Your lawn isn’t necessarily meant to remain fresh and lively year-round. You’ll notice that it usually appears lackluster when temperatures drop, for example, and sometimes in the thick of summer, too. But is it actually dead, or just dormant? There’s a significant difference between the two, and it’s important for property owners to identify signs of dormancy so they can focus on strategic irrigation and other solutions to revive the grass. Here’s what you should know.

How Dead & Dormant Grass Differ

When grass dies, the blades turn brown and lose their structural integrity, flailing to the side instead of standing upright and losing their natural silhouette. You can test it by tugging on the grass. If it comes up easily, it’s likely dead.

By contrast, dormancy is simply a protective mechanism that prevents the grass from failing in the heat or cold. During winter, dormant grass will turn uniformly brown and hold on to the moisture and nutrients it needs to remain healthy. 

The same occurs during summer, when the grass may be exposed to potentially damaging elements, like potent ultraviolet rays, scorching heat, and drought. Dormancy protects the lawn from drying out, and even without irrigation, the ground should stay safe for at least a month. If you tug on dormant grass, you will feel some resistance.

How to Revive a Dormant Landscape

Because dormancy is a protective response, you can safeguard your grass simply by prioritizing regular irrigation. Water more frequently, applying at least an extra inch to two inches each week. You should also program your irrigation system to turn on early in the morning, so the water can soak into the soil instead of evaporating in the sun. These tips should restore the lawn’s appearance, encouraging its natural green tone to return and restoring its robust appearance. 

You should also monitor foot traffic while you aim to heal the ground. The less it’s used, the better chance the lawn has of returning to its previous state. If your grass does not respond to these measures, it’s likely that the lawn has simply failed and isn’t in a state of dormancy.

If you seek a reliable irrigation provider for your property, turn to Anderson Irrigation and Outdoor Lighting. Proudly serving clients throughout Cincinnati, OH, and the Tri-State area, the company offers a variety of services, including irrigation installation and outdoor lighting. Visit the website to learn more about their solutions, or call (513) 724-0472 to speak with a representative.