Grass in Central Florida can appear brown or lifeless for various reasons, but it's essential to distinguish between dormant and dead grass to determine the appropriate care. Dormancy is a natural survival mechanism, whereas dead grass is permanently damaged and needs to be replaced.

Dormant Grass
Seasonal Occurrence: Some grass species in Florida, such as Bahiagrass and Zoysiagrass, may enter dormancy during colder months (typically December to February) or during prolonged droughts. This is a temporary state where the grass conserves energy.

Still Alive: Although it looks brown and lifeless, dormant grass is still alive. The roots remain intact, waiting for favorable conditions to resume growth.
Testing for Dormancy: One way to check if your grass is dormant is by pulling on a section of the turf. If it resists and remains rooted, it's likely dormant. Another test is to water a small patch for a few days—if it starts greening up, it's not dead.

Recovery Potential: Dormant grass will revive once temperatures rise and water becomes available. Applying light irrigation and fertilizer in early spring can speed up recovery.

Common Causes: Grass typically goes dormant due to colder temperatures or drought stress. Some warm-season grasses naturally enter dormancy when temperatures dip below 55°F.

Dead Grass
Permanent Damage: Dead grass is no longer capable of regrowth. Unlike dormant grass, it has lost its ability to absorb nutrients and water.
Easily Pulled Out: A key sign of dead grass is that it pulls out easily with no resistance because the roots are no longer functioning.
Color and Texture: While dormant grass is a uniform tan or light brown color, dead grass often appears patchy, brittle, and can even turn gray or black due to decay.

Causes of Death: Grass can die due to prolonged drought without watering, fungal infections, pest infestations (such as chinch bugs or grubs), excessive foot traffic, or chemical damage (like over-fertilization or herbicide misapplication).

Restoration: Dead grass needs to be replaced. This may involve reseeding, resodding, or improving soil conditions before new growth can establish.
In Central Florida, warm-season grasses like St. Augustine and Bermuda grass are more resilient, but proper watering, fertilization, and pest control are necessary to prevent permanent damage. Understanding the difference between dormancy and death can help homeowners maintain a healthy lawn year-round.
If you're still unclear if your grass is dead or dormant, contact us for a free estimate.