By William “Bill” Swantner, Bexar County Master Gardener
January 2024
David Rodriguez, Texas A&M Bexar County Extension Agent, Horticulture often talks about the “Three T’s”: tomatoes, trees, and turf. There are those who love turfgrass, and there are those who hate it. Some love the feel of turf under their feet, while others appreciate the role that turfgrass plays in controlling soil erosion and filtering water going into the aquifer. Some simply appreciate the beauty of a green lawn. However, others see turfgrass as a waste of time, a waste of water and have concerns about the use of chemicals on our lawns.
In the Bexar County area, turfgrass doesn’t waste water; our clay soils and poor watering practices are the culprits. Our clay soil absorbs water very slowly, and because the water percolates so slowly, there can be significant water runoff, carrying various chemicals into our sewer system. Our poor watering practices include unregulated sprinkler systems, watering during or too soon after a rain event, broken sprinkler heads, and watering at the wrong times.
David Rodriguez has developed a lawn care calendar for year-round use by homeowners and those who use a lawn service. In 2024, articles will be written to explain and expand on the Earth-kind practices listed on this calendar to grow a healthy lawn.
Lawn Care in January
Looking at the calendar, little needs to be done to the lawn itself during January and February, but there are a few lawn-related tasks. First, these are good months to have the soil tested and plan for any amendments that might be needed in the coming year. Next, during these months, have the soil aerated and possibly add a thin layer of compost. Other lawn-related tasks include getting the lawnmower overhauled and the blade sharpened. These would be good months to consider removing or replenishing areas of turfgrass. Finally, if the turfgrass is a warm-season variety, it is in dormancy, and supplemental water is not needed or encouraged.
According to a January 2020 Texas A&M AgrilLife Extension turf publication, “Warm-season turfgrass lawns do not generally require irrigation during winter months when they are not actively growing. Watering during this time can be wasteful and can lead to weeds and diseases that can harm your lawn.”- Br. Becky (Grubbs) Bowling, “Water Wise Checklist for Texas Home Lawns.”