May 21, 2025
Lawn Care Tips That Actually Work in San Antonio’s Climate
Maintaining a green, healthy lawn in San Antonio isn’t always easy. With intense sun, occasional drought, and clay-heavy soil, your grass needs more than just weekly mowing. At Design Scapes, we help homeowners and HOAs keep lawns thriving with seasonal strategies that align with South Texas weather and local watering rules.
Here’s how to maintain your lawn year-round in San Antonio—and why a thoughtful approach pays off in curb appeal, comfort, and long-term cost savings.
1. Choose the Right Grass for Our Region
Not all grass types thrive in the heat and soil of Bexar County. For best results, start with warm-season grasses that tolerate sun, need less water, and resist pests.
Recommended varieties include:
St. Augustine – Lush, wide blades that grow well in partial shade
Bermuda – Hardy, fast-growing, ideal for full sun
Zoysia – Dense and drought-tolerant, great for high-traffic areas
Buffalo Grass – Low maintenance and native to Texas
If your lawn struggles every summer, you may be fighting the wrong grass. A soil test and sunlight review can guide reseeding or sodding decisions.
👉 Learn more about Landscaping Services for turf upgrades.
2. Adjust Your Watering Schedule by Season
San Antonio’s watering rules are strict for a reason—conserving water protects both the aquifer and your budget. Follow the SAWS irrigation schedule and optimize your watering habits to reduce waste and promote healthy root systems.
Key tips:
Water early in the morning (before 10 a.m.)
Use deep, infrequent watering—1 inch per week during summer
Avoid midday watering, which evaporates too fast
Adjust for rainfall to avoid fungus or root rot
Smart irrigation systems make this easier by using moisture sensors and programmable timers.
👉 Discover our Irrigation Installation Services
📎 SAWS Watering Guidelines
3. Mow the Right Way (and at the Right Height)
Mowing may seem simple, but doing it wrong can damage your lawn.
Follow these tips for healthier turf:
Mow no more than 1/3 of the grass height at a time
Keep blades sharp to prevent tearing
Leave grass clippings for nutrients (mulch mowing)
Adjust height depending on season and grass type
St. Augustine: 3–4 inches
Bermuda: 1.5–2 inches
Zoysia: 2–2.5 inches
During summer, a slightly higher cut helps shade the roots and conserve moisture.
4. Fertilize With the Seasons
Lawn care in San Antonio should follow a seasonal fertilization plan—too much or the wrong type can harm your grass or pollute local waterways.
General schedule:
Spring: Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer once growth begins
Summer: Use a slow-release product to avoid burning
Fall: Apply a balanced mix to strengthen roots before winter
Winter: Avoid fertilizing unless overseeding
Always follow product instructions and avoid applying before heavy rain.
5. Aerate and Dethatch Annually
Over time, lawns become compacted—especially with clay soil. Aerating once a year improves oxygen flow, promotes drainage, and boosts root growth.
Thatch (a layer of dead grass and roots) can also block nutrients. If you notice spongy or patchy spots, dethatching may help restore balance.
Best time for both? Late spring or early fall.
6. Watch for Weeds and Insects
Common San Antonio lawn invaders include:
Crabgrass
Dandelions
Dollarweed
Chinch bugs
Grubs
Pre-emergent weed control in early spring and insect monitoring in summer are critical. If damage is already done, spot treatments or a professional assessment may be necessary.
7. Seasonal San Antonio Lawn Care Checklist
Spring (March–May):
Mow regularly
Fertilize early
Water deeply
Apply pre-emergent weed control
Summer (June–August):
Raise mowing height
Check irrigation timers
Treat pests
Avoid fertilizing in peak heat
Fall (September–November):
Lower mowing height
Fertilize roots
Aerate and overseed if needed
Clean up debris and leaves
Winter (December–February):
Mow sparingly
Don’t fertilize unless seeding
Check irrigation system for damage
Prep tools for next season
FAQ: San Antonio Lawn Maintenance
1. How often should I mow in summer?
Usually once a week, but it depends on your grass type and watering schedule.
2. Is artificial turf better in Texas?
It requires less maintenance but gets hotter and doesn’t support local ecosystems. We recommend natural grass for most residential lawns.
3. Can I install a new lawn in summer?
It’s possible, but spring or fall is better for root development and lower water needs.
4. Do you offer lawn care packages?
Yes. Design Scapes provides seasonal lawn care plans for homeowners and HOAs across San Antonio.
Let’s Keep Your Lawn Looking Great All Year
At Design Scapes, we’re not just landscapers—we’re lawn care partners. From mowing and fertilizing to irrigation and turf replacement, we help San Antonio homeowners build and maintain healthy lawns that last through every season.
📞 Call (210) 897 3440 or Schedule Your Lawn Estimate today.
We proudly serve San Antonio and nearby neighborhoods including Stone Oak, Alamo Heights, and Helotes.