One of the most common questions that we get from customers during the early spring is “why is my grass brown and not green?”

This question comes up often due to the fact that many neighborhoods contain homes that have either cool season fescue grass or warm season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia. Warm season grasses return from dormancy this time of year, while fescue grasses are already green and beginning to fill in.

Your Warm Season Grass Will Soon Return From Dormancy

Grasses like Bermuda, Zoysia, and St. Augustine thrive in the warm spring and summer months, while cool-season fescue begins to struggle when temperatures rise in summer. Conversely, fescue does very well during the cooler seasons, which is why many people look around at their neighbors’ lawns and wonder why it is so green, while their grass still looks brown.

There are benefits to both grass types and ultimately what you choose for your home just depends on your personal preference as well as how much sun and heat yourlawn may see during any given season.

Warm season grasses perform very well in warm climates but would struggle in regions that see much cooler temperatures. If you have warm season grass for your lawn, the dormant grass will begin to return from its winter slumber and become green again when soil temperatures consistently rise above 65 degrees. This typically requires at least a week of 70-degree air temperatures. Some growth activity may begin once soil temperatures reach 55 degrees, however, you will not start seeing green warm season grass until the soil hits that 65-degree mark.

When Does Grass Stop Growing

You will be able to enjoy your warm-season grass from spring into late fall. Again, it can vary depending on soil and air temperatures, but warm-season grasses usually do not enter dormancy until around mid-November. Grass will stay dormant throughoutthe winter months. It is not dead, it just enjoying a long winter’s nap.

Make the most of your warm season grass when it returns from dormancy by ensuring that you apply a pre-emergent weed control, follow proper watering procedures, best lawn mowing practices and participate in a fertilization and weed control program.

Need help making your lawn look great this year? Give us a call!