When I first started learning about lawn care, I was told to mow the grass weekly during the growing season. But I had no idea when the growing season was! My grass seemed to grow all year long, even if very slowly during the winter months. When does grass stop growing enough to mark the end of the season? And how can I prepare my lawn for winter when the grass finally goes dormant?
Knowing how to care for your lawn when grass growth slows can set you up for a lush, healthy yard come spring.
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At What Temp Does Grass Slow Down Growing?
Grass growth changes with the weather, and different types of grass grow better at different temperatures. Cool-season grasses love the cooler months, while warm-season varieties are more active in the summer heat.
Use this chart to see when grass stops growing and when it thrives:
Grass Growth Cycle Chart
| Climate | Grass Variety | Optimum Temperature for Growth | When Growth Slows or Stops |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cool-season |
|
65ºF – 75ºF | Below 40ºF and above 85ºF |
| Warm-season |
|
90ºF – 95ºF | Below 75ºF and above 100ºF |
*These degrees represent the outside temperature, not soil temps
Keep in mind that these temperatures are general guidelines to help you decide which type of grass will thrive best in your climate. However, each grass variety even has its own tolerance to weather conditions. For instance, Zoysia and Bermuda are both warm-season varieties, but Zoysia can withstand cooler temperatures a bit longer than Bermuda.
Don’t worry if the temperature drops for a day or two—grass won’t stop growing or go dormant that quickly. But if temps stay too high or too low for a couple of weeks, the grass will eventually go dormant.
That said, sudden shifts in temperature can still stress your lawn. A stressed lawn grows slowly and is more likely to get diseases or become damaged. Keep an eye out for changing weather so you can plan ahead with simple steps like adding mulch or adjusting your mowing height to keep your lawn healthy and less stressed.
When Does Grass Stop Growing in Your Region?
The month when grass stops growing depends on your local climate and the type of grass you have. In many places, growth starts slowing around October as temperatures drop. But not all grasses behave the same. Knowing how grass grows in your region makes it easier to tweak your lawn care routine.
Northern Regions
What month does grass stop growing in the northern region? Cool-season grasses such as Kentucky Bluegrass and Fescue typically stop growing by late November or early December. Once the soil temperature falls below 55°F, grass growth significantly decreases until it eventually stops. At this point, it’s best to stop mowing and start prepping for winter dormancy. If temps hover just above freezing, you may see the grass growing just a bit more before winter fully sets in.
Southern Regions
In southern areas, warm-season grasses such as Bermuda grass and St. Augustine lawn grass stop growing earlier in the fall as temperatures drop below 50-60°F. This typically happens by late September or October. As winter approaches, warm-season grasses go dormant, so you’ll see them turn brown until the warmth returns in the spring.
Transition Zones
There isn’t one right answer to when grasses stop growing or go dormant in the transition zone because it depends on the type of grass you choose and the weather conditions in your area.
For example, Bermuda grass (warm-season) will grow quickly during the hot summer months but will go dormant when temperatures drop below 50°F. In Kentucky, this might happen around late September or mid-October. But in the coastal regions of North Carolina, temps typically don’t fall below 50°F until late November.
So, if you live in Kentucky and want your grass to grow greener for longer when temps cool down, you need to add cool-season grass to your lawn. Many homeowners opt for a transition zone grass seed mix to keep their lawns lush year-round.
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Don’t Stop Caring Just Because the Grass Stops Growing
When grass stops growing, don’t stop your lawn care efforts. Having the lush lawn of your dreams depends on the care you put in now, even when your grass goes dormant. By preparing your grass for winter, you’re giving it the strength to come back greener and healthier. So when the growing season returns, your lawn will certainly thank you!