
The best times to fertilize your lawn in Texas are from early spring to early summer, and then again in the fall. The exact timing will depend on where you live in this vast state.
Whether you’re in the Panhandle Plains, the Piney Woods, or closer to Big Bend country, this article will break down the best fertilization windows so you can keep your Texas lawn looking pristine. But if you’d rather get more specific information on your area, check out these articles:
- When to Fertilize Your Lawn in North Texas
- When to Fertilize Your Lawn in South Texas
- When to Fertilize Your Lawn in East Texas
- When to Fertilize Your Lawn in Central Texas
- When to Fertilize Your Lawn in West Texas
Best time to fertilize your lawn in Texas
The best time to fertilize your lawn in Texas depends on two key factors: the type of grass you have and where you live.
- For homeowners with warm-season grasses, like Bermuda, Zoysia, or St. Augustine, the ideal time to fertilize is in spring, and the second best time is in fall. A summer application may also be helpful in some cases.
- For those with cool-season grasses, like tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass, fall is the prime fertilization time, with spring as the second-best option.
Pro Tip: Read more about the best type of grass for your lawn in our article — “The Best Types of Grass for Texas Lawns.”
Where you live in Texas also affects the timing. Homeowners in southern Texas can start fertilizing in early spring, but if you’re in the Panhandle, you’ll need to wait until early summer. The same applies to fall applications — you’ll be able to fertilize up until late fall and early winter in South Texas, but the cut-off date happens earlier the further north you are.
Let’s take a look at when to fertilize in each season:
Spring fertilization

The best time to fertilize your lawn in spring is around six weeks after the last spring frost. This timing allows it to fully “wake up” from dormancy and ensure it’s ready to absorb the nutrients from the fertilizer. The exact date will vary depending on which region of Texas you call home:
Region | Fertilization time (estimated) |
Rio Grande Valley | March 1 |
South Texas | March 15 |
Southeast Texas | April 1 |
Gulf Coast | April 9 |
Central Texas | April 1 – 15 |
West Texas | May 1 – 15 |
East Texas | May 1 |
North Texas | May 1 |
Panhandle Plains | June 1 |
To be certain your lawn is ready for fertilization, a helpful rule of thumb is to fertilize only after you’ve mowed your lawn two or three times. This will ensure that your grass is actively growing and ready to take in the nutrients.
Note: Spring is also prime time for a series of lawn care chores in Texas. Luckily, we have just the articles you can read to learn more about them:
- When to Aerate Your Lawn in Texas
- When to Dethatch Your Lawn in Texas
- The Best Time to Plant Grass Seed in Texas
Summer fertilization

Summer fertilization is usually not necessary if you have a low-maintenance grass, like Buffalograss, or if you’re growing cool-season grass. However, there are some situations where summer fertilization may be beneficial:
- For moderate or high management grass, summer fertilization can enhance turf density and overall quality of the grass.
- If you missed fertilizing earlier in the year, a summer application can help recover your lawn’s health.
- For lawns that have been recently planted, a summer fertilizer application can support healthy growth.
Here are a few tips if you choose to fertilize in summer:
- Space applications at least 45 to 60 days apart from your spring fertilization.
- Use slow-release nitrogen fertilizers to avoid a rapid growth spurt that could stress your lawn.
- Avoid liquid fertilizers, as they can burn your lawn in the summer heat. Instead, choose only the best fertilizers for Texas lawns. Instead, choose only the best fertilizers for Texas lawns.
- Skip fertilization during a drought, as applying fertilizer without sufficient water can do more harm than good.
Fall fertilization

The fall fertilizer application should ideally happen about six weeks before the first frost, allowing your lawn to absorb the nutrients before the colder months set in. The exact timing will depend on which region of Texas you live in.
For most of Texas, you’ll want to apply fertilizer around September, but the further south you go, the more extended your window, while the further north you are, the sooner you’ll need to apply. Here’s a breakdown of the cut-off dates for different regions:
Region | Cut-off date (estimated) |
Rio Grande Valley | November 1 |
South Texas | October 15 – November 1 |
Southeast Texas | October 15 |
Gulf Coast | October 15 |
Central Texas | October 15 – November 1 |
West Texas | October 1 |
East Texas | October 1 |
North Texas | October 1 |
Panhandle Plains | September 15 |
Fall fertilization will increase the density of your grass, improve its color throughout fall, allow your lawn to recover faster when spring arrives, and strengthen your grass to better resist pesky winter weeds.
Note: If you need help to identify and get rid of said weeds, check out our article — “The Most Common Texas Weeds.”
FAQ: Texas fertilization
When can I fertilize my Bermuda lawn in Texas?
Bermudagrass is commonly used all over Texas, and you can fertilize it in the spring, summer, and fall, though spring is the best time. During the growing season, you can make up to four fertilizer applications, but here are some important guidelines:
- Space the applications 4 to 8 weeks apart.
- Make sure your Bermudagrass is actively growing.
- Avoid fertilizing during droughts.
- Avoid fertilizing when heavy rain is expected.
For more tips on when to fertilize Bermuda, check out our guide: “Bermudagrass Maintenance Calendar for Texas.”
When should you fertilize Zoysiagrass in Texas?
Zoysiagrass is another popular option in Texas, and it requires slightly less fertilizer than Bermudagrass. You can maintain a dense, healthy turf with just 2 or 3 applications during the growing season. These fertilized applications should be made in spring, summer, and fall, following the regional timing we’ve provided throughout this article.
Be careful not to overfertilize, as excessive fertilizer can lead to thatch buildup, which can harm your lawn’s health.
Tip: For more information on Zoysia’s care and maintenance, read our article — “Zoysiagrass Maintenance Calendar for Texas.”
What is the best time to fertilize St. Augustinegrass in Texas?
St. Augustinegrass is a warm-season grass that can be fertilized in spring, summer, and fall in full sun in Texas. However, if your lawn is heavily shaded, it’s best to fertilize only in spring and fall.
In shaded areas, summer fertilization can stimulate excessive leaf growth, which may weaken the root system. Additionally, fertilizing St. Augustine in the summer if it’s in moderate shade can increase the risk of diseases, so it’s better to avoid it during that time.
Note: You can get a bigger picture of how to take care of your St. Augustine lawn with our article — “St. Augustinegrass Maintenance Calendar for Texas.”
When can I apply winter fertilizer in Texas?
Winter fertilization isn’t a common practice, but in some parts of Texas that don’t experience a freeze, like the Rio Grande Valley, you can perform a light application in early winter. This is especially useful if you missed the fall fertilization window.
Make sure to apply fertilizer right after the last mow of the season so you know the grass has stopped growing. It’s also important to choose winter-adapted nutrients, like potassium, to help your lawn through the colder months.
When to call a professional
Fertilizing your lawn at the right time can make a big difference in its health and appearance throughout the year in the Lone Star State. If you’d rather leave this task to the pros, don’t hesitate to call a local lawn care service. They can handle everything from timing to choosing the right fertilizer, ensuring your lawn gets the care it needs.
Main Image Credit: The Wilkerson House in Bryan, Texas | Larry D. Moore | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 4.0