Why Your Texas Grass Turns Brown in Winter – And What You Should Do About It

Why Does Texas Grass Turn Brown in Winter?

Most Texas lawns are typically warm-season grasses such as St. Augustine, Bermuda, Zoysia, or Buffalo grass. These types of grass do really well in heat but struggle during cooler months. When temperatures fall below 50°F, they enter a natural resting phase known as dormancy.

This winter grass color change Texas homeowners observe isn’t a sign of damage. Rather, the grass blades lose chlorophyll, causing them to turn yellow, tan, or brown depending on the grass type. At this time of the year, the roots remain alive underground, conserving energy and moisture until the soil warms again in spring season. This is often the reason you’ll hear lawn professionals refer to “dormant grass Texas” during winter; it is basically a survival mechanism of grass.

Is Brown Winter Grass Normal in Texas?

Yes, lawn grass turning brown in winter is totally normal. Your lawn can remain brown from December through early March, depending on the region. Central and North parts of Texas tend to witness longer periods of browning due to colder weather conditions, while South Texas lawns can stay green slightly longer but will still become dormant when temperatures lower.

However, not all brown grass is healthy dormant grass.Sometimes browning could be a sign of disease outbreak, drought stress, pests, or bad soil conditions. That’s why proper winter lawn care Texas practices are important.

Dormant Grass versus Dead Grass: How You Can Detect the Difference

Due to the fact that dormant grass and dead grass appear similar, here’s a quick test to carry out:

The Tug Test

Grab a small patch of brown grass then gently pull on it.

• If it stays firmly rooted, it means the grass is only resistant.
• If it pulls out easily, the grass roots may be dead or damaged.

Healthy dormant grass will bounce back in spring with deeper color, thicker blade growth, and increased root activity.

How to Care for Dormant Grass in Texas During Winter

Even though your lawn is in a dormant state, there’s still a need to take care of it. When a winter lawn is neglected, it can easily experience weed infestation, disease, and delayed spring greening.

Here are some more steps to keep your lawn healthy:

1. Keep Mowing Until Growth Completely Stops

   Although lawn mowing frequency reduces, lawn mowing shouldn’t stop immediately. Cutting too high or too low before dormancy takes place can stress the lawn.

   This is where hiring a reliable lawn service like GOMOW Lawn Care Service helps, especially during seasonal changes. Many homeowners underestimate the value of professional lawn mowing Texas, especially when winter lawn care requires precision.

   If you’re wondering about professional lawn mowing cost, most Texas lawn care services provide seasonal rates or per-visit pricing, making winter maintenance easy to afford.

2. Water Less, But Don’t Stop Completely

   Your lawn yard still needs water during winter for it to perform. Texas can experience dry, cold winters, which can dry out the grass roots. When lawns are watered once every 2–3 weeks, winter root damage becomes minimal.

3. Take Out Leaves, Debris, and Heavy Objects

   Debris and dead grass can suffocate dormant grass and trap moisture, facilitating fungal disease. Keep the lawn clean so that sunlight and air can get to the soil.

4. Apply a Winter Pre-Emergent

   Pre-emergent herbicides can be used to tackle weeds like henbit, chickweed, and winter rye from taking over your dormant lawn. Apply the weed-killers during late fall or early winter for improved results.

5. Avoid Fertilizing Dormant Grass

   Introducing nitrogen in winter can burn roots or stimulate growth at the wrong time. Fertilizer application is better in fall just before winter comes in.

6. Overseed with Ryegrass

   If you want your lawn to remain green in winter, overseeding with annual ryegrass is a common practice. This is a partial fix in winter, not a replacement for warm-season grasses. Many homeowners go for this option for aesthetics, especially before holiday events and outdoor meetups.

The Ideal Time for Professional Lawn Care in Texas

Winter is one of the near-perfect times to hire lawn experts for lawn analysis and maintenance. Lawn services like GOMOW Lawn Care Service provide checks and winter mowing schedules that keep grass healthy until spring arrives.

They also stop common winter issues like:

• Fungal infections.
• Thatch buildup.
• Moisture trap.
• Early weed invasion.

Texas homeowners often assume winter is a “dead season” for lawn services, but regular lawn care during cold months almost guarantees a greener, healthier lawn in March and April. Caring for dormant grass is as simple as hiring a proven lawn service.

Fixing a Brown Lawn in Winter: Getting Started

If you’re looking to hire a lawn service for a brown lawn winter fix, it’s important to keep expectations realistic. You can’t stop dormancy, but you can help the lawn recover healthily in spring.

Here’s what works:

• Water correctly.
• Keep mowing before full dormancy.
• Use pre-emergent.
• Remove debris.
• Stay away from high nitrogen fertilizers.
• Inspect for pests or fungal problems.

If your lawn stays brown far into late spring, you may be dealing with lawn disease or root damage, not grass dormancy. In this case, schedule a professional inspection from a lawn maintenance company of your choice.

Frequently Asked Questions