The Texas climate, characterized by long, hot summers and variable winters, necessitates a strategic approach to lawn irrigation. Adjusting your watering schedule is fundamental for water conservation and maintaining the health of warm-season grasses like St. Augustine, Bermuda, and Zoysia. As the intense summer growing season concludes, turfgrass needs change significantly. Homeowners must transition from a frequent watering schedule to a minimal, as-needed approach. Understanding this timing prevents disease and ensures a vibrant green-up the following spring.
Identifying the Seasonal Stop Point
The decision to cease regular, scheduled watering is governed by consistent drops in temperature and decreasing daylight hours, rather than a fixed calendar date. Warm-season grasses begin to slow their growth substantially when the soil temperature consistently falls below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. This typically occurs in late fall, often around mid-November.
The primary trigger for true dormancy is a sustained drop in air temperatures. Most warm-season turf enters this protective state when temperatures consistently remain below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Homeowners should monitor when daytime high temperatures consistently fall below the 60 to 70-degree range. Bermuda grass tends to maintain active growth slightly longer than St. Augustine and Zoysia. Continuing a summer schedule after this point risks over-saturation.
Understanding Dormancy and Water Needs
Dormancy is a natural, protective mechanism where the grass conserves energy to survive cold or dry periods. Visually, this state is recognized by the grass blades turning a tan or straw-brown color and a cessation of vertical growth. During this period, the grass drastically reduces its metabolic activity, meaning it requires very little water.
Continuing to water on a summer schedule when the grass is dormant is detrimental to lawn health. Excess moisture in cool soil creates an environment for fungal pathogens like brown patch, a common disease in St. Augustine lawns. Overwatering also starves the roots of oxygen, which can lead to root rot and weaken the turf’s ability to recover when spring arrives. Halting regular irrigation helps the grass harden off and protect its root system.
Navigating Local Water Restrictions
State and local drought contingency plans often impose mandatory limitations on outdoor watering in Texas municipalities, regardless of the grass’s biological needs. These regulations dictate the maximum frequency and time of day watering is allowed. Common drought stages, such as Stage 1 or Stage 2, typically restrict automatic irrigation to only one or two days per week, often based on the street address. Watering is usually prohibited between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to minimize water loss from evaporation.
These municipal rules apply year-round but become strict during declared drought conditions. Failing to comply with mandated schedules can result in significant financial penalties, with fines often reaching hundreds or thousands of dollars per violation. Homeowners should consult their city’s water utility website to confirm the current restriction stage and assigned watering days, as these rules are subject to change based on water reservoir levels.
Essential Winter Hydration
Halting the regular watering schedule does not mean the grass should be completely deprived of moisture throughout winter. Established Texas lawns, particularly St. Augustine grass, still require occasional hydration to prevent the roots from drying out during extended dry periods. While dormant, the roots remain alive and can become desiccated if the soil receives no natural moisture for several weeks.
If four to six weeks pass without significant rainfall, a single, deep watering is beneficial to the root zone. This application should be done manually and deeply enough to wet the top six inches of soil. Watering the lawn before an anticipated hard freeze also helps, as moist soil holds heat better than dry soil, providing insulation for the grass roots. This minimal intervention safeguards against winter desiccation without encouraging disease.