What Happens to Your Lawn in Winter?

In Virginia, grasses go dormant and have a tan appearance in the winter. Shorter days and colder temperatures typically slow down grass growth and turn the lawn a tan/brown color. This will occur with all grass types, including Tall Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass.

Grass blades can also go dormant from a process call desiccation.  This occurs in cold windy areas.  Cold wind causes the grass blade to lose its moisture.  The cold weather freezes the roots so no water can be taken up to replace the lost moisture, thus the grass turns brown.  This is most noticeable in west facing areas that have no protection from the wind or sun.  

Your Grass Does Not Die  

Though the grass looks dead, it is silently alive. Once the temperatures begin to rise in late March to early April, the turf color will begin to return and start new growth. 

Common Winter Lawn Care Questions

Winter lawn care often raises many questions. To help you navigate this season, we’ve compiled thoughtful answers and practical suggestions: 

What is desiccation? 

In cold, windy areas, grass can go dormant due to desiccation—a process where moisture is lost faster than it can be replaced, turning the blades brown. This is most common in unprotected, west-facing spots.

Is Lawn Dormancy Normal? 

Yes, lawn dormancy is completely normal. While grass may lose color in winter, proper preparation now ensures vibrant growth come spring.

Does My Grass Die in the Winter? 

No, your grass isn’t dead—it’s just in a stage of dormancy. As temperatures rise in early spring, your grass will green up and grow again. Winter care can help prevent lawn injuries, but we want to assure you that your grass isn’t dead.

How Do I Minimize Lawn Damage During the Winter? 

• Late fall fertilizer. This acts as a natural anti-freeze for better cold tolerance, maintains lawn density, and stimulates spring color and growth.
• Continue to mow your lawn in the fall until it stops growing. Never reduce mowing to less than 3” 
• Remove leaves as often as possible, never less than once per week. Leaves smother grass and by eliminating light and oxygen.  New grass growth is especially sensitive, and leaves must be removed more often.  Use a blower instead of a rake.
• Continue to water until Thanksgiving in our area if it does not rain.
• Stay off the lawn if it is frozen. Walking on the grass can kill spots as the crown of the plant is more sensitive to being crushed when frozen. 

Get Help From The Experts

For more tips on how to keep your lawn healthy this winter, or have us take care of it for you, contact Virginia Green at 804-285-6200. We also offer comprehensive lawn care services to keep your lawn looking its best all year long. 

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