Maintaining a Healthy Lawn and Garden Through the Fall in The Woodlands

As the season shifts into fall, homeowners may face some common challenges when maintaining their lawns and gardens. From combating brown patch fungus in St. Augustine grass to managing deer-resistant plants in rural areas, there’s plenty to consider to keep your landscape looking beautiful. Let’s explore some of these seasonal issues and their solutions.

Brown Patch Fungus: A Fall Foe
In the fall, lawns with St. Augustine grass can become susceptible to “brown patch” fungus. This fungal issue becomes more prevalent when we experience increased rainfall and cooler nights, and you may have already noticed some yellowing circles in low-lying areas of your lawn where moisture tends to collect.

Brown patch fungus often thrives due to recent rain or excessive watering from irrigation systems. If left untreated, it can cause significant damage to your lawn. Keep an eye out for these telltale signs and consider applying a fungicide treatment available at your local garden supply store. For a more effective solution, you can also opt for professional treatments, like our renowned Green Lawn System.

If your lawn was affected by brown patch fungus last year, there’s a good chance it will reappear in the same areas this year unless you break the cycle with timely fungicide applications. Preventive measures are key to maintaining a lush, healthy lawn year-round.

Overseeding for a Beautiful Winter Lawn
As we approach the dormant season for warm-weather grasses like St. Augustine and Bermuda, it’s time to think about overseeding. Overseeding with ryegrass seed can help you maintain a vibrant, green lawn throughout the colder months. Here’s what you need to know:

• When Should I Overseed?

The best time to overseed is in October or November. Most people opt for “annual ryegrass,” as it is the least expensive and easiest to find. However, for a higher-quality appearance, you might prefer “perennial ryegrass” or a “perennial ryegrass blend,” which will last longer into the spring.

• Will Overseeding Damage My Turf?

Overseeding will not harm common warm-season grasses. In fact, it can improve the appearance of your lawn by suppressing cool-season weeds.

• Advantages and Disadvantages of Overseeding

The main advantages are a lush, green lawn during the winter and fewer weeds during the dormant season. A beautiful, year-round lawn is something to boast about! However, overseeding does come with the need for weekly mowing throughout the winter and additional fertilization, as the ryegrass will deplete nutrients that the warm-weather grass will need in spring.

Note: Wait until the ryegrass seed has germinated and you see green grass blades before mowing. Also, avoid using pre-emergent herbicides before overseeding.

Fertilizing for Strong Root Growth
As we move into late fall, it’s a good idea to apply a “winterizer” fertilizer to your lawn. This promotes strong root growth during the dormant season and gives your grass a boost when spring arrives. By investing in a winterizing treatment, you’ll ensure a stronger, healthier lawn in the months ahead.

Deer-Resistant Plants: Protecting Your Landscape from Wildlife
For those who live outside metropolitan areas, deer can present a unique challenge when it comes to maintaining a beautiful landscape. While deer may be a lovely sight in nature, they can quickly turn your garden into their personal salad bar.

Many homeowners ask about “deer-proof” or “deer-resistant” plants. While no plant is truly “deer-proof,” there are several that deer tend to avoid, depending on how hungry they are. Our landscapers have had good success with plants like Snapdragons and Vinca (also known as Periwinkle). Lantana is another plant that deer generally steer clear of. If you’re looking for a larger shrub, consider banana shrub plants, which are rarely touched by deer.

However, keep in mind that a truly hungry deer will eat just about anything, and there have been cases of them devouring even rose bushes down to the ground.

Conclusion: Be Proactive This Fall
Maintaining your lawn and garden in the fall doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By addressing potential problems like brown patch fungus early, overseeding your lawn for winter beauty, applying the right fertilizers, and selecting deer-resistant plants, you can enjoy a thriving landscape year-round. Keep these tips in mind, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help for more specialized treatments. Here’s to a vibrant lawn and garden this fall!

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Lawn Ranger Company’s services include fertilization and weed control, lawn mowing, sprinkler systems, and landscape services.  We serve The Woodlands, Montgomery County, and northern Harris County.

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