If you’re staring at a brown, patchy lawn, you’re likely wondering, “Why does grass stop growing?” Don’t worry; homeowners and property managers always worry about this. Grass stops growing because of changes in the seasons, the weather, or problems with the yard itself. With the right seasonal lawn care tips, you can give your lawn a new look and keep it healthy all year.
At Grow Landscapes, we offer lawn care services in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Richmond, and the broader Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC regions. We are experts at identifying faults with lawns and providing custom solutions to ensure they do well in the Mid-Atlantic climate. For businesses looking to maintain a pristine outdoor environment, explore our commercial grounds maintenance services to keep your property looking its best year-round.
Why Grass Growth Slows or Stops
Grass stops growing because of several things, especially in the Mid-Atlantic region’s varied environment. It helps to know these things to get to the root cause:
- Dormancy: Cool-season grasses, which grow in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC, rest when it’s very hot (summer) or cold (winter) to save energy. This is a natural survival mechanism, not a sign of a dead lawn. Many wonder about dormant grass vs. dead grass—dormant grass will grow back if you take care of it, but dead grass needs to be reseeded.
- Environmental Factors: Changes in temperature, less daylight, and uneven amounts of moisture can all slow growth. Like, grass gets strained by heat in the summer and stops growing by frost in the winter.
- Soil Issues: Roots can’t access water and nutrients if the soil is too compacted, lacks nutrients, or has the wrong pH level.
- Pests, Fungi, and Weeds: Grubs, fungal diseases, or weeds that grow quickly can make the grass thin or leave bare spots.
Grass Growth by Season
The Mid-Atlantic’s distinct seasons affect grass growth differently by season. Here’s what is possible and how to take care of your lawn all year:
- Spring (March–May): Grass “wakes up” as temperatures rise. This is the best time to fertilize lawn areas, overseed thin spots, and control weeds before they spread.
- Summer (June–August): Heat and dryness damage cool-season grasses, reducing growth or causing dormancy. If you’re wondering what to do when grass stops growing in summer, focus on proper watering and mowing to avoid harm.
- Fall (September–November): Given cooler temperatures and more moisture, fall is perfect for aeration, reseeding, and fertilizing to prepare for winter. If you’re wondering, “Why did my grass stop growing in the fall?” It may be due to early dormancy or soil issues.
- Winter (December–February): Grass typically dorms, with minimal growth. Learn how to care for grass in winter by planning spring care and protecting your lawn from excessive foot activity.
Common Signs of Seasonal Lawn Stress
Look out for these signs that your lawn needs care:
- Grass that turns brown or yellow is often a sign of stress or dormancy.
- Areas that are patchy or thin.
- Bare spots or muddy patches.
- More weeds are growing, which means the grass is weak.
These signs could mean that your plants are dealing with winter stress, soil problems, or pests, but don’t worry; most of them can be fixed with a seasonal lawn care schedule.
Dormant Grass Vs. Dead Grass
- Dormant grass is alive but temporarily brown due to stress (like heat or cold), and it will green up again.
- Dead grass is permanently damaged and won’t return—it needs replacing.
Seasonal Lawn Care Tips
Here are seasonal lawn care tips for a beautiful, healthy lawn year-round:
Spring:
- Dethatch and Aerate: Remove mulch buildup and aerate the soil to improve water and air flow.
- Weed Control: To remove weeds before they grow, use pre-emergent herbicides.
- Fertilize and Overseed: Use a balanced fertilizer and overseed any thin spots to make the soil thicker.
Summer:
- Water Deeply but Infrequently: Water 1–1.5 inches weekly, early in the morning, to help grow deep roots.
- Mow High: Cut your grass 3–4 inches high to protect the roots and keep water from escaping.
- Avoid Heavy Fertilizing: Too much nitrogen can burn grass when it’s hot.
Fall:
- Core Aeration: Break up compacted soil using core aeration to promote root health.
- Apply Fall Fertilizer: Use a slow-release liquid to boost roots in winter.
- Reseed Bare Patches: New grass grows in fall’s chilly, wet conditions.
Winter:
- Minimize Traffic: Avoid walking on frozen or wet grass to prevent soil compaction.
- Clear Debris: Remove leaves and branches to prevent mold and pests.
- Plan Ahead: Schedule spring treatments like soil testing or fertilization for fall and winter lawn maintenance.
When to Call the Professionals
If you’re struggling to revive brown grass despite your efforts, it’s time to call in experts. Contact Grow Landscapes, offering professional lawn care services near Washington, DC, and in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Richmond, and the greater Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC areas, if you notice:
- Persistent browning or bare spots.
- Signs of pests (e.g., grubs) or fungal diseases (e.g., brown patches).
- Need for professional aeration, overseeding, or soil testing.
Our seasonal lawn treatment plans in Virginia and Maryland include:
- Lawn Health Assessments: We identify problems, including pH imbalances or nutrient shortages, in lawn health assessments.
- Seasonal Maintenance Plans: Customized weed control, aeration, and fertilizer plans.
- Expert Treatments: Focused solutions for soil issues, fungi, and insects.
Conclusion
When you notice grass stops growing, it’s often a natural response to seasonal changes in the Mid-Atlantic climate. You can revive brown grass, and a suitable seasonal lawn care plan can help you to keep it green all year. Don’t let a brown lawn stress you out—trust Grow Landscapes, serving Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Richmond, and the broader Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC regions, to bring it back to life. Ready to elevate your outdoor space? Our custom landscape design services bring your vision to life with a personalized design.
Schedule a seasonal lawn care consultation with Grow Landscapes today and enjoy a vibrant, healthy lawn every season.
