01/16/2023
Winter is Here! ---> Is your lawn dead or Dormant?
It's more than likely just lying Dormant, patiently waiting for the warmth of Spring.
You may not be able to see a real difference between dead and dormant grass, so there is a simple test anyone can perform in order to find out.
Find a section of brown grass, grab some in your hand and pull up. If the grass comes out easily with zero resistance, it is dead.
Dormant Grass:
Most species of grass that are native to warmer climates, like Florida, usually go into some kind of dormancy in the winter. This means that grass will cease growing almost completely and above ground growth will turn brown.
While dormant, all of the energy in the grass goes to keeping the roots and crown alive. As a result, the lush green color fades, and you're left with a brown and crunchy lawn.
Should you water your lawn if it's Dormant?
YES! - As needed only, when showing signs of dryness.
Dry grass will start rolling the leaf tissue like a piece of straw - Not to be confused with frost damage which darkens the grass blades.
Frost damage?
Deep frost damage can kill all parts of the grass, all the way down to the roots.
Any areas that have died from deep frost damage should be replaced to prevent weeds from taking over.
With light frost damage, the base of the grass will still be green and should recover when warmer days approach us.
Grass freezes, becoming brittle; and brittle grass is very breakable. Light frost damage usually occurs on cold mornings when we or our pets go on the lawn before the grass has a chance to thaw in the morning sun.
Some light frost damage is caused by stepping on the lawn during this fragile time.
Most frost-broken grass blades will regrow within 2 – 3 weeks, but repetitive damage can severely thin out your turf. So it is a good idea to stay off frosty grass but not necessarily a huge deal.
Got a question?
Shoot us a message, we're happy to help!