When to Fertilize Lawn in Texas

At TruGreen, we know that achieving a lush, healthy Texas lawn isn’t just about applying fertilizer, it’s about applying it at the right time based on your region’s climate and soil. From the cooler winters of North Texas to the humid subtropical climate of South Texas, timely lawn fertilization strengthens turf’s ability to resist drought, weeds and pests.

Whether you’re caring for St. Augustine grass in Houston, Bermudagrass in Dallas-Fort Worth, or a mixed lawn that might have Zoysiagrass in Central or South Texas, our expert lawn care services deliver customized fertilization plans tailored to your specific region, including Houston, Austin, San Antonio and beyond.  

From spring nutrient boosts to fall root building, we help your grass thrive all year long. 

Spring Fertilization

Begin fertilizing once your grass breaks dormancy, usually when soil temperatures hit about 65 °F. This timing varies across Texas but typically falls between mid-March in South Texas and mid-April to early May in North Texas.

Use a balanced, moderate nitrogen fertilizer to encourage steady growth without excessive top growth that demands frequent mowing. Slow-release nitrogen fertilizers are ideal, feeding your turf for 6 to 8 weeks. We also recommend that you avoid fertilizing right before heavy spring rains to prevent runoff.

Summer Fertilization

In summer, the goal shifts from encouraging growth to helping your Texas lawn survive extreme heat, drought and heavy foot traffic. Apply slow-release or a lower amount of fertilizer to provide steady nutrients without overstimulating growth, which can put additional stress on the turf.

TruGreen’s Lawn Stress Guard® treatment goes beyond standard summer fertilization. It combines slow-release nitrogen with added potassium, micronutrients and wetting agents that help water penetrate deeper into the soil. This allows your lawn to make more efficient use of natural rainfall and irrigation, which reduces the need to water while improving turf resilience.

The organic matter in Lawn Stress Guard feeds beneficial microbial activity, enhancing soil health, improving nutrient cycling and supporting better soil structure and texture. These upgrades help warm season grasses like Bermudagrass, St. Augustine grass and Zoysiagrass stay green, dense and more resistant to summer stressors.

Fall Fertilization

Fall fertilization is critical, especially in North and Central Texas, where frosts can come suddenly. Apply a fertilizer high in potassium and moderate in nitrogen to strengthen roots and prepare turf for winter dormancy.

In South Texas, fall fertilization can extend into November if the lawn remains active. Adding iron at this time can improve winter color without encouraging excessive growth. Apply fertilizer when daytime highs are in the 70s and nighttime lows drop below 60 °F.

For more seasonal tips, explore TruGreen’s summer lawn care guide and lawn fertilizer basics. 

Bermudagrass

Prefers frequent feedings every 6 to 8 weeks during its active summer growth period, totaling about 3 to 4 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft annually. Slow-release nitrogen minimizes mowing and runoff.

St. Augustinegrass

Requires balanced fertilization to prevent thatch and fungal diseases. Iron supplements are particularly beneficial in alkaline soils to maintain its vibrant blue-green color.

Zoysiagrass

A slower-growing warm-season grass needing moderate nitrogen applications. Most Zoysia grass lawns benefit from 3-4 lbs. of nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. on a yearly basis, plus a potassium boost in fall to improve winter hardiness.

Tall Fescue

As a cool season grass, Tall Fescue benefits from fertilization in early spring and fall, avoiding heavy summer feedings. Applying 2 to 3 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft annually helps maintain vigor, especially in shaded or mixed lawns.

For help choosing the right fertilizer for your grass type, see our guide on what type of fertilizer you should use.