Summer is officially here, and the heat is here to stay for a few more months. We had a great start to summer this year with heavy rain and cooler temperatures. Although the huge rainstorms created catastrophic flooding and devastation, they also helped alleviate the drought. Currently, our surface water sources are filled, and most of Williamson County is out of drought. We are out of the woods for now, but we should always strive to conserve water.
Most landscapes and lawns still look green from all the rain. Some folks barely used their irrigation system for the first half of the summer. Now that it’s been weeks since a good rainstorm, some lawns may be going blonde. Yellowing in lawns is no cause for panic. It’s part of the plant’s natural response and defense to drier conditions. It doesn’t mean it’s dying. The grass slows its growth and conserves energy until conditions improve.
Turfgrasses in this area (St. Augustine, Bermuda, Zoysia, and Buffalo) can go through dormant periods in certain conditions. Most people are aware of winter dormancy. When temperatures go below 40 degrees and sunlight is limited, turfgrasses start to turn yellow or brown. They typically turn back to green around late March. Similarly, summer dormancy occurs when conditions are hot and dry. Â
How to tell if grass is Dormant vs. DeadÂ
Dormant Grass
- Roots are still firm and white-ish.Â
- Blades may bend but aren’t brittle.Â
- If you water dormant grass regularly (1–3 weeks), it should green up again.Â
- You may notice even browning, not patchy or thinning.Â
Dead Grass
- Grass pulls out easily from the ground.Â
- Roots are brown/black or dry and brittle.Â
- Even with regular watering, it doesn’t recover.Â
- Often has patchy, irregular bare spots.Â
Understanding this process helps avoid unnecessary worry and promotes smarter water use. Let your lawn do what it’s built to do. If you continue to see stress in the same areas every year, it may be a good time to consider converting that lawn area to more drought-tolerant plants. Â
