Weed Control and Fertilization in Texas: The Complete Guide to a Healthier Lawn

Each season in Texas impacts your lawn differently. Aligning weed control and fertilization with the right timing gives your turf the best chance to thrive.

Spring: Build the Foundation

Spring is the kickoff for your entire lawn care program.

🌱 Apply pre-emergent weed control

This stops weeds like crabgrass before they germinate. Timing matters—late February and early March are ideal for most regions of Texas.

🌱 Add slow-release fertilizer

Because temperatures warm gradually, slow-release formulas help grass green up steadily.

🌱 Check for early pests

Grubs and chinch bugs love spring moisture. Learn more here:
👉 Identifying and Managing Common Lawn Pests

🌱 Mow regularly

Never cut more than ⅓ of the blade at a time. Taller grass shades out weed seeds and keeps soil moist.

Summer: Defend Against Heat & Weeds

Texas summers are no joke. This is when weak lawns suffer the most.

☀ Continue targeted weed control

Spot-treat weeds with post-emergent solutions. This prevents growth without stressing the turf.

☀ Fertilize mid-summer

Choose a nitrogen-rich fertilizer suited for warm-season grasses like Bermuda, St. Augustine, or Zoysia.

☀ Water smart

Early morning watering helps roots absorb nutrients without evaporation.

☀ Watch for armyworms and chinch bugs

Pests spread fast in hot weather. Keeping your lawn fertilized and weed-free helps reduce infestations.

Fall: Strengthen and Restore

Fall is the “recovery season,” especially after Texas heatwaves.

🍂 Apply fall fertilizer

This strengthens the root system so your lawn survives winter.

🍂 Use selective weed control

Cooler temps bring weeds like henbit and poa annua. Treat them early.

🍂 Consider lawn aeration

This helps break up dry, compacted soil and improves nutrient absorption.
Learn more: 👉 The Benefits of Lawn Aeration

🍂 Overseed thin areas

Thick turf = fewer weeds next season.

Winter: Light Maintenance, Smart Planning

Texas winters are mild compared to many states, but weeds still grow.

❄ Spot-treat winter weeds

Use winter-safe post-emergent herbicides on early weeds.

❄ Apply winterizer fertilizer (optional)

Cool-season grasses benefit most from this. Warm-season grasses need lighter feeding.

❄ Prep for spring

Now is a great time to schedule future aeration, fertilization, and weed control services.

Common Texas Lawn Pests: Why Weed Control Helps Prevent Them

A strong lawn resists pests naturally. Weeds weaken turf, leaving it vulnerable.

Here are the most common Texas turf pests:

• Grubs – cause brown patches and root damage
• Armyworms – can destroy a lawn in 48 hours
• Chinch bugs – thrive in drought conditions
• Sod webworms – chew through grass blades

A good weed control and fertilization plan helps prevent infestations by:

• Keeping turf thick
• Boosting root strength
• Preventing over-watering caused by invasive weeds
• Supporting beneficial microbes

To learn more about these pests, check out:
👉 Identifying and Managing Common Lawn Pests

Fertilization Tips for Texas Lawns

Feeding your lawn correctly is just as important as controlling weeds.

✔ Know your grass type

Texas yards usually have:

• Bermuda
• St. Augustine
• Zoysia
• Tall fescue (North Texas)

✔ Use the right fertilizer at the right time

Warm-season grasses need nitrogen-rich feeding during their growth period (late spring to early fall).

✔ Don’t over-fertilize

This leads to burning, fungus, and rapid weed growth.

✔ Soil tests = better results

This tells you if you're missing nutrients like:

• Nitrogen
• Potassium
• Phosphorus
• Iron (common deficiency in Texas)

Helpful external resources:

• Texas A&M Agrilife Extension: https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu
• EPA Lawn Watering Guidelines: https://www.epa.gov/watersense
• National Turfgrass Federation: https://turfgrass.org

How Weed Control and Fertilization Work Together

Think of them as a team working toward the same goal.

Weed control:

Stops unwanted plants from stealing water and nutrients.

Fertilization:

Strengthens turf so weeds have less room to grow.

Together:

They create the perfect condition for a thick, green, healthy lawn.

Without fertilization, weed control isn’t enough.
Without weed control, fertilization won’t work properly.

The magic is in combining both consistently throughout the year.

Professional Turf Management: When to Hire a Pro

Sometimes DIY works. Sometimes Texas lawns need expert support.

Consider hiring a pro if:

• Weeds come back no matter what you do
• Your lawn has patches or thinning areas
• Soil feels compacted
• Summer heat always kills your grass
• Pests return every season
• You want predictable, long-term results

If you're curious about expert services, you can read more here:
👉 Transform Your Lawn with Expert Turf Management

Key Takeaways

Here’s a quick summary to keep things simple:

• Weed control and fertilization are the foundation of a healthy Texas lawn.
• Apply pre-emergent weed control in spring to stop weeds early.
• Fertilize 3–4 times a year, depending on your grass type.
• Seasonal care is essential—Texas heat requires special attention.
• Healthy turf naturally resists weeds, pests, and heat stress.
• Aeration, pest control, watering, and mowing all support the process.
• Hiring a professional helps if weeds and pests keep coming back.

Ready for a Healthier Texas Lawn?

If you're tired of weeds, brown spots, or turf that can’t handle Texas weather, let us help you build a lawn you’ll love coming home to.

📞 Contact us today at (972) 369 6768
📧 Email: michael@ntturf.com

Whether you need weed control and fertilization, turf management, or a full year-round program, we’re here to make your lawn look its absolute best.

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