April and October are the prime months for lawn fertilization in Central Texas, where the climate is warm but not as extreme as in other parts of the state. However, you may need to do a summer application in some cases.
In this article, we’ll dive into the best times to fertilize Central Texas lawns, helping you keep your grass healthy and resilient. But if you’re looking for statewide information, check out our guide: “When to Fertilize Your Lawn in Texas.”
Best time to fertilize your lawn in Central Texas
Warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia are the best grasses for Central Texas since they thrive in the region’s hot climate. These grasses benefit the most from fertilizing in spring, right as they emerge from dormancy. Fall is the next best time to fertilize your lawn in the area. In some cases, a summer application can also be beneficial.
Let’s dive into the details so you can plan your lawn care schedule accordingly:
Spring fertilization
The best time to start fertilizing your lawn in Central Texas is when your warm-season grass has fully greened up and left its dormant stage. This typically happens about six weeks after the last spring frost. While in other parts of the country that happens around May, Central Texas experiences this change earlier:
- If you live in Austin, Waco, Killeen, or Round Rock, where the last frost usually falls around March 1, plan to fertilize around April 15.
- For those in the Bryan-College Station metro area, where the last frost is usually around February 14, aim for April 1.
Wait until you’ve mowed the lawn at least 2 or 3 times before fertilizing. This ensures the grass is in active growth.
Pro Tip: Spring is also the best time to plant grass in Central Texas. To learn more about it, check out our article: “The Best Time to Plant Grass Seed in Texas.”
Summer fertilization
Summer fertilization is not a mandatory step for most lawns in Central Texas, but in certain situations, it can be helpful. Typically, you should consider a summer application if:
- The lawn is damaged from neglect.
- The grass is newly established.
- You have a St. Augustinegrass lawn that needs a color boost.
- Your lawn has a moderate or high management level.
If summer fertilization is needed, make sure to time it at least 45 to 60 days between applications.
Pro Tip: It’s important to use slow-release nitrogen fertilizer to avoid a rapid growth spurt, which can stress your grass in the heat. Also, avoid using liquid fertilizers during summer, as they’re more likely to burn your lawn. For more information, check out our article: “The Best Lawn Fertilizers for Texas.”
Fall fertilization
Fall fertilization can be a game-changer for your Central Texas lawn, especially if you often struggle with winter weeds. Applying fertilizer in the fall will help your grass crowd out those weeds, extend its green color, increase its density, and promote a quicker recovery in spring.
The ideal time to fertilize is about six weeks before the first frost. In Central Texas, this means aiming for October, but the exact timing depends on where you live:
- For Austin, Waco, Killeen, and Round Rock, plan to fertilize until October 15.
- For the Bryan-College Station metro area, you have until November 1, with all of October being a good window.
Pro Tip: If the winter weeds are a common problem in your area, check out our article — “The Most Common Central Texas Weeds” — for information on how to identify and get rid of them.
More Texas resources
Knowing when to fertilize is only the first step in caring for your lawn in Central Texas. Luckily, we have plenty of resources to guide your journey through lawn care. Check them out:
- When to Aerate Your Lawn in Texas
- When to Dethatch Your Lawn in Texas
- Bermudagrass Maintenance Calendar for Texas
- Zoysiagrass Maintenance Calendar for Texas
- St. Augustinegrass Maintenance Calendar for Texas
When to call a pro
If you’re still not sure when or how to fertilize your lawn, or if you simply prefer to leave it to the experts, calling a local lawn care pro is a great option. We have pros in Austin, Killeen, and other Central Texas cities who know what your yard needs to look its best.
Main Image Credit: Ardat pics | Adobe Stock | License
