Drought or Dormancy: How to Tell Why Your Grass is Turning Brown

A lush, green lawn is the pride of many homeowners, but nothing can be more frustrating than seeing your grass turning brown. If your lawn has started to look dry, you may be wondering whether it’s a result of drought stress or simply a natural part of the grass’s life cycle. Both drought and dormancy can cause your grass to lose its vibrant green color, but they are very different conditions. Understanding the difference between the two is essential for proper lawn care and making the right decisions to bring your lawn back to life. At Making Solid Ground Lawn Care Inc., we’re here to help you identify whether your grass is brown due to drought or dormancy and what steps to take to restore its health.

What is Dormancy?

Dormancy is a natural process that occurs in the grass during the hotter months, especially when temperatures soar and rainfall becomes less frequent. Much like how some animals hibernate in extreme weather conditions, grass goes dormant to conserve energy and protect itself from excessive heat and water loss. During dormancy, the grass blades turn brown, but the roots stay healthy and intact. This helps the grass survive through challenging conditions until better weather returns.

Dormancy is common in cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and ryegrass. When temperatures exceed 85°F consistently, these types of grasses naturally slow their growth and enter a state of dormancy. They temporarily cease growing and conserve energy by turning brown, waiting for cooler weather or a return of water.

Signs Your Grass is Dormant:

• Grass turns a brown or tan color but doesn’t die.
• The grass feels dry to the touch but isn’t crispy or brittle.
• Grass recovers when watered or when cooler weather returns.
• The roots remain healthy and alive, with minimal damage.

What is Drought Stress?

On the other hand, drought stress occurs when grass doesn’t receive enough water to maintain healthy growth. Unlike dormancy, which is a survival mechanism, drought stress results from a prolonged lack of rainfall or irrigation, leading to dehydration of both the grass blades and the roots. When grass is stressed by drought, it may initially appear to be dormant, but if left untreated, it can lead to permanent damage and even death.

Drought stress can be caused by a variety of factors, including extreme heat, insufficient watering, or environmental changes such as construction work or soil compaction. Drought-stressed grass will often be more susceptible to disease, pests, and further environmental stress.

Signs Your Grass is Suffering from Drought Stress:

• Grass blades turn brown or yellow and feel dry, brittle, or crunchy.
• Grass doesn’t recover even after watering or rain.
• Footprints or mower tracks remain visible on the lawn, indicating that the grass is dry and lacking in moisture.
• The grass may appear to be thinning out or patchy in areas.

How to Tell the Difference Between Drought and Dormancy

While both drought stress and dormancy can cause your grass to turn brown, there are key differences that can help you determine which one is affecting your lawn. 

1. Touch Test: One of the easiest ways to check is to walk on the grass. If the grass is dormant, it will spring back when you walk on it. If it’s drought-stressed, your footprints or mower tracks will remain visible, indicating that the grass is too dry and weak to recover.
2. Root Test: Gently pull on the grass in a small patch. If it comes up easily with minimal resistance, it’s a sign that the grass is dead due to drought stress. Dormant grass will still have strong, intact roots that help it survive until better conditions return.
3. Watering Response: Water your lawn and watch how it reacts. Dormant grass will begin to recover after a good watering, turning green again as it comes out of dormancy. Drought-stressed grass may not show much improvement, and you may need to take additional measures, such as improving irrigation or adding soil amendments to help it recover.
4. Environmental Factors: Consider the recent weather and climate. If your area has experienced long periods of heat and little rain, dormancy is more likely. If your lawn hasn’t been watered properly during a dry season, drought stress is more likely the culprit.

Trusted Lawn Care Company Serving Nesconset, NY, and Surrounding Areas

Determining whether your grass is brown due to drought stress or dormancy can be tricky, but understanding the difference is crucial to restoring your lawn’s health. At Making Solid Ground Lawn Care Inc., we offer expert lawn care services to help keep your grass looking green and healthy year-round. Whether your lawn needs a deep watering plan or expert advice on irrigation and soil care, we’re here to help.

Call us today at (631) 485-7885 to request a quote. Let us help you maintain a beautiful lawn, no matter the season!