Why Is My Lawn Turning Brown? Don't Panic—It May Not Be Dead!

Gazonnière Alexander
Aug 3
2 min read

If you are from the Terrebonne-Mascouche and you've looked out at your lawn lately, it is possible you may have noticed patches of your lawn turning brown, you're not alone. July's hot temperatures and dry conditions can leave homeowners wondering if their lawn is dying. The good news? In many cases, your lawn isn't dead, it may simply be dormant.

Green and brown grass — photo: Engin Akyurt via Pexels

What Is Lawn Dormancy? Dormancy is your lawn's natural way of protecting itself during periods of heat and drought. Instead of using valuable energy to stay green, the grass slows its growth and turns brown to conserve moisture. Think of it as your lawn going into "survival mode." Most healthy lawns can remain dormant for several weeks and will green up again once cooler temperatures and regular rainfall return. How Can You Tell the Difference?

Here are a few signs to help determine whether your lawn is dormant or dead:

Your lawn is likely dormant if:

The grass is evenly brown but still firmly rooted in the soil.
The blades feel dry, but the crowns (where the grass meets the soil) are still alive.
It has been very hot or dry for an extended period.

Your lawn may be dead if:

The grass pulls out of the ground easily with little resistance.
Large areas remain brown long after cooler weather or consistent watering returns.
There are signs of disease or insect damage.

brown grass — photo: Engin Akyurt via Pexels

How to Help Your Lawn Recover

If your lawn is dormant, a few simple practices can help it recover when conditions improve:

Water generously rather than frequently. One thorough watering encourages deeper roots than several light waterings.
Water early in the morning. This reduces evaporation and allows moisture to reach the roots.
Raise your mowing height. Taller grass shades the soil, helping it retain moisture.
Avoid fertilizing during extreme heat. Your lawn is already under stress, and fertilizer can do more harm than good during very hot weather.
Limit heavy foot traffic. Dormant grass is more fragile and can be damaged more easily.

a lawn mower at work on a sunny day — photo: Magic K via Pexels

Is It Too Late to Install Sod? Not at all! Sod can still be installed during the summer as long as it receives an appropriate amount of water for the 2 weeks following the installation. Fresh sod offers an instant, healthy lawn, but it does require consistent moisture during the first few weeks to develop strong roots. If you're considering installing new sod, be prepared to follow a regular watering schedule, especially during periods of hot weather.