How Often Do I Water My Lawn in October? | Houston Watering Tips
by:
GreenGate Turf, Pest, & Irrigation
We’ve got watering tips for your Houston Lawn!
As the weather finally starts to cool down in Houston, many homeowners wonder when to stop watering the lawn in fall—and how often it’s really needed this time of year. While summer’s heat demanded frequent watering to keep turf alive, October brings shorter days, lower temperatures, and (hopefully) a few good rains.
That means it’s time to adjust your watering schedule—but not turn it off completely just yet.
St. Augustine Lawns: A Couple of Deep Soaks per Week
If your lawn is St. Augustine, it still needs some moisture to stay healthy as it transitions toward dormancy. Around two deep waterings per week—or the equivalent of about an inch of rain—should be plenty.
The key is depth, not frequency. You want water to soak 6–8 inches into the soil, encouraging roots to grow deeper and withstand cooler, drier months ahead. Shallow, frequent watering can actually weaken the root system.
If we get a decent rain that week, you can skip irrigation altogether. Nature’s watering counts too!
Bermuda grass is much more drought-tolerant and resilient in cooler conditions. Once the temperatures dip into the 70s during the day and 50s at night, your Bermuda lawn slows its growth significantly.
At that point, watering once a week or even every two weeks is enough. Again, focus on deep soaking rather than light sprinklings. This helps prevent thatch buildup and fungal issues that thrive in cool, damp conditions.
Zoysia Lawns: Find the Balance
Zoysia grass sits somewhere between St. Augustine and Bermuda when it comes to watering needs. It prefers consistent moisture but doesn’t like to stay soggy. In October, once Houston’s heat backs off, aim to water your Zoysia lawn once or twice per week, depending on rainfall.
Watch for signs of stress like folded blades or a dull, bluish tint—those indicate it’s time for a deep soak. As with other warm-season grasses, the goal is to water deeply and infrequently so the soil stays moist down to the roots without staying wet on top.
When to Stop Watering Your Lawn in Fall
So, when can you stop watering altogether? In Houston, we rarely get cold enough to completely shut down watering systems before late November or early December. You can gradually reduce your watering frequency throughout October, especially as rainfall picks up and grass growth slows.
Keep an eye on your lawn—if it’s still green and growing, it still needs some water. Once it turns brown and goes dormant, you can pause your irrigation schedule until spring.
Don’t Forget About Your Sprinkler System
As you adjust your watering schedule, it’s also a great time to make sure your system is working properly. Broken heads, leaks, or uneven coverage can waste water and harm your lawn.
If you suspect any issues, reach out to sprinkler repair companies in Houston or schedule a lawn sprinkler service. A quick inspection now can prevent bigger headaches later—especially before colder weather hits.
And if you’re wondering about sprinkler system winterization, Houston lawns typically don’t need a full blow-out like northern climates do. However, it’s still smart to:
Shut off the controller once regular watering stops.
Drain backflow preventers and exposed lines if a freeze is expected.
Insulate above-ground components for extra protection.
Keep Your Lawn Healthy Year-Round
Adjusting your watering habits in October helps your lawn transition smoothly into the cooler months while saving water and preventing overwatering.
Whether you have St. Augustine, Bermuda, or Zoysia, remember: less frequent, deeper watering is the key this time of year—and a properly maintained lawn sprinkler system ensures you’re getting it right.
If you’re not sure your sprinklers are working as they should, Greengate Turf & Pest can help with reliable lawn sprinkler service and trusted referrals for sprinkler repair companies in Houston.
