Georgia's southern climate allows for both warm-season and cool-season grasses, which can be confusing for homeowners. Cool-season grasses stay green during winter months, while warm-season grasses enter dormancy, turning light brown. If your warm-season grass—like Bermuda, Zoysia, or St. Augustine—is browning, don't fret just yet; it may just be dormant rather than diseased.
Below, we'll explore how to distinguish between dormancy and disease in warm-season grasses and how to care for your lawn during this period.
What Dormancy Looks Like
Warm-season grasses thrive in summer heat but slow down significantly as temperatures drop. They typically enter dormancy around the first frost or when ground temperatures drop below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Dormancy is a natural survival mechanism that helps these grasses conserve resources during less-than-ideal conditions, such as extreme drought or cold. Here are a few signs that your lawn is entering dormancy:
Color Change
A healthy warm-season lawn is lush and green during the spring and summer growing season. As temperatures cool, your grass will gradually turn tan or light brown—a normal part of the dormancy process.
Camouflage Pattern
Dormancy is a gradual process which can create a camouflage pattern across your lawn, especially noticeable during daylight saving time due to temperature fluctuations.
Slowed Growth
If your lawn isn't growing as much and you're mowing less frequently, it may be a sign that your grass is preparing for dormancy.
Less Water
Dormant grass requires less water. If your lawn isn't absorbing moisture as it did in summer, it's likely entering dormancy. During extremely dry spells, you can water thoroughly for a week. If you see no new growth, your lawn is likely dormant and will rebound in spring. Avoid over-watering in winter and only test if there's a significant dry spell.
Consistent Appearance
Dormant grass typically has a uniform color and overall appearance. If you see random brown patches instead of a consistent color or pattern, your grass may be dead rather than dormant.
Is it Dead?
Here are signs that may indicate a more significant issue, suggesting your grass is dead or diseased rather than dormant:
Spotting
Unlike the uniform color change of dormancy, diseased areas may exhibit irregular patterns or dead spots.
Unusual Texture
If your grass feels mushy, spongy, or excessively brittle, this could indicate disease rather than normal dormancy.
Crown Color
If the crown (the base of the blade where it meets the root) is brown and brittle, your grass may be dead.
Rapid Decline
If large sections of your lawn are dying off quickly, this is a sign of possible disease or pest issues rather than dormancy.
Preparing for Dormancy
Let It Grow
As you approach dormancy, allow your grass to grow a bit higher before the last mowing of the season. Keeping it at a height of about 3 to 4 inches helps shade the soil, reduces stress on the roots, and helps it withstand cold temperatures. Short grass can be more susceptible to winter damage.
Rake Out Thatch
Thatch—layers of dead grass, roots, and debris—can suffocate your grass and lead to disease. Raking out excess thatch before dormancy can help maintain lawn health.
Avoid Over-Watering
Be mindful of your watering schedule to prevent excess moisture, which can lead to fungal diseases.
Limit Foot Traffic
Dormant grass is more vulnerable to damage. Minimize foot traffic and avoid leaving heavy objects on your lawn to reduce stress.
Wait to Fertilize
Do not apply fertilizer to grass entering dormancy. Since the grass is not actively growing, it won't utilize the nutrients, which can potentially harm it.
Knowing how to differentiate between dormancy and disease will help you decide how to care for your warm-season lawn as winter approaches. Taking proactive steps to prepare your lawn ensures it will spring back after the cold has moved on! If you're still unsure whether your lawn is dead or dormant, consider reaching out to a professional for an assessment and professional care.