Fall Landscaping Tips for Texas Lawns

As the weather starts to cool in Central Texas, your lawn care routine should shift to help your grass thrive through fall and prepare for dormancy. Whether you have Bermuda or St. Augustine grass, fall is the perfect time to strengthen roots, manage weeds, and prevent disease. Here’s how to keep your yard looking its best this season.

For Bermuda Grass:

Sun-loving and drought-tolerant, Bermuda lawns need a slightly different approach than St. Augustine in the fall.

• Fertilize with care: Apply a low-nitrogen, high-potassium fertilizer in late September to support root health without pushing excess growth.
• Mow lower before dormancy: Gradually reduce mowing height (to about 1.5–2 inches) to prepare for winter while avoiding scalping.
• Overseed (optional): Want a green lawn year-round? Fall is the time to overseed Bermuda with ryegrass for winter color.
• Watch for armyworms: These pests peak in fall and love Bermuda. Look for brown patches or increased bird activity and treat promptly. 

For St. Augustine Grass:

Shade-tolerant and lush, St. Augustine needs a gentler touch as it transitions into cooler months.

• Don’t scalp: Maintain a higher mowing height (around 2.5–3.5 inches) through the fall to protect against temperature drops.
• Fertilize carefully: Use a balanced fertilizer in early fall, then stop by mid-October to prevent disease like brown patch.
• Reduce watering: As temps drop, scale back irrigation—but don’t shut it off completely unless we get steady rain.
• Clean up leaves: St. Augustine doesn't like being smothered. Rake or mulch fallen leaves weekly to let sunlight through.

General Tips for Both Grasses:

• Aerate compacted soil: Early fall is a great time to aerate your lawn for better root growth and water absorption.
• Apply pre-emergent herbicide: Put down a pre-emergent in mid-September to control winter weeds like henbit and clover.
• Sharpen mower blades: Dull blades tear grass and open the door to disease—give yours a tune-up now. 
• Edge & mulch beds: A tidy border and a fresh layer of mulch make a big impact and help retain moisture as conditions dry.

Your fall lawn care efforts now set the stage for a lush, green spring. Whether you're team Bermuda or team St. Augustine, a little TLC this season goes a long way. If you're not sure which type of grass you have—or if you’re seeing patchy areas—reach out to a local pro for help identifying and treating it early.