Refugio 3 SW lawn care, month by month
| Month | Tasks |
|---|---|
| January | Apply crabgrass pre-emergent |
| February | Apply crabgrass pre-emergent |
| March | Seed, sod, or plug new grass · First feeding at full green-up · Aerate / dethatch |
| April | Aerate / dethatch |
| May | Peak growth — regular mowing, about 1″ of water a week |
| June | Peak growth — regular mowing, about 1″ of water a week |
| July | Peak growth — regular mowing, about 1″ of water a week |
| August | Peak growth — regular mowing, about 1″ of water a week |
| September | Peak growth — regular mowing, about 1″ of water a week |
| October | Last nitrogen of the year |
| November | Growth stops — final mow |
| December | Growth stops — final mow |
Reading the Refugio 3 SW lawn year
Refugio 3 SW's lawn year runs on warmth: the lawn wakes after the last frost around Feb 15, hits full stride in midsummer, and goes dormant with the first frost around Dec 5. The two dates to respect most are the pre-emergent deadline in late winter — southern soil warms early — and the last-nitrogen cutoff 6–8 weeks before frost, which protects the lawn from winter injury.
Grasses that fit Refugio 3 SW
Frequently asked questions
When should I plant warm-season grass in Refugio 3 SW?
Seed, sod, or plug Bermuda, Zoysia, and other warm-season grasses in late spring — around Mar 1 – Mar 15 in Refugio 3 SW, once soil has warmed well past the last frost. That gives new grass a full growing season to mature before its first winter dormancy.
When do I put down crabgrass preventer in Refugio 3 SW?
Aim for Jan 25 – Feb 15 — the estimated stretch when Refugio 3 SW soil approaches the ~55°F germination threshold, anchored to the average last frost (Feb 15). It's an estimate: a soil thermometer reading 50–55°F at 2″ depth for several days is the precise trigger, and pre-emergent must go down before crabgrass sprouts, not after.
When should I stop mowing in Refugio 3 SW?
Keep mowing as long as the grass grows — in Refugio 3 SW that's typically until Nov 21 – Dec 12, around the average first fall frost (Dec 5). Warm-season lawns then go brown-dormant for winter, which is normal.
What grass grows best in Refugio 3 SW?
Texas is warm-season country: Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine, centipede, bahia, buffalo. See the grass guides linked below for identification and care.