Why Spring Lawn Care Matters in Texas
Spring sets the stage for your lawn's entire growing season. The work you do in March, April, and May determines whether you'll have a lush, healthy lawn or spend summer battling weeds, disease, and brown patches.
Here's your complete month-by-month guide for Montgomery County and surrounding areas.
March: The Wake-Up Month
Week 1-2: Clean Up
- Remove fallen leaves and debris
- Clear dead branches from winter storms
- Edge beds and sidewalks
- Inspect irrigation system for damage
Week 3-4: First Applications
- Apply pre-emergent herbicide before soil reaches 55°F consistently
- This prevents crabgrass and other summer weeds
- Timing is CRITICAL—too late and it won't work
April: The Growth Month
Mowing Begins
- Start mowing when grass reaches 3-4 inches
- Mowing heights by grass type:
- St. Augustine: 3.5-4 inches
- Bermuda: 1-1.5 inches
- Zoysia: 1.5-2 inches
First Fertilizer Application
- Apply slow-release nitrogen fertilizer
- Look for 3-1-2 or 4-1-2 ratio (N-P-K)
- Water in thoroughly after application
New Sod Installation
April is the ideal month for new sod installation in Texas. Warm days and cool nights help roots establish before summer heat.
May: The Transition Month
Watering Adjustment
- Transition to summer watering schedule
- Deep, infrequent watering is key
- 1-1.5 inches per week, including rain
- Water early morning (6-10 AM) to reduce disease
Pest Monitoring
- Watch for chinch bugs in St. Augustine
- Check for grub damage (brown patches that pull up easily)
- Monitor for fungal diseases in humid conditions
Second Fertilizer Application
- Apply second dose of slow-release fertilizer
- This feeds the lawn through early summer
Spring Lawn Care Don'ts
- Don't scalp your lawn thinking it helps
- Don't apply weed killer and fertilizer on the same day
- Don't water at night (promotes fungal disease)
- Don't fertilize before a heavy rain (waste of money)
- Don't mow with dull blades (tears grass, invites disease)
When to Call a Professional
Consider professional help for:
- Soil testing and pH correction
- Large areas of dead grass needing replacement
- Persistent weed or pest problems
- Irrigation system repairs or installation
Need New Sod or Lawn Materials?
Spring is the perfect time to address bare spots, replace struggling grass, or start fresh. The Grass Depot offers same-day delivery of fresh sod, topsoil, and lawn care materials throughout Montgomery County.
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Maria Rodriguez
Landscaping & Lawn Care Specialist
With years of experience serving homeowners and businesses in Montgomery County, Texas, our expert team provides trusted advice on lawn care, material selection, and landscape design. We're committed to helping you create beautiful outdoor spaces.