How to Tell the Difference Between Dead vs. Dormant Grass

A lush, green lawn indisputably adds beauty to a property. But what about that time of the year when the grass in our yard looks less than perfect? We may take a good look at our lawn and wonder if our grass is dead or just taking a much-needed rest before it springs back to life and rewards our home with curb appeal.

Determining the differences between dormant grass vs. dead grass can be tricky. But before you start planning a funeral for your brown grass, we'll tackle the dead vs. dormant grass debate so you can fall in love with your lawn again.

What Is Dormant Grass?

Before we can decipher dormant grass vs. dead grass, it helps to know what dormant grass is. When grass goes dormant, it goes through a physiological process that slows growth. It’s as though it goes into a deep sleep. Depending on the grass type, it can enter dormancy to protect itself from drought stress or cool temperatures.

Cool-season grasses will go dormant twice a year, during the winter and hot summer months. Warm-season grasses will only go into dormancy during winter.

What Does Dormant Grass Look Like?

There are certain times of the year when you start to notice brown or golden patches on your lawn. However, most of the time, there’s no need to panic, as it’s just in the process of going dormant. In fact, it’s going from green to brown or gold because it’s storing energy or water so that it can live through the upcoming season.

We can break down dormancy for cool-season and warm-season grasses like this:

• Cool-season grasses: When the soil temperature consistently falls below 45 degrees, it will begin its winter dormancy. It will go dormant in summer when it starts to get hot and dry.
• Warm-season grasses: This type of grass thrives when it’s hot. But it will go dormant when soil temperatures are consistently below 55 degrees.

What Is Dead Grass?

If you want to distinguish between dormant grass vs. dead grass, try pulling it out. If it’s quick and easy to pull out, it’s dead. Dormant grass will still have some tug to it because its fibers are still intact.

What Does Dead Grass Look Like?

When comparing dead vs. dormant grass, they look similar. But dead grass is dead. It will become brown, lifeless, brittle, rough, and dry to the touch.

When to Worry and When to Wait

While you can’t revive dead grass, you can take a proactive approach to keep the living grass you do have healthy. If your lawn fails the tug test, it’s time to remove the dead grass on your property and install turf or plant grass seeds that are in your plant hardiness zones.

Strategies for Reviving Dormant Grass

Fortunately, dormant grass can bounce back and look lush and beautiful once again. But you need to take care of it all year. That means keeping your lawn weed-free and mowing and watering your grass properly.

You can always take the DIY approach to revive dormant grass, but it does take some time and effort. Or find your local The Grounds Guys® lawn care professional and let the experts do the job of reviving dormant grass. The Grounds Guys stand by the Neighborly Done Right Promise™, so your satisfaction is guaranteed.

Recovery Techniques for Dead Grass Areas

When it comes to recovery for dormant grass vs. dead grass, there’s still hope for dead grass areas. Here’s what you can do:

• Give the dead grass area a good raking.
• Moisten the soil so that it’s slightly damp.
• Cut a border around the dead grass area.
• Pull up the root system around the dead grass.
• Remove the dead grass area and backfill the hole.
• Spread some topsoil into the hole.
• Spread new grass seed or lay new sod, and for the first few weeks, be sure to water the area every few hours.

Proactive Measures for a Thriving Lawn

Just like children, grass grows fast. And if you want it to thrive, you need to take care of it.

The following proactive measures can help:

• Fertilize.
• Control pests and lawn diseases.
• Aerate the soil.
• Pull weeds.
• Stick to a consistent watering schedule.
• Prevent grubs.

Don't Let Dead Grass Get You Down! Get a Free Lawn Care Consultation Today!

Maintaining a healthy-looking lawn can be a full-time job. If you don’t have the time or still need more information on dormant grass vs. dead grass, The Grounds Guys can help. Our lawn care experts will provide you with a free estimate on landscape services. Contact us today!