The Importance of Winter Mulching for Landscape Beds in Central Texas

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1. Adjust Watering o Temperatures drop, so your lawn won’t need as much water. Reduce irrigation but don’t stop entirely—grass still needs moisture to recover and store energy for winter. 2. Fertilize o Apply a fall fertilizer high in potassium (and balanced nitrogen if needed). This strengthens roots and helps your lawn store nutrients for winter and a green-up in spring. If you need help, please contact us today to schedule an application. 3. Aeration o If your soil is compacted from summer traffic or drought, fall is a good time to aerate. This improves oxygen flow and nutrient absorption. 4. Overseeding (if needed) o If you have thin spots, overseed with your warm-season grass (Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine) early in fall while soil is still warm. o Some people overseed with annual ryegrass for temporary green color in winter, but it’s optional and requires extra mowing/watering. 5. Weed Control o Apply a pre-emergent herbicide in early fall (Sept–Oct) to prevent winter weeds like henbit, poa annua, and clover. o Spot-treat existing weeds with post-emergents. 6. Raise Mower Height o Gradually raise your mowing height in fall. A little longer grass protects roots and helps retain moisture going into winter. 7. Leaf Cleanup o Don’t let leaves pile up and smother your lawn. Mulch them with your mower or rake them regularly. 8. Pest & Disease Check o Fall is when grubs and chinch bugs can still be active. Keep an eye out for brown patches or irregular dead spots. o Brown patch fungus is common in St. Augustine during cool, damp fall weather—treat with fungicide if needed. Bottom Line: In Central Texas, fall lawn prep is about recovery, prevention, and strengthening . Fertilize, control weeds, adjust watering, and clean up debris so your lawn heads into winter healthy and comes out strong in spring.

1. Root Damage to Lawns: Grubs feed on grass roots, which weakens the turf and causes it to thin, yellow, and eventually die. You might notice patches of grass that can be pulled up easily, almost like a carpet—this is a classic sign of grub damage. 2. Increased Wildlife Activity: Animals like raccoons, skunks, and birds dig up lawns to feed on grubs, causing further damage to your yard. 3. Long-Term Lawn Health Term: Heavy grub infestations can kill large sections of a lawn, making expensive repairs and re-sodding necessary if left untreated. Why Is Treating Grubs Important? Prevention of Lawn Damage: Early treatment helps eliminate grubs before they cause noticeable harm. Maintaining Aesthetics: A healthy, green lawn boost Maintaining Aesthetics s curb appeal and property value. Cost-Effective Effective Effective: Preventative treatment is generally much cheaper and easier than repairing severe damage. Avoid Animal Damage: Treating for grubs reduces the Avoid Animal Damage chances of animals tearing up your yard in search of food. When to Treat in Texas: The best time to treat for grubs in Texas is late spring to early summer (May– June), when beetles are laying eggs and grubs are small and most vulnerable. If you've missed that window, treatments in late summer to early fall (August– September) can still be effective. Let me know if you'd like product recommendations or a lawn care schedule! CTX Mowing & Landscape 402-937-3803

CTX Mowing: Professional Lawn Care with a Local Touch At CTX Mowing , we believe a well-maintained lawn is more than just grass—it's the foundation of a beautiful home or commercial property. Serving Central Texas with pride, our locally owned and operated company is dedicated to providing reliable, high-quality landscaping and lawn care services to homeowners, HOAs, and businesses alike. Who We Are Founded on the values of hard work, honesty, and craftsmanship, CTX Mowing has grown into a trusted name in the community. Our team consists of trained professionals who not only know the science behind proper lawn care, but also take the time to understand each client’s unique needs. What We Offer From routine mowing to complete landscape transformations, CTX Mowing provides a full range of services including: • Weekly & Biweekly Lawn Maintenance • Sod Installation & Grass Replacement • Top Dressing & Lawn Leveling • Mulch and Rock Installation • Tree & Shrub Trimming • Landscape Design & Installations • Seasonal Cleanups • Irrigation Adjustments Whether you're looking for a simple mow or a full landscape makeover, we have the tools, knowledge, and experience to get the job done right. Our Promise At CTX Mowing, custom er satisfaction is our top priority. We stay in close communication with our clients, show up on time, and leave every job site clean and polished. Our crews are respectful, detail-oriented, and always willing to go the extra mile. And because we’re from Central Texas, we understand the local climate and how to care for lawns that thrive in it. Why Choose CTX Mowing? • Locally Owned & Operated • Licensed & Insured • Reliable Scheduling & Communication • Custom Solutions for Any Budget • Satisfaction Guaranteed Let’s Grow Together If you're looking for a lawn care partner that treats your property with the same care as their own, CTX Mowing is ready to help. Contact us today to schedule a free estimate and discover why so many property owners in Central Texas trust us to keep their landscapes looking their best.

Benefits of Top Dressing 1. Improves Soil Structure Adds organic matter, helping break up heavy clay (common in Texas). Improves drainage and root development. 2. Levels Uneven Lawn Fills in low spots and smooths out bumpy areas over time. 3. Encourages Thicker Growth Promotes deeper root growth and a healthier, denser lawn. 4. Boosts Microbial Activity Introduces beneficial microbes that improve nutrient cycling and reduce thatch buildup. 5. Improves Water Retention Helps soil retain moisture more efficiently, especially during hot, dry Texas summers. Benefits of Overseeding 1. Thicker, Healthier Lawn Fills in bare patches and helps crowd out weeds. 2. Improved Lawn Appearance Enhances color and overall density. 3. Increases Disease & Drought Resistance Introducing new grass varieties can make your lawn more resilient. 4. Extends Lawn Life Refreshes aging lawns by replacing older, thinning grass with new growth. 5. Better Recovery from Stress Helps lawns bounce back after heatwaves, foot traffic, or damage.

Hiring a professional landscaping company requires careful evaluation to guarantee quality work, reliability, and long-term satisfaction. Here are the essential factors to consider before making a decision: 1. Licensing & Insurance Always verify that the company is properly licensed, insured, and bonded. This protects homeowners from liability in case of accidents, property damage, or legal issues. 2. Experience & Reputation A well-established company with a proven track record is more likely to deliver quality results. Check online reviews on platforms like Google, Facebook, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to assess their reputation. 3. Written Quotes & Contracts Reputable companies provide detailed, written estimates and contracts outlining the scope of work, pricing, timelines, and terms. Avoid relying on verbal agreements, as they can lead to misunderstandings. 4. Portfolio & References Reviewing a company’s past work and speaking with previous clients can provide insight into the quality of their services. Request a portfolio or visit completed projects when possible. 5. Communication & Customer Service Clear and responsive communication is crucial. Choose a company that sets expectations, provides updates, and responds promptly to questions or concerns. 6. Warranties & Guarantees A reputable landscaping company stands by its work by offering warranties on plant materials, hardscapes, irrigation systems, and other installations. 7. Trained & Professional Staff Look for a company with knowledgeable, uniformed, and professional crews. Well-trained staff guarantee quality workmanship and a more seamless experience. 8. Specialization & Services Offered Different companies specialize in various aspects of landscaping, such as maintenance, design, or installation. Choose a company that aligns with your specific needs and project goals. 9. Pricing & Payment Terms While affordability is important, the lowest bid often leads to subpar materials or workmanship. Be wary of companies offering prices that seem too good to be true, as they may cut corners or lack financial stability for future warranty work. 10. Availability & Scheduling  A reliable landscaping company maintains a realistic schedule. Companies with immediate availability may have a poor track record, while those that are overbooked may cause delays. Look for a balanced schedule that aligns with your project timeline. By considering these factors, homeowners can make an informed decision and hire a landscaping company that delivers quality, reliability, and professionalism.

Performing lawn and weed treatments while the grass is dormant can oer several benefits, particularly in terms of preparing the lawn for the upcoming growing season. Here are the key advantages: 1. Weed Control Before Spring Growth: Dormant-season treatments, especially pre-emergent herbicides, can help prevent the germination of weed seeds (like crabgrass or other common summer weeds) before they have a chance to grow. This allows the grass to grow without competing with weeds once it becomes active in the spring. 2. Soil Improvement: During dormancy, the soil is often less compacted due to cooler temperatures, which provides a good opportunity to apply soil amendments (such as aeration, fertilizers, or organic matter) that can penetrate deeper into the soil. This helps improve the soil structure and ensures nutrients are available when the grass begins to grow again. 3. Reduction of Pest Populations: Certain pests, such as grubs, are more active during dormancy or early spring. Applying targeted treatments during this period can help manage and reduce pest populations before they damage your lawn when the grass starts growing in warmer months. 4. Nutrient Timing: Fertilizing while the grass is dormant, particularly with slow-release fertilizers, ensures that essential nutrients are available as soon as the grass begins to wake up in the spring. This early feeding supports a healthy lawn when growth begins, leading to stronger and faster recovery. 5. Prepares the Lawn for Spring Growth: Applying treatments during dormancy can help the grass emerge stronger in spring, with fewer weeds, pests, and nutrient deficiencies. It also gives the lawn a jump start, helping it recover more quickly from the stresses of winter.  6. Weather Flexibility: Since the grass is not actively growing, treatments such as aeration or fertilization can be done without the concern of damaging tender growth. Additionally, weed treatments can be more eective when the grass is dormant and less stressed by high temperatures or drought conditions. In summary, treating your lawn while it is dormant can help set the stage for a healthier, more resilient lawn when the growing season begins. It also provides an effective way to manage weeds and pests before they become a problem.