Quick Answer
Brown grass does not necessarily mean the grass is dead. There are several reasons why grass may turn brown, including dormancy, drought, heat stress, disease, and poor maintenance practices. However, prolonged brown patches can indicate dead grass. Close inspection of the grass blades and crowns can help determine if the grass is dormant or dead.
Why Does Grass Turn Brown?
There are a few key reasons why grass may turn brown:
Dormancy
Many grass species have an innate dormancy mechanism that triggers when temperatures drop or daylength shortens. The grass essentially goes into hibernation over winter or summer to conserve resources. Dormant grass appears brown and stops growing, but the crowns and roots remain alive. The blades will turn green again when more favorable growing conditions return.
Drought
Insufficient rainfall can cause grass to go dormant as a survival mechanism. The plants stop actively growing and turn brown. When drought conditions persist, the grass can die. However, the crowns and roots may still be alive. The grass will often revive after several good soakings of rain over 10-14 days.
Heat Stress
In the peak of summer, intense sun and high temperatures can essentially “burn” or scald grass. This causes the blades to wither and turn shades of tan, brown, or straw-colored. The grass crowns and roots are still alive, so the grass may bounce back once temperatures cool.
Disease
Certain fungal diseases like brown patch and dollar spot can infect grass blades and cause the leaves to die in irregular brown patches. Diseased grass is still alive below ground, but needs treatment to avoid spreading issues.
Poor Maintenance
Improper mowing, fertilizing, watering, or other care mistakes can stress grass over time. Too much or too little of key inputs causes the grass to decline and turn brown in patches. Overseeding and improved maintenance helps nursing the lawn back to health.
Signs Your Grass is Dormant, Not Dead
It can be tricky to discern between dormant brown grass versus dead grass. Here are a few signs that indicate the grass is simply dormant and may recover:
– Brown patches grow larger or recover on their own over time – this indicates natural dormancy rhythms. Dead grass areas only spread.
– Grass crowns (where shoots emerge from the soil) remain firm and white/cream colored when separated – dead crowns are mushy and grayish.
– Grass roots are white and pliable – dead grass roots are brown and brittle.
– Resumes normal growth after several weeks of favorable weather.
– Green blades of new growth may be visible at the base near the soil.
– Lawns have gone brown/green following the same seasonal patterns in the past.
Signs Your Grass is Dead
Here are indicators that the brown grass is unlikely to recover:
– Patches remain completely brown/tan for more than a month of ideal growing conditions.
– Pulling on the grass results in the blades easily yanking out of the soil – living roots resist removal.
– Grass crowns are mushy, grayish or black rather than firm and white.
– Grass roots are brown and brittle rather than pliable.
– No evidence of any new green growth from crowns or shoots.
– Soil is dry and cracked beneath dead areas.
– There is evidence of extensive disease, insect infestation, or chemical damage to the lawn.
– The lawn shows extreme thinning over time – large areas of bare soil are exposed.
How to Nurse Dormant Grass Back to Health
For grass that is still alive but currently brown and dormant, the following tips can help it recover:
– Continue watering as needed to keep crowns and roots hydrated – about 1-2 inches per week.
– Overseed thin or bare patches to encourage new growth.
– Control disease, insects, and weeds that slow grass regrowth.
– Apply a balanced fertilizer or soil amendment to nourish the grass.
– Dethatch and aerate compacted soil to improve air and nutrient circulation.
– Wait for natural growing conditions to return – growth regulators can help.
– Adjust mowing practices to avoid excess stress on dormant grass.
Options for Reviving or Replacing Dead Grass
If the brown grass is entirely dead, full revival may not be possible. However, various approaches can help restore a bare lawn:
– Rake up and replant dead patches by seeding, laying sod, or planting plugs. Match grass species to the climate.
– Improve soil quality with compost, fertilizer, and pH adjustments to support new growth.
– Try aggressively dethatching and aerating the area before replanting grass.
– Consider alternative turf options like hardy ground covers, artificial grass, or xeriscaping.
– Use grass alternatives like mulch, gravel, walkways, or patios in small dead spots.
– Identify and correct the underlying issues, like poor drainage or shady conditions.
Preventing Brown Grass in the Future
Proper lawn care practices can promote healthy grass growth and avoid browning:
– Choose grass types suited for the climate and site conditions.
– Consistently water 1-1.5 inches per week and let soil dry between waterings.
– Mow regularly on a high setting – never cut off more than 1/3 blade length.
– Apply fertilizer and lime according to soil test recommendations.
– Dethatch and aerate compacted areas every 1-3 years.
– Control weeds, insects, diseases through both prevention and treatment.
– Avoid heavy traffic on the lawn when grass is stressed or dormant.
– Overseed to thicken grass coverage in thin or bare areas.
Conclusion
Brown grass is not necessarily dead grass. Dormancy, drought, heat, disease, and poor care can all contribute to lawn browning. Inspecting the grass crowns, roots, and overall growth habits can reveal if the grass is likely to recover or if replacement is needed. Proper maintenance helps prevent large-scale die off, keeping lawns green and healthy year-round.
Grass Browning Causes Table
| Cause | Signs | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Dormancy | Normal seasonal browning patterns, firm white crowns, green base growth | Wait for return to growing conditions |
| Drought | Dry soil, marginal leaf scorching, responds to watering | Gradually rehydrate with deep watering |
| Heat Stress | Sudden mid-summer bronzing, temp-related | Improve irrigation, wait for cooler weather |
| Disease | Distinct fungal patches, mycelium may be visible | Treat with fungicide per disease identified |
| Poor Care | Decline related to over/under-watering, mowing issues | Correct maintenance practices |
