Winter Lawn and Garden Care Tips for the Gulf Coast Region

Winter in the Gulf Coast region brings a natural slowdown for lawns and gardens. From fall through spring, many grasses go dormant, reducing their water and maintenance needs. This seasonal change offers a chance to adjust your lawn care routine and prepare your garden for healthy growth in the coming months. Understanding how to manage watering, mowing, pruning, and planting during this period can save time, protect your landscape, and keep your outdoor space attractive all winter long.

Winter lawn care in the Gulf Coast with taller grass and winter blooms

Reduce Watering to Prevent Fungal Growth

Lawns in the Gulf Coast typically need little to no supplemental water from November through March. During this dormant period, grass growth slows dramatically, so overwatering can cause more harm than good. Instead of sticking to a fixed watering schedule, check the soil moisture 2 to 3 inches deep before irrigating. If the soil feels moist, skip watering to avoid encouraging fungal diseases that thrive in wet conditions.

If an extended dry spell occurs, a light watering may be necessary to keep the soil from drying out completely. However, aim for deep, infrequent watering rather than frequent shallow watering. This approach supports root health and prepares the lawn for spring green-up.

Adjust Mowing Habits for Winter Health

Mowing frequency should decrease during the dormant months. Instead of weekly mowing, cut your grass every two weeks or as needed. Raising the mower height helps protect the soil by shading it, which reduces moisture loss and discourages winter weeds from taking hold.

Taller grass blades also act as insulation against temperature fluctuations, helping roots stay healthier through cold snaps. Be sure to keep mower blades sharp to avoid tearing the grass, which can stress the lawn during this vulnerable time.

Prepare Irrigation Systems for Freezing Temperatures

Though freezing weather is rare in the Gulf Coast, occasional cold snaps can cause costly damage to irrigation systems. Before winter fully sets in, drain water from hoses and sprinklers to prevent pipes from freezing and cracking.

Insulate exposed backflow preventers with full insulated covers that reach the ground. This simple step protects your irrigation system components and avoids expensive repairs in the spring.

Time Pruning to Support Healthy Growth

Late fall or early winter is the best time to prune dead or damaged branches from trees and shrubs. Removing these parts encourages healthy new growth when spring arrives.

Avoid pruning between late December and January, especially within one to two weeks of a predicted freeze. Open pruning wounds can be vulnerable to cold damage, which slows healing and may invite disease.

Choose Winter Interest Plants for Year-Round Color

To keep your garden lively during winter, consider planting evergreen natives and winter bloomers suited to the Gulf Coast climate. Some excellent options include:

• Texas Mountain Laurel: An evergreen native with fragrant purple flowers in early spring.

• Yaupon Holly: A hardy shrub with glossy leaves and bright red berries.

• Live Oak: A classic Gulf Coast tree that stays green year-round.

• Oakland Holly: Produces festive red berries in late winter, adding color and wildlife interest.

• Pink Winter Heather: A low-growing shrub with lavender-pink flowers lasting into early spring.

• Pansies, Snapdragons, and Ornamental Kale: These cool-season annuals thrive in winter and add vibrant color.