Grass typically turns brown in winter due to a natural process called dormancy. This is a survival mechanism that helps grass conserve energy during unfavorable conditions. Several factors contribute to this change:
- Temperature drops trigger the grass to stop growing
- Reduced daylight decreases photosynthesis
- Limited water availability when ground freezes
Different types of grass respond differently to winter conditions. Cool-season grasses may stay green longer, while warm-season grasses turn brown more quickly. The grass isn’t dead during this period – it’s simply conserving energy and nutrients in its roots until spring arrives with warmer temperatures and increased daylight.