The Wow’s and Woe’s of Texas’ Weather Patterns
The many ways Mother Nature affects our landscapes.
Am I the only one that is out of energy trying to keep up with the fluctuating temperatures this spring? It’s warm then cool then warm again and now they are calling for 47° nights this weekend!
Can’t we just get some consistency around here?!
The erratic weather patterns we have been experiencing for the past 5 months are definitely taking a toll on our landscapes. The winter we had was exceptionally mild and now, for some reason, our spring is hanging on to the lower nighttime temperatures. Just here recently, the weather has fluctuated greatly from 60-80° days and 50-70° nights. This is delaying a lot of things, most importantly the winter grassy weeds dying off and the yards coming completely out of dormancy. So, if your turf is seeming a little down and out it’s probably because of the inconsistent weather.
Don’t fret! It can take up until May for our yards to be completely out of dormancy.
Think it may be something more than your grass transitioning out of dormancy?
See our post about what normal dormancy transition looks like to make sure there isn’t a larger problem there.
Soil temperature is everything when it comes to the vitality of your turf.
Optimal soil temperature for warm season grasses to thrive is 75-95°. When the temperature dips above or below this range the grass stops growing. Our weather has not consistently been above 80° therefore we have noticed a d r a w n out transition period for the grass this year.
What do I do in the meantime?
Mow and be patient!
Mowing will help with weed control and will also expose the soil to more sunlight, thus warming its temperature. As the temperatures rise and stay at a consistent warmer degree, then your grass will reflect the springtime look we’re feeling.
Remember, don’t over-do it!
Mowing your turf too short can scalp the blades and stunt its growth. Check out our recent article that talks about proper mowing heights for different grass varieties.
Tune in next week to learn more about the organic ideology and the importance of balance in our landscapes. Patience is a virtue and it pays off being organic in the long run.
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