Lawn & Tree Care in Watauga, Texas

Overview

Maintaining a healthy landscape in Watauga, Texas, can increase property value, filter out pollutants in the air, absorb noise and even cool your yard. Doing it yourself can be less costly than hiring a lawn care service. Watauga is located northeast of Fort Worth, nestled in the DFW Metroplex.

Planting Seasons

Warm season grasses need warm air and soil temperatures to perform at their best. St. Augustine and Bermuda are popular in Texas. Cool season grasses won't tolerate hot temperatures but perform well in cool fall and mild winter temperatures. Popular grasses in this category include tall fescue and perennial rye. Trees and shrubs can be planted in the spring and summer, although they do best when planted early fall through late winter. By planting in the fall, you give the roots time to establish before the heat of the North Texas summer arrives. Live Oak, Chinese Pistachio, Shumard Red Oak, Burford holly and Yaupon holly are all examples of plants that can be planted throughout the year.

Feeding

Look for a lawn food that is high in nitrogen and slow release. A nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium ratio of 3-1-2 is the best. Make sure you have the right fertilizer for the job. Some brands of fertilizer can hurt certain types of grass and trees if they contain a weed killer with the fertilizer. If you are unsure about what kind of lawn food to buy, many private garden retailers carry fertilizer specific for Texas lawns. Depending on the type of tree, a 3-1-2 fertilizer will work well. Evergreen trees require more acid than the North Texas soil provides, so look for an evergreen tree fertilizer containing acid.

Water

Your lawn and larger landscape plants require about an inch of water every few days. A deeper, more even watering allows the roots to grow deep into cooler soil temperatures. This allows the plants to become stronger, requiring fewer waterings. Lighter, more frequent waterings keep the roots at the surface, making the grass weaker. You know you need to water your lawn when you step onto the grass and your footprint remains. Never water your lawn in the evening, as this invites lawn fungus, blight and other issues. Early in the morning is best, because the water has a chance to soak in and not evaporate, as it would later in the day. Newer trees may require the use of a soaker hose in the first few months of planting. If you have a sprinkler system, do not rely on it to get the job done thoroughly. Some trees will require more water than others, especially if they are not native to the area.

Disease or Bug?

In turf grass, disease issues and pest problems can look very similar until you get down to the dirt. If the grass begins yellowing and then turns brown, try pulling it up. If the roots stay attached, check for tiny black spots on the shoots. This is a sign of fungus, typically Brown Patch or Take-All Root Rot. Treatment for these fungi can take some time, but your grass will recover. If you have St. Augustine and the grass is green with yellow mottled stripes, it is St. Augustine Decline. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this virus. Re-sodding will be necessary. Grub worm and chinch bug damage leave your turf grass like straw, pulling up easily with no root system attached. Treat for these pests May through July.

Expert Insight

If you are unsure of how to handle problems in your landscape or lawn, check with a local Texas Certified Nursery Professional, or TCNP. Look for the TCNP sticker or plaque, or call your local nursery or home improvement store. These certified professionals are trained to diagnose insect and disease problems. They will help you protect your investment with timely plant advice and planting tips. If you are having a problem, take a sample with you, and ask about it.