Summer Lawn Care in the Texas and Deep South Region: Why It Matters
Summers in Texas and the Deep South are long, hot, and humid. High temps can stretch well into the fall, and many lawns deal with drought, heavy clay soils, pest pressure, and invasive weeds.
The good news? Lawns in this region are mostly made up of warm-season grasses, which are built to handle heat — but even these tough turf types need a little help in the peak of summer. The key is to focus on soil health, support root systems, and avoid overloading your lawn with synthetic products that create more stress in the heat.
Understand Your Grass Type
Most lawns in this region feature warm-season grasses that are heat-tolerant and thrive in full sun. These grasses grow most actively in late spring and summer and tend to slow down (or go dormant) in fall and winter.
Common grasses in Texas and the Deep South:
-
Bermuda Grass – Popular for its heat and drought tolerance; recovers quickly from foot traffic.
-
Zoysia Grass – Dense and beautiful, more shade-tolerant than Bermuda but slower to recover.
-
St. Augustine Grass – Broad-bladed, thrives in southern humidity, moderate drought tolerance.
-
Centipede Grass – Low-maintenance and slow-growing, common in sandy southern soils.
-
Buffalo Grass (select areas) – Native, extremely drought-tolerant, but sensitive to overwatering.
Understanding your grass type helps you make smarter choices when it comes to mowing, watering, and pest control — especially in the height of summer.
Common Summer Challenges for Lawns in Texas and the Deep South
-
Extreme Heat: Prolonged 90–100°F days can stress even warm-season grasses.
-
Drought & Water Restrictions: Many areas face long dry spells or irrigation limits.
-
Weeds: Invasive grasses like crabgrass, dallisgrass, and sedge thrive in hot weather.
-
Pests: Fire ants, armyworms, and grubs are common regional threats.
-
Soil Compaction: Heavy clay soils in much of the region can limit root growth.
-
Fungal Disease: High humidity and poor drainage can lead to brown patch, take-all root rot, and more.
Natural Tips to Keep Your Lawn Healthy
Don’t Push Growth in the Heat
Warm-season grasses are active in summer, but that doesn’t mean you should force top growth with high-nitrogen fertilizers. Doing so in extreme heat can backfire — causing stress, disease, and thatch buildup. Instead, focus on building root strength with natural, slow-release nutrients.
Water Deep, Not Often
In this climate, shallow watering does more harm than good. Instead, aim for 1 inch of water once or twice a week, depending on your soil and local restrictions. Clay-heavy soils take longer to absorb water — water slowly and give it time to soak in.
Lawnbright Tip: Use multiple short watering cycles (e.g., 10 mins on, 10 mins off) to reduce runoff on compact soils.
Stay Ahead of Pest Pressure
Summer pests like armyworms and grubs can wipe out entire patches of turf if left unchecked. Watch for brown or thinning spots, increased bird or ant activity, or chewed blades. Natural grub control and regular lawn inspections go a long way in preventing damage.
Mow High, and Mow Right
Tall grass helps shade soil, retain moisture, and crowd out weeds.
-
Bermudagrass: 1.5–2.5"
-
Zoysia: 2–3"
-
St. Augustine: 3–4"
-
Centipede: 1.5–2.5"
Make sure your blade is sharp, and never cut more than 1/3 of the blade at a time — especially in extreme heat.
Skip the Summer Herbicides
Summer is not the time for broad-spectrum weed killers. They can burn turf and stress your soil biology. Instead, spot-treat problem areas naturally or simply mow weeds before they seed — and plan a strong overseeding and soil strategy for fall.
Prepare for Fall the Right Way
Get a Soil Test
Late summer is a great time to test your soil to understand pH and nutrient levels before applying fall fertilizers. Many southern lawns prefer a pH closer to 6.0.
Apply Natural Fertilizer in Late Summer or Early Fall
Warm-season grasses benefit from a final feed in late summer to early fall before they start slowing down. Use a low-salt, natural fertilizer to support strong root development and disease resistance.
Don’t Overseed with Cool-Season Grasses
Unlike in northern regions, fall is not the time to overseed your warm-season lawn with ryegrass unless you’re intentionally trying to maintain winter color (and are prepared for more maintenance). Most homeowners in this region let their lawns go dormant naturally.
Why Natural Lawn Care Works Best in the Deep South
It’s Built for Heat and Humidity
Synthetic fertilizers and herbicides break down quickly in heat, often stressing grass and soil microbes. Natural products work more slowly and consistently — exactly what your lawn needs in the long, hot season.
It’s Safer for Families and Pets
Bare feet, backyard barbecues, and sprinkler runs mean more contact with your lawn. Natural products help you avoid harsh chemicals that linger in the soil or wash into storm drains.
It Builds Resilience Year After Year
In this region, soil health is everything. Natural lawn care builds deeper roots, better drought tolerance, and long-term defense against pests and weeds — with less effort and fewer inputs over time.