Drought-Resistant Lawn Care Tips for Houston Summers
Houston’s summers bring intense heat and limited rainfall, making it challenging to maintain a lush, green lawn. Without proper care, grass can turn brown, dry out, and even die from excessive heat stress. The good news? With drought-resistant lawn care strategies, you can keep your lawn thriving even during the hottest months.
Choose Drought-Tolerant Grass
Not all grass types handle drought the same way. If you’re installing new sod or reseeding, consider these heat-tolerant options:
Bermuda Grass – Handles heat and drought well, but needs full sun.
Zoysia Grass – Stays green longer in dry conditions and is great for partial shade.
Buffalo Grass – A low-water option that requires minimal maintenance
St. Augustine Grass – Popular in Houston, but needs more water than others.
Pro Tip: If your grass struggles every summer, consider overseeding with a drought-resistant variety to improve its resilience.
Water Deeply, But Less Often
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is watering too frequently but not deeply enough. This leads to shallow roots, which dry out faster in hot weather.
Best watering schedule for drought resistance:
- Water 1-2 times per week, not daily.
- Apply ½ to 1 inch of water per session (use a rain gauge to measure).
- Early morning watering (before 10 AM) reduces evaporation.
Avoid watering in the evening, as it increases the risk of fungal diseases.
Mow Higher to Protect Your Lawn
Cutting grass too short weakens its ability to retain moisture. Keep your lawn healthy by adjusting your mower height:
Set your mower blades to 3-4 inches (longer blades = more shade for the soil).
Sharpen mower blades regularly to make clean cuts that reduce moisture loss.
Leave grass clippings on the lawn (this acts as a natural mulch).
Use Mulch to Retain Moisture
Mulching isn’t just for flower beds—it’s a game-changer for soil moisture.
Apply a thin layer of compost or organic mulch around trees and shrubs to reduce water evaporation.
Use grass clippings as mulch after mowing to help lock in moisture.
Improve Soil Health with Aeration
Compacted soil prevents water from reaching roots, making drought even harder on your lawn.
Aerate your lawn in the spring or fall to reduce compaction.
Follow aeration with deep watering so moisture penetrates deeper.
If your soil is hard and dry, consider liquid aeration treatments to break up compacted areas without heavy equipment.
Apply the Right Fertilizer
Feeding your lawn during summer is tricky—too much nitrogen can burn grass in high heat. Instead, use:
Slow-release fertilizers that feed gradually over time.
Iron supplements to maintain green color without excessive growth.
Organic soil conditioners to boost water retention.
Reduce Foot Traffic & Lawn Stress
During extreme heat, grass goes into a protective state. Walking on dry, brittle grass can cause lasting damage.
Limit foot traffic in stressed areas.
Avoid mowing when grass looks dry or wilted.
Postpone heavy lawn work (like aeration or fertilization) until temperatures cool.
Install a Drought-Resistant Irrigation System
An efficient watering system makes all the difference. Consider:
Drip irrigation for slow, deep watering.
Smart sprinkler controllers that adjust based on weather conditions.
Soaker hoses for targeted watering that reduces waste.
Pro Tip: Many Houston homeowners save water by switching to rain sensors or smart irrigation systems that adjust watering schedules automatically.
Spot Treat Lawn Pests & Diseases
Stressed lawns attract more pests like chinch bugs and grubs. Keep an eye out for:
Yellow or brown patches (could indicate chinch bugs).
Rolled-up or loose grass (a sign of grub damage).
Fungal spots (caused by too much humidity).
For severe infestations, consider a professional lawn pest control service.
Adjust Your Lawn Care Routine for Each Season
Drought-resistant lawn care is a year-round process. Here’s how to prep your lawn for success:
Spring: Aerate, fertilize, and apply pre-emergent weed control.
Summer: Water wisely, mow high, and monitor for pests.
Fall: Overseed and fertilize to strengthen grass before winter.
Winter: Reduce watering and keep leaves off the lawn.
Get Expert Lawn Care Help with Pest Frog!
Drought-resistant lawn care doesn’t have to be complicated. At Pest Frog, we provide professional lawn care services to keep your yard healthy and green—even in Houston’s summer heat.
📞 Call today for expert lawn care solutions!