Nothing adds more vitality to a property than well-kept grass. We worked very hard to get that grass that makes your neighbors wish they had a lawn like yours.
Despite our efforts, it is disheartening to find that green grass is not always seasonal. Winter may be both beneficial and detrimental to lawn aficionados.
Most homeowners are familiar with the awful sight of yellowing grass in the winter. The good news is that grass that turns yellow in winter does not imply that it is dead.
Let’s learn more about why grass turns yellow in winter and whether it can go back to green again.
Contents
- Grass that Turns Yellow in Winter
- Warm-season grasses
- Other reasons why grass turns yellow in winter
- How to Fix Grass Yellowing During Winter
- Fertilizing
- Overseed your lawn
- FAQs About Grass that turns Yellow in Winter
- Can yellow grass come back?
- Is a yellow grass dormant or dead?
- Why does fescue grass turn yellow in winter?
- Author
Grass that Turns Yellow in Winter
Warm-season grasses
Warm-season grasses include Bermudagrass, St. Augustine, Zoysia grass, centipede grass, and Buffalograss.
During the spring and fall, they are usually vigorous and lively. However, when temperatures go below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, these grasses turn yellow. Some of these new breed warm-season grasses, such as buffalo and zoysia, can tolerate a little cold, but they will become dormant if it gets too cold.
Warm-season grasses typically go dormant in the winter. The good news is that it does not mean your grass is dead; it has simply gone dormant, and when the weather conditions are favorable, the grass will grow green again.
However, if the frost is present for an extended period, your grass will die totally. Pull on your grass to see if it is dead or dormant during this time. Dead grass pulls out with little difficulty, but dormant grass has deep roots, so there will be resistance if you tug.
Other reasons why grass turns yellow in winter
Aside from dormancy, there are several more reasons why your grass may become yellow in the winter.
One of the primary causes of grass turning yellow in the winter is desiccation. It is frequent on grass installed on higher ground. Desiccation is abiotic stress in which the grass loses water faster than it draws in due to exposure to dry wind, particularly when the turf lacks water in the winter.
Snow-covered roots cannot absorb water due to ice crystal buildup in the root system. To address this, you must devise an appropriate watering schedule.
In addition to dormancy and desiccation, there is a fungal invasion during the winter, most notably the snow mold. Lawns covered in snow are prone to becoming yellow in sections up to one foot in diameter, giving your lawn an unsightly appearance.
During the winter, the most frequent fungi are Puccinia recondita and Microdochium nivalis. To control the fungal attack, apply the prescribed fungicide.
Finally, there is salt. During the winter, most homes use de-icing chemicals, introducing salt into the soil. When salt is absorbed into the lawn, it causes it to turn yellow. Although the damage is not seen after one season, it becomes noticeable with time. So, instead of using salt to de-ice your lawn, use kitty litter or gritty sand.
See also: What grass grows best in muddy areas?
How to Fix Grass Yellowing During Winter
Lawn yellowing in the winter is common; it happens to most of us. However, if you don’t know how to control it, your once-beautiful creation will be converted into an eyesore. So, how do you fix yellowing grass in the winter?
Fertilizing
If you care about your lawn and are concerned about the harm that winter can cause, it is essential to fertilize it. Lawns usually suffer from a lack of nutrients throughout the winter, and fertilizer appears to be an excellent way to ensure your grass gets adequate nutrients. However, you must understand when to use fertilizers.
Applying fertilizers during the winter is not a good idea since the fertilizer will stimulate new growth just as the grass is preparing to slumber to survive the harsh season. Instead, apply fertilizer to your lawn in the fall.
We recommend buying winter fertilizers.
It gives your lawn the energy it needs to withstand the winter while also keeping the roots healthy. With this winter fertilizer, you can rest assured that your grass will not turn yellow after the snow melts.
See also: How can I make grass grow faster in summer?
Overseed your lawn
Are you tired of your lawn turning yellow in the winter? Then, if you have warm-season grass in your yard, overseeding is the long-term solution. To help cover the yellowness, sprinkle the lawn with cool-season grass seeds that will grow during the winter.
Overseeding is a straightforward operation; you must use a spreader to distribute the seeds on your grass uniformly. Overseeding should be done in the fall to allow the cold season grass to sprout before winter.
See also: How much grass seed to overseed 1/4 acre
See also: Varieties of mondo grass
FAQs About Grass that turns Yellow in Winter
Can yellow grass come back?
Yes, as long as there is no root damage, yellow grass can be rejuvenated.
Dormancy is a survival mechanism in which the grass conserves energy during periods of hard weather. When your grass goes dormant, it can be revitalized.
Is a yellow grass dormant or dead?
Pull-on your grass to see if it is dead or dormant during this time. Dead grass pulls out with little difficulty, but dormant grass has deep roots, so there will be resistance if you tug.
Why does fescue grass turn yellow in winter?
During the winter, the tips of the fescue blade turn yellow because cold temperatures freeze moisture on the blade, causing damage to the plant’s cells.
Don’t worry; this will fade as spring approaches.
With a decent lawn care routine, you may expect your lawn to remain evergreen, but this is not the case; your grass will turn yellow in certain seasons. Naturally, grasses such as Bermuda turn yellow throughout the winter.
It is upsetting for homeowners to watch their efforts to maintain a green, lush, and broad lawn washed away during the winter. The anguish is profound. On the plus side, when your lawn becomes yellow, it does not imply it is dead; it will turn green when the favorable season begins.
Having grass that turns yellow in winter is not a delightful sight. Several events can cause your grass to turn yellow during winter. Still, the most obvious explanation is that it is fighting to outlive the season.
