The Season of Lawn Dormancy is Upon Us: Top Five Tips to Winterize your Yard Like a Pro

With a cold snap in full swing in Florida this week, the season of lawn dormancy is almost here. Although that typically means you can put that riding lawnmower into storage for a few weeks, you cannot ignore your lawn altogether.

Did you know cooler temperatures can threaten your lawn's lush green vibes and root system?

How Lawn Dormancy Season Starts

As the cooler weather (and downright cold weather) sets in, you'll notice that those typically vibrant, colorful lawns start to look a bit less lush each week—brown patches, yellow spots, and an overall less-than-appealing appearance. But don't panic; brown grass doesn't indicate your grass is dead. Like bears in the winter, your grass is basically going into hibernation mode.

Given the drop in temperatures, discolored grass is to be expected, but you'll need to consider what's below the surface. If you want your grass to come back strong and healthy next spring, you'll need to set it up for success going into the winter. 

If you don't have a green thumb, go ahead and contact the lawn specialists at Turner Pest Control - we'll take it from here.

Why is My Lawn Brown? 

Although Floridians are spoiled by lush green landscapes almost year-round, brown grass doesn't always indicate that it's dead or dying. During the cooler months, your lawn naturally enters dormancy. 

Dormancy doesn't follow a strict pattern yearly, but you'll likely see your grass browning during the colder months. The extent of this browning can vary based on temperature fluctuations and freeze timings. 

This week, most of Florida experienced a significant drop in temperatures. This cold front will lead to some variability between brown and green grass in areas where temperatures dipped below freezing, like Northeast Florida and Central Florida.

Similarly, residents in other parts of Florida may notice unusual browning and greening due to the odd weather patterns. 

Beautiful Weather but Ugly Grass?

Are you starting to see your lush lawn turning to the dark side, even though the weather is still gorgeous where you live?

It's crucial to consider soil temperature rather than just the outside temperature. Even if it feels like 80 degrees outside, your grass will remain dormant if the soil temperature is below 55 degrees. 

Many lawns remain dormant in North Florida, while southern parts of Florida typically emerge from this stage earlier. 

Winterizing Your Lawn Like A Pro: Expert Tips  

Preparing your lawn for the cooler months goes beyond routine maintenance—it requires strategic care guided by industry expertise.

Here are some advanced tips to help your lawn thrive: 

• Pause Fertilization: After November, it's time to stop fertilizing. Late applications can encourage unwanted growth that is vulnerable to winter damage. 
• Embrace the Shag: A slightly unkept lawn isn't a sign of neglect; it's a deliberate tactic to protect the roots from the cold. 
• Adjust Your Sprinkler System: To maintain a healthy lawn, ensure your sprinkler system is correctly set up for winter. 
• Overseed with Winter Grasses: Introduce winter-friendly grasses to keep your lawn vibrant during the colder months. 
• Consult the Experts: In short, turn to Turner! We know lush lawns and yard care.   

A Healthy Lawn is a Free Inspection Form Away 

The grass isn't always greener on the other side! It's green where you water it. But if you feel your lawn needs a little TLC from the lawn care pros, turn to Turner.

Turner Pest has the tools and know-how, from fertilization and weed control to fungus treatments and "green up" solutions. Contact us for a free inspection and get one step closer to a healthy lawn.