March Preparation for lawns in March in central Texas
In Central Texas, March is the “awakening” phase for lawns as they transition out of winter dormancy. The primary focus for homeowners during this month is preventing weeds, preparing equipment, and transitioning into a regular maintenance routine. GreenBlade LLC can take care of your needs this March.
Higher Ground Lawn Care & Landscape Lighting.
1. Weed Prevention (Highest Priority)
- Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicide: This is the most critical window to prevent summer weeds like crabgrass.
- Monitor Soil Temperature: Aim to apply pre-emergent when soil temperatures are consistently between 50°F and 55°F, which typically occurs in early March.
- Water It In: Most pre-emergents must be watered within 24–48 hours to create an effective chemical barrier in the soil.
- Spot Treat Existing Weeds: For weeds already visible, use a post-emergent spray.
2. Mowing & Equipment Prep
- First Mow (The Scalp): Start mowing as the grass begins to green up, usually in mid-March.
- One-Third Rule: Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade height at once to avoid stressing the plant.
- Frequency: Begin with bi-weekly mowing in March to stimulate growth before moving to a weekly schedule in April.
- Maintenance Check: Sharpen mower blades, change the oil, and inspect spark plugs before the heavy growing season starts.
3. Fertilization & Soil Health
- Wait for Green-Up: Most experts recommend holding off on nitrogen fertilizer until the lawn has been mowed two or three times and is at least 50% green.
- Check Soil Temp: The ideal time for the first fertilizer application is when soil temperatures consistently hit 65°F, often late March or early April in Central Texas.
- Soil Testing: March is a great time to send a soil sample to the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension to determine exactly what nutrients your lawn needs.
- Aeration: If your soil is heavily compacted (common in Central Texas clay), consider core aeration in late March or April to help air and water reach the roots.
4. Watering
- System Audit: Reconnect hoses and run your sprinkler system to check for broken heads or leaks caused by winter freezes.
- Regular Schedule: As days warm up, aim for roughly 1 inch of water per week, ideally in a single deep session or two half-inch sessions.
- Early Morning: Water between 5:00 AM and 9:00 AM to reduce evaporation and prevent fungal growth.