When temperatures drop and the grass stops growing, most homeowners in the Houston area look forward to taking a break from yard work. But then, like clockwork, those pesky weeds start showing up again—right when you thought the lawn was resting.
So, do weeds really die in winter?
Not exactly.
While many weeds may slow down or go dormant, most don’t completely die off. In fact, some weeds love the cooler months and take advantage of your dormant grass to grow stronger roots and spread before spring arrives.
Understanding How Weeds Survive Winter
To understand why weeds don’t simply die off in winter, it helps to know that weeds have their own growing seasons—just like your grass. There are two main types to pay attention to: warm-season weeds and cool-season weeds.
Warm-Season Weeds
These are the weeds that thrive in Houston’s hot, humid summers—things like crabgrass, spurge, and doveweed. When winter temperatures arrive, warm-season weeds typically die back. However, before they go, they drop thousands of seeds into your soil. Those seeds sit dormant through the winter, waiting for the first warm days of spring to germinate again.
That’s why crabgrass seems to “come back” every year, even though the plants from last summer are long gone.
Cool-Season Weeds
Then there are the weeds that prefer mild weather—like henbit, chickweed, annual bluegrass (Poa annua), and wild geranium. These weeds germinate in the fall, grow throughout the winter, and bloom in early spring—right when your grass is still dormant and vulnerable. By the time you start mowing again, these weeds may already be spreading and reseeding for next year.
Houston Winters Don’t Kill Weeds—They Help Them
Unlike northern climates where deep freezes can kill off tender weeds, Houston’s winters are generally too mild to make much of a difference. Weeds like clover, thistle, and dandelion can stay green all winter long, photosynthesizing and developing root systems beneath the soil.
Your grass, on the other hand, goes dormant during this period—especially if you have warm-season varieties like St. Augustine, Bermuda, or Zoysia. This creates the perfect window of opportunity for winter weeds to take over bare spots or thin areas of your lawn.
Why Winter Weed Control Matters
It might be tempting to ignore weeds until spring, but winter is actually a crucial time to keep them in check. Here’s why:
- Weeds compete with your grass for nutrients and space.
By growing in winter, they rob your soil of nutrients your turf needs in early spring. - They spread fast.
Many cool-season weeds produce seeds before your first mowing of the year, creating a cycle that gets worse every season. - They’re easier to prevent than to remove.
Once weeds germinate, they become much harder to control. Preventing them early saves time, money, and frustration later.
How to Prevent Winter Weeds in Houston Lawns
At GreenGate Turf & Pest, we often remind homeowners that weed prevention is a year-round job, especially in Texas’ unpredictable weather. Here are the most effective steps you can take:
1. Apply a Fall Pre-Emergent
A pre-emergent weed treatment creates a barrier in the soil that stops weed seeds from germinating. Timing is everything—it should be applied in early fall, before soil temperatures drop below 70°F. This helps block cool-season weeds like chickweed, henbit, and annual bluegrass from sprouting.
2. Keep Your Lawn Healthy
The best defense against weeds is a thick, healthy lawn. Proper mowing, watering, and fertilization keep your turf dense enough to crowd out invaders. When your grass is thriving, weed seeds struggle to find room to grow.
3. Use Targeted Post-Emergent Control
If weeds do manage to sneak in, spot treatments with post-emergent herbicides can eliminate them before they spread. Our GreenGate technicians carefully identify the types of weeds in your yard and apply products that are safe for your grass but tough on unwanted plants.
4. Maintain Regular Lawn Treatments
Consistent lawn care—especially during the fall and winter—keeps your lawn balanced and ready to bounce back strong in spring. GreenGate’s seasonal treatment programs include weed prevention, fertilization, and pest control to protect your yard year-round.
Common Winter Weeds in the Houston Area
If you’re noticing green patches during the cooler months, chances are you’re seeing one (or more) of these common winter weeds:
- Henbit – Small purple flowers; thrives in shaded or moist areas.
- Chickweed – Low-growing with small white flowers; spreads rapidly.
- Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua) – Bright green grass-like weed that forms seed heads in early spring.
- Clover – Recognizable three-leaf pattern; grows in thin or underfed lawns.
- Dandelion – Deep taproot; spreads easily by wind-blown seeds.
- Thistle – Spiny leaves; difficult to remove once mature.
Identifying what’s growing in your lawn helps determine the best control method and timing.
GreenGate Keeps Houston Lawns Weed-Free All Year
At GreenGate Turf & Pest, we know Houston lawns don’t get a true “off-season.” Weeds are persistent, and without proper care, they’ll find every opportunity to spread.
Our comprehensive Houston lawn care and weed control programs are tailored to Texas turf types and seasonal challenges. From fall pre-emergents to spring green-up treatments, we make sure your lawn gets exactly what it needs to stay healthy, weed-free, and beautiful.
Ready for a Weed-Free Winter?
Don’t let winter weeds take over while your lawn is resting. Contact GreenGate Turf & Pest today to schedule a custom weed control treatment or learn more about our Houston lawn care services.
Our experts are here to help your lawn look its best—no matter the season.