As we head into the cooler months, North Texas homeowners can give their lawns a fresh start by helping them recover from summer stress. Fall in our region is another mini growing season as the grass prepares to go dormant. This is the perfect time to assess how your lawn weathered the heat and to restore vitality before the first freeze.

Tackle Trouble Spots
If yellowing or brown patches appear, check for grub damage by gently pulling on the turf. Grass that lifts easily may reveal grubs beneath the surface; treat organically with grubGONE! to avoid harsh chemicals. Fungal problems like Take-All Patch or Brown Patch thrive in compacted, low-oxygen soils. Core-aerate the lawn, top-dress with rich compost and apply MicroLife MicroGro Bio Inoculant to boost beneficial microbes. When issues persist, inspect irrigation coverage. Smart controllers such as Rachio promote deep, infrequent watering that mimics natural rainfall and prevents overwatering.

Feed the Soil, Not Just the Grass
North Texas soils are often heavy clays or thin fill dirt lacking organic matter. Aeration, compost top-dressing and the addition of humates or biochar loosen compacted soil and create a healthy root zone. Fertilize now to stimulate microbial life and root development. Recommended fall options include: Holganix Healthy Grow 7-9-5 for balanced nutrition, Down to Earth Bone Meal 3-15-0 to strengthen roots, and The Andersons Potassium 0-0-25 to enhance cold tolerance. Finally, mow high before winter to insulate roots and protect against freeze damage.

Why Winter Still Matters
Even when lawns go dormant, the underground ecosystem remains alive. In nature, fallen leaves decompose and feed soil microbes that, in turn, nourish plants. Urban landscapes often break this cycle when yard debris is removed and chemical fertilizers suppress microbial life. To maintain a thriving soil food web:  top-dress with quality compost to feed microbes, apply humic acid, kelp or fish hydrolysate to sustain microorganisms, use soil inoculants to repopulate beneficial bacteria, and overseed with fescue or rye to keep roots active through winter (avoid rye on St. Augustine).

Steps for a Lush Spring Return
Plan ahead by feeding the soil all winter, mowing high until dormancy, and mowing low just before spring green-up. In early spring, perform a soil test and correct pH imbalances. Follow with compost top-dressing and an organic fertilizer. For those who prefer professional care, subscribe to a natural, organic lawn program early in the year.

Healthy Soil, Healthy Lawn
The best lawns balance soil health, smart watering and consistent maintenance. Homeowners who focus on all three enjoy greener, more resilient landscapes with fewer weeds and less water use.

The Power of Compost
Soil health mirrors the human microbiome: both rely on diverse, living systems. Synthetic fertilizers are like vitamins—they supplement but don’t sustain life. Composting restores the soil’s natural digestive system, reducing chemical dependence and improving long-term vitality. For home composters, try the Johnson-Su Bioreactor method for low-odor, high-quality results. Purchasing compost? Texas Pure Products offers well-aged, pathogen-free, locally produced soil blends ideal for North Texas conditions.

Ismael Ruelas is owner of Mikrob Lawn Care, 13101 Preston Rd, Suite 101, Dallas. For more information, visit MikrobLawnCare.com or call 469-436-5323.