In West Texas, where the climate can be harsh and dry, timing your lawn fertilization is crucial. The best times to fertilize are in May and September, though an additional summer application may be necessary depending on your lawn’s needs.
This article will guide you through the ideal fertilization schedule for West Texas so it can stay healthy and green whether you’re in El Paso or Odessa. However, if you’re looking for tips for the whole state, check out our guide: “When to Fertilize Your Lawn in Texas.”
Best time to fertilize your lawn in West Texas
Since the best grasses for West Texas are warm-season varieties, the ideal time to fertilize is in the spring when growth begins. Fall follows closely as the second-best time to feed your lawn and prepare it for the cooler months.
In some cases, a summer fertilizer application might be beneficial, depending on your lawn’s condition. But in this case, you’ll have to make sure you choose the best lawn fertilizers for Texas.
Let’s take a closer look:
Spring fertilization
It’s recommended to fertilize your West Texas lawn about six weeks after the last spring frost, which usually occurs in mid to late March. This means you’ll likely be applying fertilizer in May. Timing it right helps ensure your lawn is out of dormancy and ready to grow.
- In El Paso, fertilize around May 1, as the last spring frost typically occurs around March 16.
- In Midland and Odessa, fertilize around May 15, since the last spring frost usually happens around March 31.
These dates may vary slightly depending on your location and the weather. A good rule of thumb is to wait until after you’ve mowed two or three times, which signals your grass has greened up and is out of the dormant state.
Note: For the best results, you might also want to plant new grass seeds to repair spots with winter damage. For more information on when to do it, check out our guide: “The Best Time to Plant Grass Seed in Texas.”
Summer fertilization
Summer fertilization can be a great boost if your lawn has been neglected or is newly established. However, for low-management lawns, such as those with buffalograss, you can usually skip this step as they don’t need the extra nutrients during summer.
If you do decide to fertilize in summer, make sure to follow these guidelines:
- Choose slow-release nitrogen fertilizers to avoid a sudden growth spurt that might end up stressing your lawn.
- Avoid fertilizing if there’s a drought (we’re talking to you, Trans Pecos region residents!).
- Time your applications 45 to 60 days apart.
Pro Tip: Maybe what’s making your lawn look unsightly is not so much the lack of nutrients, but those pesky summer weeds. Luckily, you can learn more about them in our guide: “The Most Common West Texas Weeds.”
Fall fertilization
Fertilizing in the fall might seem unnecessary since your grass is about to enter its dormant stage, but it’s actually an important step. A fall application helps your lawn recover faster in the spring, resist winter weeds, and even extend its fall color. Just be sure to fertilize at least six weeks before the first frost.
In West Texas, the first frost typically happens around November 16, which means your cut-off date for fertilizing should be around October 1.
So, the best time to fertilize will be in September. However, this timing and which part of the month to do it may vary depending on where you live.
More Texas resources
Caring for your lawn in West Texas goes beyond just knowing when to fertilize. To help you tackle all aspects of lawn care in this region, we’ve gathered some helpful resources:
- When to Aerate Your Lawn in Texas
- When to Dethatch Your Lawn in Texas
- Bermudagrass Maintenance Calendar for Texas
- Zoysiagrass Maintenance Calendar for Texas
When to call a professional
Now that you know when to fertilize your lawn in West Texas, you’re one step closer to a green yard. But if the dry heat or timing everything just right sounds like too much, don’t hesitate to call a local lawn care pro. We have professionals in El Paso and other West Texas cities that can handle all the work for you.
Main Image Credit: dean | Adobe Stock | License
