As fall arrives in Houston, our weather doesn’t exactly scream “winter.” With mild temperatures and the occasional cold snap, it can be tricky to know exactly when to prepare your lawn for the cooler months ahead. However, timing your winterization correctly can make all the difference between a struggling spring lawn and one that comes back lush, green, and healthy.
Here’s what you need to know about when and how to winterize your lawn in the Houston area.
Why Winterization Matters
Even though Houston winters are relatively mild, your grass still goes dormant or slows its growth significantly during the cooler months. Proper winterization:
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Strengthens root systems
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Reduces weed growth over winter
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Prevents nutrient loss
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Helps grass green up faster in spring
Skipping this step can lead to thin, weak turf that takes months to recover once warmer weather returns.
The Best Time to Winterize in Houston
For our region, the ideal time to winterize your lawn is between mid-October and mid-November.
This window gives your grass enough time to absorb nutrients before it goes dormant — but after the intense summer heat has subsided.
Watch for these cues:
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Daytime temperatures consistently below 85°F
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Nighttime temperatures dipping into the 50s
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Grass growth slowing down (you’re mowing less often)
That’s your signal it’s time to apply a winterizing fertilizer.
What Kind of Fertilizer to Use
Choose a fertilizer that’s low in nitrogen and high in potassium.
Nitrogen promotes top growth (which you don’t want before dormancy), while potassium strengthens roots and improves cold resistance.
Look for a label such as 5-10-30 or similar — and be sure to follow manufacturer instructions for proper application.
If you have St. Augustine, Bermuda, or Zoysia grass (common in Houston lawns), this approach will support your turf through winter.
Other Winter Prep Tips
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Keep mowing until growth stops, but gradually lower your mowing height the last couple of cuts.
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Rake leaves regularly to prevent smothering the grass.
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Aerate and top-dress in early fall if you haven’t already.
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Water lightly after applying fertilizer to help nutrients absorb into the soil.
Final Thoughts
In Houston, timing is everything. Mid-October to mid-November gives your lawn the best chance to store nutrients and thrive through the dormant season. A well-timed winterization will set the stage for a vibrant, healthy lawn come spring.
If you’d rather leave the timing and treatment to the pros, F&G Landscape Design can handle everything from soil testing to customized fertilization and seasonal lawn care.
📞 Contact us today to schedule your fall lawn service and get your yard ready for winter the right way!
