Fall Watering Schedule: How to Prevent Overwatering and Fungus in Your Houston Lawn

As summer heat finally begins to ease in Houston, your lawn enters a new growing season. The transition from hot, dry weather to cooler, wetter conditions means your yard doesn’t need the same watering schedule it did in July. In fact, keeping your sprinkler system on a “summer setting” can do more harm than good.

Fall is the season when overwatering is one of the most common causes of lawn disease, especially brown patch fungus. By adjusting your fall watering schedule and keeping up with sprinkler system maintenance, you can protect your grass, conserve water, and set up your lawn for a strong recovery in spring.

Why Your Fall Lawn Watering Schedule Matters

Many homeowners assume that if the grass is still green, the watering routine should stay the same. But in Houston, fall brings:

• Shorter days → less sunlight for evaporation.
• Cooler nights → longer moisture retention in the soil.
• Seasonal rainfall → natural watering support.

When the soil stays damp for too long, fungus can take hold quickly. That’s why dialing back your irrigation is critical in preventing disease and wasted water.

When to Stop Watering Your Lawn in the Fall

Unlike colder climates, Houston lawns don’t go completely dormant in winter. That means you won’t “stop” watering entirely, but you will need to adjust frequency.

Here’s a general fall watering schedule guideline for Houston lawns:

• Early Fall (September–October): Water two times per week, adjusting for rainfall.
• Late Fall (November): Cut back to once per week or less, depending on rain and temperature.

💡 Pro Tip: Watering early in the morning (5–9 a.m.) allows blades to dry before nightfall, reducing fungus risk.

How to Prevent Lawn Fungus in the Fall

Brown patch fungus is the #1 lawn issue Houston homeowners face in the fall. It’s most often caused by excessive moisture, combined with cooler nighttime temperatures.

Identifying Brown Patch Fungus

If you notice:

• Circular patches of brown, yellow, or thinning grass
• Soft, mushy grass blades
• Areas that look sunken or discolored compared to the rest of the yard

…it may be brown patch. Searching for brown patch fungus identification pictures online can help confirm what you’re seeing.

Prevention Tips

• Reduce watering frequency — focus on deep, infrequent watering.
• Keep mower blades sharp — dull blades rip grass and make it more vulnerable to fungus.
• Avoid late-night watering — wet grass sitting overnight encourages fungal growth.
• Improve soil drainage — compacted soil holds excess moisture.
• Check sprinkler coverage — overlapping zones or leaks can create soggy spots.

If fungus does appear, professional treatment may be needed to stop its spread.

Sprinkler System Maintenance for Fall

Your irrigation system plays a huge role in lawn health. Even small problems—like a clogged sprinkler head or a leaking valve—can lead to uneven watering or standing water that invites fungus.

Fall Sprinkler Checklist:

• Inspect heads and nozzles: Clean out dirt or debris.
• Check for leaks: Soft, soggy patches in your yard may point to underground issues.
• Adjust your controller/timer: Switch from summer to fall settings.
• Test water pressure: Too much pressure leads to misting and waste.
• Schedule seasonal service: Call GreenGate for professional sprinkler maintenance and keep your system running at its best.

The Smarter Way to Protect Your Lawn This Fall

Healthy lawns don’t happen by accident—they’re the result of consistent care and smart watering. By making small changes now, you can avoid costly problems later.

At GreenGate, we make it simple with our Sprinkler Bundles—a convenient package designed to keep your irrigation system running efficiently while protecting your lawn from common seasonal issues like overwatering and fungus.

👉 Explore our Sprinkler Bundles today and give your lawn the care it deserves this fall and beyond.