Maintaining Your Dormant Lawn in the South

While homeowners in northern climates may see their lush green lawns turn completely dormant and brown during the winter, those of us in the South experience a slightly different transition. Our warm-season grasses, like Bermuda, St. Augustine, and Zoysia, tend to go partially dormant rather than fully dormant.

This means our lawns retain some green color throughout the cooler months, but growth slows significantly. Understanding how to properly care for your partially dormant southern lawn is key to ensuring a healthy, vibrant revival in spring.

What Causes Lawn Dormancy in the South?

Warm-season grasses enter a state of dormancy when temperatures drop below 65°F for an extended period. This triggers the grass to stop actively growing and shift into a survival mode, directing energy to the root system rather than top growth.

The extent of dormancy can vary depending on your specific location and weather conditions. Coastal regions or areas with milder winters may see only slight browning, while lawns in the transition zone between warm and cool-season grasses can experience more pronounced dormancy.

Caring for Your Dormant Southern Lawn

Even though your southern lawn may not turn completely brown, it still requires some special attention during the dormant season. Follow these tips to keep it in great shape:

1. Mowing: Continue mowing your lawn every 2-3 weeks, keeping the grass at 2-3 inches tall. This helps insulate the crowns and roots.
2. Raking: Use a leaf rake to remove any fallen leaves or debris. Allowing these to accumulate can lead to matting and suffocation of the grass.
3. Overseeding: If you have bare or thinning areas, consider overseeding with a cool-season grass like ryegrass. This can help provide color and density until your warm-season grass fully rebounds.
4. Fertilizing: Apply a slow-release, winterizing fertilizer in late fall to nourish the roots and prepare the lawn for regrowth in spring.
5. Watering: Monitor soil moisture levels, and provide supplemental watering during any extended dry spells throughout the dormant season.

Following these tips will help your southern lawn stay healthy and ready to bounce back with vibrant green growth as temperatures rise in the spring.

Reviving Your Lawn in Spring

As the weather warms up, your partially dormant southern lawn will begin to green up and actively grow again. At this stage, you can resume your regular lawn care routine:

• Adjust your mowing height back to the optimal 3-4 inches
• Apply a spring lawn fertilizer to jumpstart new growth
• Dethatch and aerate the soil to improve oxygen and nutrient flow
• Overseed any remaining bare or thinning patches

With the right preparation and spring maintenance, your southern lawn will transition seamlessly from its dormant state to a lush, healthy outdoor oasis.