{"id":33577,"date":"2024-11-02T18:32:39","date_gmt":"2024-11-02T18:32:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/?p=33577"},"modified":"2026-09-22T20:44:40","modified_gmt":"2026-09-22T20:44:40","slug":"bermudagrass-calendar-texas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/bermudagrass-calendar-texas\/","title":{"rendered":"Bermudagrass Maintenance Calendar for Texas"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Key takeaways<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>\u2022 <strong>Know the clock:<\/strong> Bermudagrass in Texas greens up when nights stay above 60 degrees and soil reaches 65 degrees, and it usually goes dormant by December.<br>\u2022 <strong>Master the basics:<\/strong> Mow weekly at 1 to 2 inches, water about 1 inch per week only as needed, and fertilize during active summer growth at 0.5 to 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet.<br>\u2022 <strong>Time it right:<\/strong> Apply pre-emergent from late February to mid-March, and overseed with perennial ryegrass in fall for a green winter lawn.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Maintaining a Bermudagrass lawn in the Lone Star State can be challenging, so we\u2019ve created this Bermudagrass calendar for Texas. We\u2019ll explain the optimal times to aerate, dethatch, and overseed your lawn, among other common tasks.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bermudagrass is a durable, light green grass that\u2019s great for areas like the Gulf Coast because it can handle salt and drought well. However, it does have some downsides, like producing a lot of thatch and not doing well in the shade. We\u2019ll cover how to keep Bermudagrass healthy all year in Texas with tips for dealing with problems like weeds, pests, and diseases.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When the seasonal checklist feels like too much, Lawn Love\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnlove.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=mowing\">lawn mowing service<\/a> connects you with local Texas pros who keep up the routine work.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-b88922e3-0dc5-44c2-b08e-d4f1a8e8b846\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">In this article:<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/bermudagrass-calendar-texas\/#0-spring-bermudagrass-maintenance-march-april-may\" style=\"\">Spring Bermudagrass maintenance: March, April, May<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/bermudagrass-calendar-texas\/#11-summer-bermudagrass-maintenance-june-july-august\" style=\"\">Summer Bermudagrass maintenance: June, July, August<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/bermudagrass-calendar-texas\/#22-fall-bermudagrass-maintenance-september-october-november\" style=\"\">Fall Bermudagrass maintenance: September, October, November<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/bermudagrass-calendar-texas\/#31-winter-bermudagrass-maintenance-december-january-february\" style=\"\">Winter Bermudagrass maintenance: December, January, February<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/bermudagrass-calendar-texas\/#37-additional-lawn-care-resources-for-texas\" style=\"\">Additional lawn care resources for Texas<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/bermudagrass-calendar-texas\/#38-faqs\" style=\"\">FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/bermuda-lawn-calendar-1.jpg\" alt=\"Bermuda Lawn Calendar\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bermuda Lawn Calendar Photo Credit: Green check mark: Optimal time<br>Orange check mark: Not optimal, but possible time<br>Infographic by Beck Carter<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <h2 id=\"0-spring-bermudagrass-maintenance-march-april-may\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"spring-bermudagrass-maintenance-march-april-may\">Spring Bermudagrass maintenance: March, April, May<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/plant-grass-seed-1-1.jpeg\" alt=\"Grass seeds in hand\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The best time to seed Bermudagrass is spring or summer, between March and August. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/in\/images\/grass-seeds-in-hand-on-green-background-spring-garden-repair-concept\/410949740\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Reddogs<\/a>\u00a0| Adobe Stock\u00a0|\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/in\/license-terms\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bermudagrass will start to turn green and resume growth when nighttime air temperatures consistently stay above 60 degrees and soil temperatures reach 65 degrees.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is important to help your warm-season lawn recover from winter dormancy during the spring. This will also prepare your lawn for the upcoming summer growing season when Bermudagrass grows the most.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"1-plant\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"plant\">Plant<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re establishing a Bermudagrass lawn, the best time to seed is in spring or summer, between March and August, with spring and early summer planting recommended for better establishment. The soil temperature should range from 68 to 75 degrees, while air temperatures should be between 70 and 95 degrees.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Note:<\/strong> In south Texas, in particular, the planting window can start even earlier. Check out our guide, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-time-plant-grass-seed-texas\/\">Best Time to Plant Grass Seed in Texas<\/a>, for more information on establishing a lawn in the Lone Star State.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"2-mow\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"mow\">Mow<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In March, once your Texas lawn has recovered from dormancy, <strong>begin mowing your lawn weekly<\/strong>. The grass height for Bermudagrass should be <strong>between 1 to 2 inches<\/strong>, matching the <a href=\"https:\/\/aggieturf.tamu.edu\/texas-turfgrasses\/bermudagrass\/\">recommended mowing height<\/a> for Texas home lawns. Use the one-third rule, never removing more than the top third of your grass to avoid scalping and achieve the best results.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"3-water\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"water\">Water<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once Bermudagrass comes out of dormancy, it needs approximately <strong>1 inch of water per week<\/strong> from rainfall and irrigation.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ll have to water more frequently for lawns near the Gulf of Mexico, which may have sandy soils. Expect to water lawns with sandy soil with about 0.5 inch of water every 3 days.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For extra preparation, you can conduct an irrigation audit. This can be a DIY task, or you can hire a professional. It ensures that your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.almanac.com\/gardening\/frostdates\">irrigation system is working efficiently<\/a> and isn\u2019t wasting water.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can also learn <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-long-should-water-lawn\/\">how long to water your lawn<\/a> with sprinklers to keep it healthy.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"4-fertilize\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"fertilize\">Fertilize<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not apply fertilizer until your lawn is in its active growth stage. For Bermudagrass, this is typically in summer, but you may be able to begin fertilizing in late May, or even earlier in south Texas.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Want an easy way to know when it\u2019s time to fertilize? <strong>Wait until your grass has greened up and has been mowed at least twice.<\/strong> Also, see our article, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/when-to-fertilize-lawn-texas\/\">When to Fertilize Your Lawn in Texas<\/a>, for specific timing based on your region.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> Conducting a soil test is the best way to determine the amount and type of nutrients your lawn needs. Arm yourself with the best fertilizers by checking out our article on the <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-lawn-fertilizer-texas\/\">best lawn fertilizers for Texas<\/a>.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"5-dethatch\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"dethatch\">Dethatch<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dethatching is a crucial lawn maintenance task that involves removing excess thatch from your lawn. Dethatching is essential for Bermudagrass as it is more prone to thatch than other warm-season grasses.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Too much thatch can prevent air, water, sunlight, and nutrients from reaching the grass roots, which can smother your lawn.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dethatching is often done in conjunction with aerating, as it makes aerating easier. These tasks are best performed during Bermudagrass\u2019s active growing season, starting in spring. This timing ensures that your lawn has enough time to recover from these intensive treatments.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/when-to-dethatch-lawn-texas\/\">When to Dethatch Your Lawn in Texas<\/a><\/p>    <h3 id=\"6-aerate\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"aerate\">Aerate<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aerating Bermudagrass lawns annually can help reduce soil compaction, which in turn improves your lawn\u2019s ability to absorb water and nutrients. This process strengthens the roots and promotes denser growth.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a general rule, aim to <strong>aerate your lawn once a year after dethatching<\/strong>. Bermudagrass lawns can be aerated from April to October.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/when-to-aerate-lawn-texas\/\">When to Aerate Your Lawn in Texas<\/a><\/p>    <h3 id=\"7-overseed\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"overseed\">Overseed<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Overseeding is an excellent way to keep your lawn looking lush. It simply involves spreading grass seed over an existing lawn. This technique is particularly useful for filling in patchy areas.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, warm-season grasses do not require frequent overseeding. For example, Bermudagrass is known for its strong recovery from damage, so overseeding is needed only if your lawn has a severe injury. Overseeding after spring green-up is a good rule of thumb, but it can be done later in the growing season as well.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pro Tip: Overseeding after aerating is very effective<\/strong>, as aeration improves seed-to-soil contact, so watch for thin or patchy spots that signal your lawn needs it.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"8-control-weeds\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"control-weeds\">Control weeds<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aim to apply pre-emergent herbicides to Bermudagrass anytime from late February to mid-March, or when <strong>s<\/strong>oil temperatures reach 50 to 55 degrees consistently. These herbicides prevent summer weeds such as crabgrass and goosegrass.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Timing matters because <a href=\"https:\/\/agrilifeextension.tamu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/ESC-042-bermudagrass-lawn-management-calendar.pdf\">crabgrass germination timing<\/a> shifts across the state: mid-February in south Texas, early March in North and Central Texas, and mid-March in the Panhandle.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If weeds have already sprouted, post-emergent herbicides also work best in spring, when weeds are small and air temperatures are cooler.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/texas-weeds\/\">Most Common Texas Weeds<\/a><\/p>    <h3 id=\"9-control-diseases\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"control-diseases\">Control diseases<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Monitor your Texas lawn for spring dead spot, a fungal lawn disease that commonly appears in Bermudagrass lawns and can cause significant damage.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This lawn disease appears as circular patches of discolored grass, anywhere from a few inches to several feet in diameter. Spring dead spot can recur year after year and will increase in size.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Texas, <a href=\"https:\/\/aggie-hort.tamu.edu\/plantanswers\/turf\/publications\/sprdeadspot.html\">spring dead spot<\/a> is most severe in North Texas and the Panhandle, and it is rare in the far south.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Proper lawn maintenance, such as fertilizing, dethatching, and aerating, can help prevent spring dead spot. If the patches of damaged grass are particularly severe, additional aeration to encourage Bermudagrass growth may be beneficial.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Treating fungal problems early with proper watering, mowing, and fungicides keeps spring dead spot from spreading.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"10-monitor-pests\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"monitor-pests\">Monitor pests<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In spring, watch for fire ants in Texas lawns, notably the invasive red imported variety, which displaces the native tropical fire ants. Their <a href=\"https:\/\/fireant.tamu.edu\/manage\/faq\/\">fire ant range<\/a> now covers the eastern two-thirds of Texas, putting most lawns at risk. Bait products applied from late summer through fall help keep fire ant mounds in check.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"11-summer-bermudagrass-maintenance-june-july-august\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"summer-bermudagrass-maintenance-june-july-august\">Summer Bermudagrass maintenance: June, July, August<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Man-mowing-lawn.jpg\" alt=\"Man mowing lawn with a lawnmower\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Man mowing lawn with a lawnmower Photo Credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/close-up-details-of-industrial-lawnmower-machinery-gardening-details-and-landscaping\/285999765\">aboutmomentsimages<\/a> | Adobe Stock | <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/jo\/license-terms\">License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During the summer months, your Bermudagrass lawn is at its peak, growing actively and working hard to become denser and form deeper roots.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because your lawn is actively growing, you\u2019ll be working harder and might need to mow more frequently. Monitoring for signs of drought stress is also critical during hot Texas summers. Proper lawn maintenance is key to keeping your lawn healthy and optimizing summer growth.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"12-plant\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"plant-2\">Plant<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Establishing a Bermudagrass lawn in the summer can also be effective. By this time, the risk of frost has passed, and both air and soil temperatures are warm enough for optimal growth. Summer marks the active growing season for Bermudagrass, meaning seeds should germinate quickly.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While you can plant Bermudagrass as late as August, it\u2019s generally better to plant earlier, from early spring through June.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"13-mow\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"mow-2\">Mow<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Continue to <strong>mow<\/strong> <strong>weekly at a height of 1 to 2 inches<\/strong>. Maintaining a shorter height will mean mowing more frequently. However, leaving your Bermudagrass a little taller is usually best to encourage deeper root growth.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"14-water\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"water-2\">Water<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once Bermudagrass comes out of dormancy, it needs about <strong>1 inch of water per week<\/strong>. In Texas, <strong>cities commonly enforce water restrictions<\/strong> during summer. Check with your local government or HOA for regulations in your area.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While Bermudagrass is highly drought tolerant, monitoring your lawn for signs of drought stress is still essential, especially in hot Texas summers. Look for wilting blades and a blue-gray color, which are early signs of drought stress.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"15-fertilize\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"fertilize-2\">Fertilize<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Summer is the best time to fertilize your Bermudagrass lawn in Texas. During this time, Bermudagrass is actively growing, meaning its roots are working hard to absorb all the nutrients it needs, so a fertilizer treatment at this time is more effective.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Conducting a soil test to know exactly what your lawn needs is always best. However, generally, Bermudagrass can receive <strong>0.5 to 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet<\/strong>.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Begin fertilizer applications in June, with between 1 to 4 applications during the growing season. Apply every 4 to 8 weeks for best results.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use a combination of quick- and slow-release nitrogen, and always base rates on a soil test.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"16-dethatch\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"dethatch-2\">Dethatch<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Summer is the best time to dethatch and aerate your lawn. During this time, Bermudagrass is actively growing and is better able to recover from intense lawn treatments.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dethatching removes excess thatch, which makes it difficult for your lawn to receive the water and nutrients it needs. The tools for dethatching your lawn include the following:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Thatch rake<\/strong><\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Electric dethatcher<\/strong><\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Power rake<\/strong><\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Vertical mower<\/strong>, also known as a <strong>verticutter<\/strong><\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Tow-behind dethatcher<\/strong><\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dethatch when the grass is actively growing so it can recover quickly.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"17-aerate\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"aerate-2\">Aerate<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bermudagrass can also be aerated in summer. To improve the effectiveness of aeration, you should always <strong>dethatch before you aerate<\/strong>. Aeration helps your lawn stay healthy by growing deeper roots and giving your lawn better access to air, sunlight, water, and other nutrients.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are 2 common types of aeration: spike aeration and core aeration. Core aeration is the gold standard and most commonly used for home lawns.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"18-overseed\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"overseed-2\">Overseed<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Overseeding Bermudagrass during the peak summer growing season is an effective strategy. This period is also an ideal time for dethatching and aerating your lawn, so combining these tasks with overseeding can help your lawn thrive.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"19-control-weeds\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"control-weeds-2\">Control weeds<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Summer is also an OK time to apply post-emergent herbicides to eliminate summer weeds such as crabgrass, goosegrass, and dallisgrass. Remember that proper lawn maintenance is the best way to prevent weeds. Mow and water regularly, and don\u2019t overapply fertilizer, as excess fertilizer can also stimulate weed growth.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"20-control-diseases\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"control-diseases-2\">Control diseases<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bermudagrass decline is a type of root rot that specifically affects Bermudagrass. This disease is one of several types of root decline that can occur in warm-season grasses and is more commonly known as take-all root rot.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is caused by a fungus in the soil and can lead to discoloration, thinning, and lesions, resulting in dead patches in the lawn.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bermudagrass decline typically appears as the lawn wakes up in spring or early summer.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"21-control-pests\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"control-pests\">Control pests<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chinch bugs primarily target St. Augustinegrass, but certain species, including common and southern chinch bugs, also threaten Bermudagrass in Texas. These lawn pests cause yellow patches and symptoms resembling drought stress.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You might be able to spot them by checking the base of your grass blades for small black-and-white bugs.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"22-fall-bermudagrass-maintenance-september-october-november\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"fall-bermudagrass-maintenance-september-october-november\">Fall Bermudagrass maintenance: September, October, November<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/AdobeStock_254060974-1.jpeg\" alt=\"spreading grass seed by hand\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Overseed Bermudagrass with perennial ryegrass in fall. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/close-up-of-a-hand-spreading-grass-seeds\/254060974\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">dean<\/a> | Adobe Stock | <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/jo\/license-terms\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During the fall, you are tasked with maintaining the health of your Bermudagrass lawn and preparing for winter. You shouldn\u2019t be as busy since your grass is not growing as actively, and you\u2019ve already done annual tasks such as aerating and dethatching.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While your lawn may go dormant in November, this typically doesn\u2019t occur until December in Texas.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"23-mow\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"mow-3\">Mow<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Follow spring guidelines. Mow <strong>weekly<\/strong> and maintain grass height <strong>between 1 to 2 inches<\/strong>. If your lawn becomes dormant by November, mow only when necessary or to control weed growth and flowering.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"24-water\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"water-3\">Water<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Continue watering your lawn with <strong>1 inch of water per week<\/strong>. Don\u2019t overwater, as this can lead to weed growth and lawn diseases.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"25-dethatch-and-aerate\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"dethatch-and-aerate\">Dethatch and aerate<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you haven\u2019t already, you can still dethatch and aerate your lawn through October, though in more northern cities, earlier is better.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"26-fertilize\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"fertilize-3\">Fertilize<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s best to fertilize Bermudagrass during the growing season, from June to August, but <strong>a fall application in<\/strong> <strong>early September <\/strong>is acceptable<strong>.<\/strong> Make sure to <strong>complete the final fertilization at least 6 weeks before the first frost<\/strong> arrives.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Texas, the timing for the first frost can vary, occurring anywhere from late October to late December.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"27-overseed\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"overseed-3\">Overseed<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To maintain a green lawn in Texas during the winter, consider overseeding Bermuda with a cool-season grass. Perennial ryegrass is an excellent choice because it germinates quickly and will die off in the spring, allowing your warm-season Bermudagrass to thrive. Additionally, perennial ryegrass is tolerant of cold weather.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Winter overseeding is best done in the fall to allow grass time to germinate. In Texas, the timing can vary. For a green winter lawn, <strong>overseed when the soil temperature reaches 72 degrees<\/strong>. In most of Texas, this is in October, but in some areas further south, it may occur in early November.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Manuel Roman S. Chavarria Sanchez, an extension turfgrass specialist at Texas A&amp;M University in College Station, Texas, says, \u201cWarm days and cool nights promote successful ryegrass germination.\u201d<\/p>    <h3 id=\"28-control-weeds\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"control-weeds-3\">Control weeds<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Apply pre-emergent herbicides for winter weeds such as henbit, annual bluegrass, and chickweed.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"29-control-diseases\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"control-diseases-3\">Control diseases<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Leaf spot and melting out are fungal lawn diseases that commonly damage Bermudagrass in late summer or early fall. Both diseases can be caused by over-applying fertilizers in spring, mowing too short, long periods of wetness, or excessive thatch.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Watch for <a href=\"https:\/\/agrilifeextension.tamu.edu\/library\/landscaping\/bermudagrass-home-lawn-management-calendar\/\">large patch<\/a> too, since over-irrigation and early-fall nitrogen raise its severity in Texas lawns.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Avoid over-fertilizing and cutting too short to keep leaf spot and melting out in check throughout the fall season.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"30-control-pests\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"control-pests-2\">Control pests<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep an eye out for damage from white grubs and fall armyworms in Texas at this time of year. Both of these pests can be eliminated using chemical insecticides or beneficial nematodes.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Grubs:<\/strong> White grubs are small, white, c-shaped pests that are the larvae of certain beetles. They damage your lawn by munching on grass roots, and chemical insecticides or beneficial nematodes can control them.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Armyworms:<\/strong> Fall armyworms are the caterpillar form of certain moths, and they love eating grass. They are extremely common in the United States, including Texas. Their bodies are brown with dark stripes, and their heads have a white inverted Y shape. Give these pests their marching orders with our article on <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-get-rid-of-armyworms\/\">how to get rid of armyworms<\/a>.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"31-winter-bermudagrass-maintenance-december-january-february\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"winter-bermudagrass-maintenance-december-january-february\">Winter Bermudagrass maintenance: December, January, February<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/tree-nature-forest-grass-waterfall-light-853379-pxhere.com-1.jpg\" alt=\"Blowout of sprinkler system (winterizing sprinkler)\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Winterize your sprinkler system since Bermudagrass is dormant in winter. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/pxhere.com\/en\/photo\/853379\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PxHere<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bermudagrass is dormant in winter, so you get a break from regular and more taxing lawn care tasks. However, monitoring your lawn for weeds, diseases, and pests is important.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"32-avoid-mowing\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"avoid-mowing\">Avoid mowing<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bermudagrass should go dormant in Texas by December. Since it is not actively growing, it\u2019s best not to put undue stress on your lawn at this time, so mow only to keep weeds from flowering.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"33-water\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"water-4\">Water<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once temps drop to 40 degrees in your area, it\u2019s time to winterize your sprinkler system to prevent freeze damage. Your Bermudagrass lawn has stopped growing (entered dormancy), so there\u2019s no need to water.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"34-control-weeds\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"control-weeds-4\">Control weeds<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Apply post-emergent herbicides to control winter weeds.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"35-control-diseases\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"control-diseases-4\">Control diseases<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bermudagrass decline or take-all root rot can cause damage to Bermudagrass during fall and winter when the soil is moist and temperatures are cooler. Monitor and treat as needed; however, symptoms may not appear until late spring or early summer.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"36-control-pests\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"control-pests-3\">Control pests<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In winter, insect activity drops, but wildlife like opossums, raccoons, and rodents may seek shelter in sheds or under decks.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Armadillos may appear less in winter because they spend more time in their burrows. However, the burrows they create can be up to 25 feet long, extend under your home, and damage property.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To deter wildlife, remove food and water sources from your yard and consider professional help for removal, especially if the animal is displaying aggressive or unusual behavior.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"37-additional-lawn-care-resources-for-texas\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"additional-lawn-care-resources-for-texas\">Additional lawn care resources for Texas<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Learn more about lawn care in Texas with these guides:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/types-of-grass-texas\/\">The Best Types of Grass for Texas Lawns<\/a><\/p><\/li>    <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/st-augustinegrass-calendar-texas\/\">St. Augustinegrass Maintenance Calendar for Texas<\/a><\/p><\/li>    <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/zoysia-maintenance-calendar-texas\/\">Zoysiagrass Maintenance Calendar for Texas<\/a><\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 id=\"38-faqs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"faqs\">FAQs<\/span><\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17900991307875799\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What are the downsides of Bermudagrass?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Bermudagrass has poor tolerance for insects and lawn diseases. Additionally, it spreads aggressively and can invade flower gardens.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17900991307873869\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Will Bermudagrass choke out weeds?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Bermudagrass can resist weeds more easily than other grass types due to its spreading ability.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17900991307875369\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Does dog pee hurt Bermudagrass?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Bermudagrass is not very resistant to dog urine. However, due to its durability and quick recovery, it can still be a suitable grass type for homeowners with pets.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 id=\"39-hire-a-pro-to-help-with-bermudagrass\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"hire-a-pro-to-help-with-bermudagrass\">Hire a pro to help with Bermudagrass<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To maintain a healthy Bermudagrass lawn year-round in Texas, provide specific care tailored to this type of grass and the warm, humid climate. Regular maintenance, such as mowing and watering, and annual maintenance tasks, such as dethatching and aerating, can keep your lawn looking great.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While your Bermudagrass lawn can stay healthy and strong with DIY lawn care, hiring <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/texas\">Lawn Love\u2019s Texas lawn care professionals<\/a> to guarantee it looks great doesn\u2019t hurt. A lawn care pro can help you relax and enjoy a beautiful Bermudagrass yard all growing season long.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main Photo Credit: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/bermuda-grass-background\/109454864\">tammykayphoto<\/a> | Adobe Stock | <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/license-terms\">License<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Follow this Bermudagrass calendar for Texas with season-by-season tips on mowing, watering, fertilizing, and overseeding for a healthy lawn.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":72,"featured_media":13904,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[183],"tags":[504],"class_list":["post-33577","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-texas","tag-lawn-care-tx"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/image-from-rawpixel-id-5911985-jpeg-1.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Beck Carter","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/beck-carter\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33577","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/72"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=33577"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33577\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":49185,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/33577\/revisions\/49185"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13904"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=33577"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=33577"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=33577"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}