Lawn Care During Texas Warm Winters
Warm winters may have a negative impact on your lawn because various grasses have a specific growing season. There are two main varieties of grass and each type has a different growth period. They also respond differently to weather patterns. The change of weather may affect the health, growth and general outlook of the lawn.
Too Much Growth?
Lawn grass responds differently to light, water, and temperature. Unusually warm winters fool the plants that it is already spring. Plants tend to blossom early and produce foliage and bud. However, unpredictable weather may disrupt the normal growth of plants in a lawn.
Warm winters may prevent the plants from undergoing a complete dormancy. This causes an extended growing season for the plants. During this period, plants may appear greener than usual. This indicates that more mowing is required and also an opportunity to feed the lawn. It is important to thicken the grass as it competes with weeds during this period. You should mow your lawn more during this period and also clean up the debris before the onset of spring.
Watering Your Lawn Appropriately
Dormant grass in the lawn requires a proper supply of water to keep the roots viable and alive. You should water your lawn up to 6 inches of soil depth when the lawn is dormant. Maintaining a greener lawn throughout the dormancy period will require 2 inches of water every week. If you maintain this, you will notice that the grass will be brown in color but will still be alive. Additional and excessive watering may result in bacterial or fungal infections.
Perfect Environment for Fungi & Other Elements
It is difficult to control diseases during warm winters. Lawn diseases thrive in a humid and warm environment which is present during a warm winter. During this period, your lawn is likely to be attacked by a fungal infection. These diseases attack the leaf blades, turf roots, and the soil. The most common lawn diseases to watch out during a warm winter are fairly ring, rust, fusarium blight, and dollar spot. Speak to a landscape professional once you notice any signs of these diseases in your lawn.
Weeds tend to grow faster during a warm winter. Most broadleaf varieties of weeds that undergo dormancy during cold weather usually pop up during warm winters. This can be worse if the lawn has poor maintenance and lacks nutrients. Weeds such as dandelion crabgrass and foxtail can spread quickly in the entire lawn within a short period of time. You can prevent damage by treating the lawn with the right herbicides.
Keeping An Eye on Your Lawn This Season
It is essential to look out for pest and insects in your lawn during a warm winter. Cold winters may not be suitable for the growth of insect pupae and eggs. A warm winter favors the reproduction cycle of insects which can cause significant damage to plants. You should contact a landscape professional in case there is an increase in pests and insects. An integrated pest management practice provides good protection to your lawn. It also keeps your family safe from chemicals.
For any other new sod care or maintenance, contact the professionals of The Grass Outlet.