How Fall & Winter Feeding Creates Lawns That Thrive

The Seasonal Secret That Transforms Ordinary Grass Into Extraordinary Lawns

Picture two North Texas lawns on a brilliant April morning. One emerges from winter thick, vibrant, and resilient, the kind of green that makes people slow down when they drive by. The other struggles with thin patches and pale grass that won't fully recover until summer.

The remarkable difference? The thriving lawn received its final feeding in November/December, right before dormancy.

Once you understand how this single, perfectly-timed feeding works with soil microbes and your grass's natural dormancy cycle, you'll never approach lawn care the same way again.

Here's what is important for North Texas homeowners to not overlook: the most critical feeding of the entire year happens in the narrow window before your grass goes dormant. Not during dormancy. Not in spring when grass is already growing. But in those crucial weeks of November and December when your lawn is preparing for its winter rest period.

This strategic feeding doesn't feed the grass directly, it feeds the soil microbes that will process and store these nutrients throughout winter, creating a natural reservoir of nutrition that's ready and waiting when your grass awakens in spring. The lawns that thrive aren't simply surviving winter, they're resting on a foundation of stored nutrients, like a bear that's properly prepared for hibernation.

This advantage doesn't happen by accident. It requires understanding when to feed, when to stop, and most importantly, when to let nature take over. And that window of opportunity is approaching right now.

The Science of Strategic Timing: Why November/December Changes Everything

North Texas lawns follow a predictable cycle that smart homeowners can leverage for extraordinary results. The secret lies not in constant intervention, but in one perfectly-timed feeding that works with nature rather than against it.

The Microbial Storage System
When you apply organic fertilizer in November/December, right before grass begins dormancy, you're not feeding the grass directly. You're feeding billions of soil microbes that act as a living storage system. These microbes process nutrients and hold them in the soil throughout winter, creating a biological bank account your grass can draw from immediately upon spring awakening.

Texas A&M research confirms that soil microbes can store up to 80% of applied nutrients in organic forms that resist leaching, even through winter rains. This stored nutrition becomes immediately available when soil temperatures warm and both microbes and grass roots reactivate in spring.

Without this pre-dormancy feeding, microbes enter winter undernourished. They struggle to survive cold periods, leading to poor soil health and slow nutrient cycling when spring arrives. Your grass then emerges to find empty cupboards instead of a well-stocked pantry.

Why Feeding During Dormancy Doesn't Work
Homeowners may wonder why they can't just fertilize during dormancy in winter. 

The answer is, without green grass blades, no photosynthesis occurs to metabolize nutrients. The ground often freezes, preventing nutrient penetration into the root zone. Soil microbes become inactive in cold temperatures, unable to process any new nutrients. And, winter rains can even wash away unused fertilizer before grass can ever access it.

This is why Golub Green never recommends feeding after December. You're essentially throwing money onto frozen ground where neither grass nor microbes can use it.

The Rest Period Advantage
We call the period from January through early spring the "rest period", and it's just as important as the feeding that precedes it. During this time, your yard has received its final feeding, and mother nature handles all the watering through rainfall. North Texas typically receives more than adequate precipitation during winter months, making irrigation completely unnecessary.

This rest period serves multiple purposes. It allows grass roots to naturally harden off for cold tolerance, permits soil structure to improve through freeze-thaw cycles, gives beneficial microbes time to slowly process stored nutrients, and prevents the excessive growth that would make grass vulnerable to late freezes.

By respecting this natural dormancy instead of forcing growth, you create stronger, more resilient grass that explodes with health when conditions are right.

The One-Time Winter Feeding Protocol That Transforms Lawns

The November/December Feed

The single most impactful feeding of the year happens in late November or early December in North Texas, after the last major growth flush but right before grass enters full dormancy. This timing is absolutely critical and represents a narrow window of opportunity.

During this period, grass is naturally preparing for dormancy by moving nutrients from leaves to roots, soil temperatures are still warm enough for microbial activity, and moisture levels support nutrient movement into the soil without excessive leaching. If you miss this window, then you'll spend all spring trying to compensate.

The key is using organic, slow-release fertilizers that soil microbes can process gradually. 

We recommend applying 1 pound of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet using an organic fertilizer rich in diverse nutrients. The organic matter feeds soil microbes while the nutrients get processed into stable, stored forms. Ensure even coverage, uneven fall application becomes glaringly obvious in spring when some areas green up weeks before others.

Water thoroughly after application to move nutrients into the microbial zone. In North Texas clay, this typically means 0.5 inches of water as soon as you're able after this application, or if there's rain forecast soon after this fertilizer application, no problem with waiting for that rain to wash the fertilizer into the soil for you. After this initial watering, let nature take over.

What NOT to Do: Common Winter Mistakes

Don't Keep Fertilizing Through Winter
Once grass goes dormant, additional feeding is wasteful and potentially harmful. January and February fertilizer applications simply sit on dormant grass or wash away.

Don't Run Irrigation Systems
North Texas receives ample winter rainfall. Running irrigation during the rest period wastes water and money that you'll desperately need come summer. We recommend completely shutting down irrigation systems from December through spring, sometimes even into early summer. Save that water budget for July and August when rainfall disappears and temperatures soar.

Don't Try to Force Green Winter Grass
Some homeowners panic when grass browns in winter, trying various products to maintain color. This disrupts the natural dormancy cycle and weakens grass. Healthy dormancy leads to healthy spring growth.

Don't Disturb the Rest Period
Aside from treating occasional winter weeds when weather permits, leave your lawn alone during dormancy. No feeding, no unnecessary watering, no aggressive maintenance. Let it rest.

Supporting Practices That Maximize Your November/December Feeding

Pre-Feeding Preparation
Before your November/December application, ensure your lawn is ready to maximize nutrient storage. Mow at the proper height (3 inches for St. Augustine, 2 inches for Bermuda) to maintain enough leaf surface for final photosynthesis. Clear excessive leaf buildup that might block fertilizer from reaching soil, but leave a light layer of mulched leaves for added organic matter.

Test soil pH if you haven't recently. North Texas alkaline soils can inhibit nutrient availability, and knowing your pH helps select the right fertilizer formulation.

Weather Timing
Watch weather patterns carefully. Apply fertilizer when no heavy rain is expected for 24-48 hours, soil isn't frozen or water-logged, and temperatures are mild enough for one final watering-in. The ideal scenario is application just before a light rain that provides natural, gentle watering.

Winter Weed Management
While your grass rests, Golub Green continues monitoring for winter weeds. Weather permitting, we spot-treat any weeds that appear, preventing them from establishing before spring. This selective approach maintains the rest period while keeping your lawn clean.

Preparing for Spring Awakening
As temperatures warm in late March or April, your lawn will naturally break dormancy. The nutrients stored by microbes all winter become immediately available, fueling rapid green-up without the need for early spring fertilization. This patient approach produces lawns that green up naturally, develop deep drought-resistant roots, and resist weed invasion through sheer density.

The North Texas Climate Advantage

Several factors make North Texas uniquely suited for this feed-and-rest approach:

Our November and December temperatures allow one final feeding before dormancy while soil microbes remain active. True dormancy doesn't occur until January, giving microbes time to process and store nutrients. Adequate winter rainfall eliminates irrigation needs, saving money and water for summer. Clay soil's nutrient-holding capacity means stored nutrients remain available rather than leaching away. And our early spring warm-ups reward patient homeowners with explosive growth from well-rested, well-fed lawns.

This climate pattern makes the November/December feeding particularly powerful, it's perfectly timed with nature's own schedule.

What to Expect: The Feed and Rest Timeline

November/December (Application): Grass color deepens within 10 days. Final growth flush occurs before dormancy. Microbes actively process and store nutrients.

January-February (Rest Period): Grass browns and enters dormancy. No feeding or irrigation needed. Microbes slowly work underground. Occasional weed treatment as needed. Soil structure improves through natural processes.

March-April (Spring Awakening): Grass breaks dormancy naturally. Stored nutrients fuel immediate growth. Green-up occurs 2-3 weeks earlier than unfed lawns. Dense growth naturally prevents weeds.

May and Beyond: Deep root systems provide drought tolerance. Reduced summer stress from proper winter preparation. Lower water requirements due to healthy soil biology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why can't I fertilize multiple times through winter like some companies recommend?

A: Once grass goes dormant and turns brown in January, it cannot photosynthesize or metabolize nutrients. Additionally, our ground often freezes and soil microbes become inactive, making it impossible for them to process new nutrients. Multiple winter feedings are wasteful—the fertilizer either sits unused or washes away with winter rains. One properly-timed November/December feeding before dormancy provides all the stored nutrition your lawn needs for a spectacular spring.

Q: Should I water my lawn during winter?

A: No! This is one of the biggest misconceptions in lawn care. North Texas receives more than adequate rainfall during winter months. We recommend completely shutting down irrigation systems from December through spring, sometimes even into early summer depending on rainfall. Save that money and water for summertime when free rainfall dries up and temperatures climb. Your water bill will thank you, and your lawn will be healthier for following its natural cycle.

Q: My grass is brown in January—is it dead?

A: Not at all! Brown, dormant grass is perfectly healthy and normal for North Texas winters. This dormancy is actually beneficial—it's your lawn's rest period. During this time, the nutrients applied in November/December are being slowly processed by soil microbes and stored for spring use. Trying to force green grass in winter weakens the lawn and wastes resources. Embrace the dormancy knowing your lawn is resting and preparing for spectacular spring growth.

Q: What about treating winter weeds?

A: While we let the grass rest during winter, we do monitor for weeds. Weather permitting, Golub Green spot-treats any winter weeds that appear. This selective approach keeps your lawn clean without disturbing the important rest period. We're checking lawns throughout winter, but only intervening when necessary for weed control—never for unnecessary feeding or watering.

Q: When should I start watering again in spring?

A: Let nature guide you. Most years, North Texas receives sufficient rainfall through spring and even into early summer. Only begin irrigation when rainfall becomes inadequate and grass shows signs of drought stress (footprinting, color change). This might not be until May or even June some years. Starting irrigation too early wastes water and money you'll need for the harsh summer months.

Q: Is organic fertilizer really necessary for the November/December feeding?

A: Organic fertilizer is ideal for winter feeding because it works with soil biology rather than forcing quick growth. Organic matter feeds the microbes that store nutrients through winter. Synthetic fertilizers can trigger late-season growth that's vulnerable to freeze damage, or they simply wash away unused. The slow, steady release of organic fertilizers perfectly matches the slower biological processes occurring as temperatures cool.

Q: How is this approach different from year-round feeding programs?

A: Our approach respects your lawn's natural cycles instead of fighting them. Many companies push unnecessary winter and early spring feedings that waste money and can actually harm your lawn. By feeding once in November/December, then allowing a proper rest period, we work with nature. This produces healthier lawns that require less water, fewer chemicals, and less maintenance overall—while looking better than lawns on constant feeding programs.

Q: What if I missed the November/December window?

A: If you've passed the optimal window, wait until grass begins growing again in spring rather than feeding dormant grass. While you'll miss the benefits of pre-dormancy nutrient storage, feeding dormant grass in January or February is simply wasteful. Focus instead on proper spring care when grass can actually use the nutrients, and make sure to catch the November/December window next year.

Q: My neighbor's lawn stays green all winter. Why shouldn't I do what they're doing?

A: Some homeowners overseed with ryegrass or force winter growth through excessive feeding and watering. While this maintains color, it comes with significant downsides: higher water bills during a time nature provides free rainfall, stressed grass that's more vulnerable to disease and freeze damage, disrupted dormancy cycles that weaken permanent grass, and much higher maintenance costs with no long-term benefit. Our approach produces superior spring and summer lawns while saving money and resources.

Q: How do I know the November/December feeding is working if my grass is dormant?

A: You won't see dramatic visible results during winter—and that's perfectly fine! The benefits appear in spring when your lawn greens up 2-3 weeks earlier than unfed neighbors, shows dense growth that naturally prevents weeds, requires less supplemental watering due to healthy soil biology, and maintains better color with fewer stress signs. Think of it as a investment that pays dividends in spring rather than expecting immediate winter results.

To Learn More About Eco-Friendly Weed Prevention, Read Our Blog: The Narrow Fall Window That Prevents Spring Weeds — And Why It's Often Overlooked

To Learn More About Complete Lawn Care Programs Visit: Golub Green Lawn Care Services