A healthy lawn takes more than watering once in a while or mowing when it gets tall. In The Woodlands, seasonal weather shifts affect your yard’s needs throughout the year. Whether you’re hoping to reduce water waste, maintain curb appeal, or support local ecosystems, taking the right steps at the right time makes all the difference.
Use this seasonal calendar to help your lawn thrive, all while conserving water and reducing unnecessary upkeep.
November – March: Plan Ahead and Prevent Waste
Your lawn doesn’t need as much water in the winter, and overwatering can do more harm than good. Focus on preparation and maintenance.
- Turn off your irrigation system or set it to manual. Water only during extended dry periods when your lawn shows signs of stress, such as brown or gray patches. Dormant grass naturally turns a uniform tan or light brown; this is normal and does not indicate a need for watering.
- Mow once a month at most to keep your lawn tidy without stressing dormant grass.
- Inspect your system for leaks, breaks, or misaligned sprinkler heads.
- Clean and maintain rain sensors, nozzles, and filters.
Winter is also a good time to plan landscaping updates for the spring and summer.
April: Refresh and Revive
As temperatures rise and your lawn wakes up, this is the time to get everything in working order.
- Turn your irrigation system back on and use a sprinkler gauge to measure your output. Adjust run times as needed to ensure even coverage over each zone.
- Set watering times appropriately for the season: about ½ inch per zone, no more than twice per week.
- Begin mowing every 10–12 days as grass starts to grow, increasing frequency as temperatures rise.
This is also an ideal time to make landscape changes; planting native or adapted species will reduce water needs long-term.
May – September: Conserve and Control
Texas summers are hot, but that doesn’t mean your system should run every day. In fact, watering too much can lead to fungal issues, shallow roots, and waste.
- Water deeply and infrequently. Use the “cycle and soak” method: split your watering into two shorter cycles with 30-minute breaks between instead of a single stretch.
- Mow once a week or less and keep your mower blade at the highest setting to protect grass roots.
- Check sprinkler heads monthly to ensure they aren’t blocked or misaligned.
- Monitor rainfall and skip watering if rain accumulations that week exceed 1 inch.
Remember, many lawns go naturally dormant during drought. Brown doesn’t always mean dead.
October: Transition with Care
As temperatures drop, your lawn begins to slow its growth. This is the time to reduce watering and begin winterizing your system.
- Reduce irrigation frequency to about ½ inch per zone, no more than twice per week.
- Mow every 10–12 days in early fall, tapering to once a month by November.
- Aerate your lawn to improve root growth and water absorption.
- Flush and drain your irrigation system before the first freeze.
- Wrap exposed outdoor pipes to prevent damage from cold snaps.
These steps protect your system and prepare your lawn for healthy growth in spring.
Why It Matters
Practicing seasonal lawn care does more than keep your yard green. It saves water, reduces runoff, and supports a more resilient local environment. Small changes in your irrigation routine can lead to big impacts over time, for both your utility bill and our natural resources.
