When Does Grass Go Dormant in Texas?

As a homeowner in Texas, you may have noticed that your lawn doesn’t look as vibrant during certain times of the year. This is because, just like trees and other plants, grass has its own cycles of growth and dormancy. Understanding when your grass goes dormant can help you take better care of your lawn throughout the year, ensuring it bounces back beautifully when warmer weather returns.

What is Dormancy?

Grass dormancy is a natural process where grass temporarily stops growing or becomes inactive in response to cold weather, lack of water, or other environmental stressors. During dormancy, the grass’s metabolism slows down, conserving energy, appearing brown or dormant until conditions improve. It’s important to know that dormancy is a protective mechanism and not a sign that your grass is dead.

When Does Grass Go Dormant in Texas?

The timing of dormancy largely depends on the type of grass you have and the climate in your region. There are two main categories of grass in Texas: warm-season grasses (like Bermuda, Zoysia, and St. Augustine) and cool-season grasses (like Ryegrass). Here's a breakdown of when each type typically goes dormant:

Warm-Season Grasses (Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine):

• Dormancy Period: Late fall to early spring (typically from November to March).
• Why It Happens: Warm-season grasses are most active during the warmer months and begin to go dormant when temperatures consistently drop below 50°F. As the weather cools, these grasses slow their growth and turn brown, awaiting the return of warmer temperatures in the spring.
• Signs of Dormancy: Grass turns a dull brown color and stops growing. While it may look dead, it’s simply conserving energy until spring.

Cool-Season Grasses (like Ryegrass):

• Dormancy Period: Late summer to early fall (typically from September to November).
• Why It Happens: Cool-season grasses thrive in the cooler temperatures of fall and spring but struggle during the intense heat of Texas summers. Once temperatures rise in late spring to early summer, cool-season grasses start to go dormant and lose their vibrant green color.
• Signs of Dormancy: Grass may turn yellowish or brown and become less active as it conserves resources until the weather cools down again.

How to Care for Dormant Grass

Though dormant grass requires less maintenance, it still needs some attention to ensure it comes back strong when the growing season returns. Here are a few tips for caring for your dormant grass:

• Watering: Dormant grass needs less water, but you should still water it occasionally if the weather is dry, especially for warm-season grasses. Ensure the ground doesn’t dry out completely, as this can damage the roots.
• Mowing: Dormant grass generally doesn’t grow much, so mowing can be reduced or skipped altogether. If you do mow, make sure your mower blades are sharp to prevent damaging the grass.
• Fertilization: Avoid fertilizing dormant grass, as it’s not actively growing and won’t benefit from additional nutrients. Wait until the grass begins to green up again in the spring before applying fertilizer.
• Weed Control: Dormant grass may be more susceptible to weed growth, especially in the absence of lush, green coverage. Consider applying pre-emergent herbicides in late fall or early spring to prevent weeds from taking hold.

When Does Grass Wake Up from Dormancy?

As temperatures rise in the spring, your grass will begin to "wake up" from its dormancy. Warm-season grasses typically start growing again when temperatures consistently reach 65-70°F during the day. The grass will slowly start to green up, and growth will resume as long as the weather stays warm.

Cool-season grasses will start to show signs of growth and recovery in the fall as the temperatures drop, but they’ll fade back into dormancy once summer heat arrives.

Call Just Right Lawns For All Your Grass Needs!

If you need help caring for your dormant or waking lawn, reach out to Just Right Lawns for professional lawn care services tailored to Texas’ unique climate! Our team offers free quotes and same-day service. Contact us today to get started!