Dormant Grass in the Summer: What Looks Dead May Just Be Sleeping

Dormant Grass in the Summer: What Looks Dead May Just Be Sleeping

When the summer sun is blazing and rain is scarce, many homeowners start to worry about their lawns. Patches of brown or yellow grass may appear, leading some to assume their lawn is dead. But here’s the good news: in most cases, it’s not dead — it’s just dormant.

What Is Dormant Grass?

Dormancy is a natural survival mechanism for cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue, and perennial ryegrass, which are common in Connecticut. When temperatures soar into the 80s and 90s and rainfall drops off, grass temporarily “shuts down” to conserve water and energy. It may turn brown and crispy on the surface, but below ground, the roots are still alive and waiting for more favorable conditions to return.

How to Tell If Your Grass Is Dormant — Not Dead

Here are a few ways to distinguish dormant grass from dead grass:

• Tug Test: Gently pull on a section of brown grass. Dormant grass will stay rooted. Dead grass will pull up easily because the roots have decayed.
• Color Consistency: Dormant lawns tend to be uniformly tan or light brown. Dead patches are often blotchy and mixed with weeds.
• Check the Crown: The crown is the whitish area at the base of the grass blade, just above the soil. If it’s firm and white, the grass is dormant. If it’s mushy or dark, it may be dead.

The Role of Fertilizer in the Summer

Many customers worry that fertilizer might be “burning” their lawn or causing damage during the summer. In reality, fertilizer — when applied correctly — doesn’t kill your lawn. It provides essential nutrients that your lawn needs to stay healthy and recover from stress.

At All Year Lawn, we apply specially formulated summer fertilizer that supports root health and helps turf resist stress from heat, drought, insects, and foot traffic. If your lawn turns brown shortly after an application, it’s not from the fertilizer — it's the heat, lack of rain, or both.

When Will the Grass Bounce Back?

Dormant grass can stay in that state for 3–4 weeks or longer without dying, especially if the roots remain moist. Once temperatures cool down and the lawn receives consistent moisture — either from rain or irrigation — the grass can green up within 7–14 days.

Here’s how you can help speed up recovery:

• Water deeply and infrequently: 1 to 1.5 inches per week, early in the morning.
• Avoid mowing short: Keep blades high (around 4 inches) to protect the crown.
• Hold off on heavy traffic: Dormant grass is more fragile and can be damaged easily.

Final Thoughts

Grass that looks dead during the summer often isn’t — it’s just doing what nature designed it to do. With a little patience, proper watering, and ongoing care, your lawn can bounce back beautifully in late summer and fall. Fertilizer is your ally, not your enemy, and fall aeration and overseeding are just around the corner to give your turf a strong comeback.

If you have any concerns about your lawn’s health, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re happy to take a look and give professional guidance — because your lawn deserves to look its best all year long!