Turf Dormancy: What Your Lawn Goes Through in Winter
As Georgia's temperatures start to dip, it's common for homeowners to think their lawns are taking a complete break from the growing season. However, while many turfgrasses in the state do enter dormancy during the winter, they don't actually shut down completely. Even though our winters are usually quite mild, there are still cold spikes and the chance of ice or snow, which can impact your lawn. Understanding turf dormancy and how it affects your lawn can help you better care for it during these cooler months and ensure a healthy lawn come spring.
What is Turf Dormancy?
Turf dormancy refers to a period of rest where growth temporarily slows and grass becomes less active, typically due to colder temperatures or environmental stress. During dormancy, the grass isn't growing actively, but its roots remain alive and capable of absorbing nutrients and moisture from the soil.
Here in Georgia, warm-season grasses like Bermuda, Zoysia, and St. Augustine are the most common types of turfgrass. These grasses go dormant as temperatures drop and the weather cools down, usually starting in late November through December. The dormancy period can last until the warmer temperatures return in spring.
Why Does Turf Go Dormant in the Winter?
We all know our winters can be quite unpredictable. While temperatures rarely drop to extreme lows, there is enough change to signal warm-season grasses to go dormant. The main things that influence dormancy are:
Lower Temperatures
Warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia are adapted to the heat of summer. When temperatures consistently dip below 50°F to 55°F, these grasses go dormant to save energy and prevent damage from frost.
Shorter Daylight
As the days get shorter, the grass gets less sunlight, signaling to the plant that it's time to conserve energy and prepare for colder temperatures.
Water Stress
Even though the winters are usually mild, they can still be too dry at times. This lack of moisture can make it harder for grasses to actively grow like they do in other seasons.
What Happens to Your Lawn During Dormancy?
When turfgrass enters dormancy, its growth slows down. The grass may be brown or yellow, and it may feel crunchy and dry. This is normal and not necessarily a sign of a lawn in distress.
Reduced Growth
When the grass doesn't actively grow, you won't see tall, overgrown grass that needs frequent mowing.
Change in Color
Grass may turn brown or tan. Warm-season grasses, in particular, often go completely brown during dormancy, which is vastly different from their summer green.
Root Activity
The visible grass blades may be dormant, but the roots are still alive and actively absorbing nutrients and moisture. If you were to pull up a section of grass, the roots should appear healthy and strong.
How to Prepare Your Lawn for Dormancy
Even though your lawn is preparing to rest, it is still necessary to care for it and make sure it's healthy going into the cooler months.
Fertilize Based on Grass Type
Cool-season grasses like Fescue need fertilizer in fall and early spring. Warm-season grasses like Bermudagrass don't need it in winter—fertilizing during dormancy feeds weeds and can cause damage or stress. The UGA Extension is a useful resource on when and what to fertilize if you don't know where to start.
Aerate Your Lawn
If you haven't already, aerate in the fall. It helps with soil compaction, better water and nutrient flow, and allows your roots to breathe. This sets you up for a stronger lawn in the spring.
Water Wisely
Even if your grass isn't growing, it still needs moisture. Continue to water your lawn but be careful not to overdo it.
Keep Mowing Until It Stops Growing
Mow as needed until growth slows down completely. Set your mower height to 2–2.5 inches to avoid cutting it too short, which can weaken the grass.
Remove Leaves and Debris
Leaves can trap moisture and cause mold, so regularly clear them out. Mulch with your mower or rake them up to compost.
When Will Your Lawn Wake Up from Dormancy?
Warm-season grasses usually start waking up around March or April when temperatures rise and days get longer. While winter dormancy is a natural part of your lawn's cycle, understanding it helps you care for your turf now to set it up for a healthy lawn come spring. Need help getting your lawn ready? We're here to guide you every step of the way.
