizer when soil temperatures consistently reach 65°F, usually mid-to-late April. This feeds the initial growth spurt.
Main Summer Feedings: Fertilize every 6-8 weeks through the growing season. Aim for dates around late May, mid-July, and early September.
Final Fall Application (The Most Important): Apply a fall fertilizer about 4-6 weeks before your expected first frost, typically in early-to-mid October. This helps the grass store nutrients for winter and green up faster next spring. Do not fertilize to late in the fall.

For Cool-Season Grasses (Tall Fescue)

Fescue is less common but used in some shaded areas. It grows best in the cooler months of spring and fall and struggles in our hot summers.

First Application (Fall): The best time to plant and fertilize fescue is in the fall, around late September to October, as temperatures cool.
Second Application (Late Fall): Apply another feeding in November to strengthen roots for winter.
Spring Application: Fertilize once in early spring (March) to support growth before the heat hits. Avoid summer fertilization, as it can promote disease.

Why Timing is Everything

Fertilizing too early in spring can force tender growth that a late frost will damage. Fertilizing to late in fall can create new growth that winter kill will damage, wasting the plants energy. Fertilizing in the peak summer heat (especially July/August) can burn the lawn if not watered perfectly and often pushes growth when the grass is stressed.

Reading Your Lawn’s Cues

Calendars are guides, but your lawn gives signals. If it’s still brown in mid-April, wait. If it’s green and growing slowly by late March, it might be ready. A simple soil thermometer is a great investment for perfect timing.

Step-by-Step: How to Fertilize Correctly

Test Your Soil: Every 2-3 years, get a soil test from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. It tells you exactly what nutrients your soil lacks so you don’t guess.
Choose the Right Fertilizer: Look for a product matching your soil test. For most lawns, a balanced 3-1-2 or 4-1-2 ratio (Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium) works well. Use a slow-release nitrogen formula for steady feeding.
Calculate the Area: Measure your lawn’s square footage. Applying the correct amount is crucial for safety and effectiveness.
Prep the Lawn: Mow a day or two before you apply fertilizer. Ensure the grass is dry so granules don’t stick to blades.
Apply Evenly: Use a broadcast spreader for large areas. Calibrate it according to the bag’s settings. Always apply in two perpendicular passes to avoid streaks and missed spots.
Water Deeply: Immediately after applying, water the lawn thoroughly (about 1/4 to 1/2 inch). This washes the fertilizer off the grass blades and into the soil, preventing burn.

Seasonal Adjustments and Pro Tips

North Texas weather is unpredictable. Here’s how to adapt.

Drought and Water Restrictions

If we’re in a drought or under watering rules, skip the fertilizer. Fertilizer requires consistent moisture to work and not burn the roots. A stressed lawn cannot process fertilizer properly. Wait for rain or better conditions.

The Summer Stress Hold

During extreme heatwaves (prolonged 100°F+ days), pause fertilizing. Your warm-season grass is focusing on survival, not growth. Let it rest until temperatures moderate a bit in early September.

Weed and Feed Considerations

If using a “weed and feed” product, timing is even more critical. Apply it when weeds are actively growing (usually spring for broadleaf weeds) and when your grass type is also in a growth phase. Misapplication can harm your lawn.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over-fertilizing: More is not better. It leads to thatch buildup, excessive growth (meaning more mowing), pollution from runoff, and increased disease risk.
Ignoring Soil Health: Fertilizer feeds the plant, not the soil. Consider core aeration once a year to relieve compaction and allow nutrients to penetrate.
Forgetting the Clippings: Leaving grass clippings on the lawn after mowing returns a significant amount of nitrogen back to the soil, reducing your fertilizer needs by up to 25%.
Using the Wrong Spreader Setting: This causes uneven results—stripes of dark green and light yellow grass. Always double-check the setting on the bag.

FAQ: Your North Texas Lawn Fertilization Questions

Can I fertilize my lawn in March in North Texas?

For warm-season grasses, early March is usually to early. Wait until soil warms up in mid-to-late April. For cool-season fescue, early March is an ideal time for a spring feeding.

Is it too late to fertilize in October?

Early to mid-October is perfect for the final fall feeding for Bermuda, Zoysia, or St. Augustine. Late October or November is to late and risks winter damage.

Should I fertilize before or after rain?

Avoid applying right before a heavy downpour, which can cause runoff and waste product. Light rain is okay. The best practice is to apply to dry grass and then water it in yourself with your irrigation system.

How many times a year should I really fertilize?

For a typical warm-season lawn, 3-4 times per year is sufficient: Spring, early summer, late summer, and fall. Over-application is a common problem that hurts more than it helps.

What’s the best fertilizer for North Texas lawns?

There’s no single “best” product. A soil test will tell you. Generally, a fertilizer with slow-release nitrogen and some iron (for deep green color) is excellent for our alkaline soils. Look for a formulation like 15-5-10 or 19-5-9.

Sticking to the right schedule for when to fertilize lawn in north texas makes lawn care simpler and more effective. By feeding your grass at the optimal times—during its natural growth cycles in spring and fall—you build a resilient turf that can better handle our summer heat and winter chill. Remember, a healthy lawn starts with what’s beneath the surface, so consider a soil test your first step. With this plan, you’ll be on your way to the lush, thriving yard you want without the guesswork.