If you’re staring at a brown, dormant lawn and wondering when it will start to turn green again, you’re not alone.
Many homeowners eagerly await the first signs of spring, hoping their grass will bounce back after a long winter. The answer, however, depends on several factors, primarily your grass type, local climate, and weather conditions.
Understanding when your grass will start growing again can help you time lawn care activities like mowing, fertilizing, and watering for maximum effectiveness.
Understanding Grass Types
The first step in predicting when your lawn will start growing is identifying whether you have a cool-season grass or a warm-season grass.
In North Texas, including the DFW metroplex and surrounding areas, warm-season grasses thrive thanks to the region’s hot summers and mild winters.
The most common grass types here are Bermuda, St. Augustine, and Zoysia, each known for their drought tolerance and durability under foot traffic. In other areas, this will vary.
Cool-Season Grasses
These grow best in cooler climates and thrive in spring and fall. These grasses begin growing when soil temperatures reach around 50-65ºF.
Examples of these include Kentucky Bluegrass, Tall Fescue, and Ryegrass.
Warm-Season Grasses
These are more common in the southern U.S. and enter dormancy in winter. They begin greening up when soil temperatures consistently reach 65-70ºF or higher.
Examples of these include Bermuda, St. Augustine, Zoysia, and Centipede grass.
So, if you live in the north, your lawn might start greening up as early as March or April, while in the south, you may not see signs of growth until late April or even May.
Soil temperature: The Real Indicator
While air temperatures can give you a general idea, soil temperature is what truly dictates when grass starts growing. You can check your local soil temperature using:
- Gardening apps and websites (like your local agricultural extension)
- An inexpensive soil thermometer inserted 2–4 inches below the surface
Keep in mind that soil warms more slowly than air. A week or two of warm weather may not be enough to get growth going if the soil hasn’t reached the necessary temperature threshold.
Signs Your Grass is Waking Up
Your lawn will give you clues that it’s ready to start growing.
- Color Change: Dormant grass begins to turn from brown to green.
- New Blade Growth: You’ll see fresh shoots among the older, dormant ones.
- Increased Softness Underfoot: As the roots becomes active, the lawn feels less crunchy and more resilient.
If none of these signs have appeared, your lawn is likely still dormant and not yet ready for aggressive care.
How to Encourage Growth
Once soil temperatures are favorable and your grass is showing signs of life, here are a few steps to encourage healthy spring growth.
- Rake to remove thatch and debris from winter.
- Aerate compacted soil if necessary.
- Fertilize based on your grass type. For instance, cool-season lawns benefit from early spring feeding, while warm-season grasses should be fertilized once actively growing.
- Water only if the lawn is dry; spring rainfall usually provides sufficient moisture early on.
Be Patient: Dormancy Isn’t Death
One of the biggest misconceptions is that a brown lawn means it’s dead. In most cases, your grass is simply dormant. Dormancy is a natural survival mechanism and can last weeks or months depending on the climate.
If your lawn hasn’t greened up by late spring (May or June), it may be time to check for underlying issues like pests, disease, or poor soil conditions.
Timing Varies, But Growth is Coming
So, when will your grass start growing? It all comes down to soil temperature, grass type, and local climate. While cool-season grasses wake up early in the year, warm-season lawns need more time and warmth. Use this transition period to prep your yard and be patient…green shoots are on the way!
Tired of stressing out about whether your grass is dead or not? Turn your lawn over to Gecko Green! Our expert technicians can evaluate your lawn and determine if it’s dead or just being slow, and give you a free, no-obligation quote.
