Lost Pines district shares water saving lawn tips

Summer Lawn Care in Central Texas

Summer in Central Texas means high temperatures, dry spells, and thirsty lawns. However, keeping your yard healthy doesn’t have to result in high water bills or wasteful watering habits. With a few smart adjustments, you can grow a beautiful lawn that is both summer-ready and water-wise.

Water Smarter, Not More

When it’s hot outside, it’s tempting to water more often, but that can do more harm than good. Instead, try the "cycle and soak" method. Watering in short intervals allows water to soak into the soil rather than running off. For this region, turf grass generally only needs about one inch of water per week, either from rain, irrigation, or both. Make sure you always water your lawn early in the morning. This reduces evaporation and gives your lawn time to dry during the day, which can help to prevent fungal issues.

Mow High, Stay Cool

Keeping your grass a little taller during the summer can help with soil and lawn health. The taller grass shades the soil, retains moisture, and grows stronger grass roots. For St. Augustine grass, stick to 2.5 to 3.5 inches. Bermuda grass does well at 1 to 1.5 inches. Remember to follow the one-third rule! Never remove more than one third of above-ground growth at a time. Why? Because a scalped turfgrass is a stressed turfgrass that then requires even more water to be healthy.

Test Before You Treat

Skip the guesswork with fertilizers and test your soil instead. A soil test will tell you what nutrients your lawn really needs, so you can avoid over-fertilizing and prevent runoff into local waterways. Bonus: you’ll save money and help the environment.

Come Learn with Us June 17

Want to learn more? The Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District is hosting a Healthy Lawns Workshop in collaboration with the Lee County AgriLife Extension Office on June 17 from 1-3 p.m. The workshop will take place at our office, 317 E Hempstead St. in Giddings. Come learn about smart watering, sustainable lawn care practices, and practical tips that can save you water, time, and money all summer long. To register, call (512) 360-5088 by 5 p.m. on Friday, June 13.
Claire Marks is the education and outreach coordinator for the Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District.
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Let’s grow a lawn that you can be proud of, without wasting a drop!