Why Your Lawn Looks Average — And Why That’s OK (For Now)

Is your lawn brown and lifeless this winter? Don’t panic — it's not dead, just dormant. Learn how warm-season grasses in Adelaide respond to cold weather and what you can do now to prepare for a healthy spring recovery.

Summary

As winter sets in across South Australia, many lawns start to lose their vibrant green appearance, leaving homeowners wondering if their grass is dying. If you're looking at your patchy, discoloured lawn and thinking something's wrong — relax. What you're seeing is likely seasonal dormancy, especially if your lawn is a warm-season variety like Couch, Kikuyu, or Buffalo. In this blog, we explain why lawns change appearance in winter, how to distinguish dormancy from death, and what you can do now to protect your lawn and prepare for spring.

Understanding Winter Lawn Dormancy

In Adelaide, most home lawns are made up of warm-season grasses. These include:

• Couch: Fast-growing and fine-textured, but the first to lose colour in winter.
• Kikuyu: Hardy and resilient, it holds colour a little longer than Couch.
• Buffalo: Broad-leafed and shade-tolerant, with the best winter colour retention of the three.

These grasses flourish when temperatures are between 26–35°C, which makes them ideal for South Australian summers. However, as soon as daytime temperatures drop below 18°C, they begin to shut down growth processes and enter a resting phase called dormancy.

Dormancy is a protective mechanism. It allows the plant to conserve water and energy, directing nutrients to the root system while letting the visible blades fade in colour and growth.

What Dormant Grass Looks Like

When your lawn is dormant, you might notice:

• Pale, straw-like discolouration across the surface.
• Patchiness, especially in shaded or low-lying areas.
• Minimal or no growth, even after weeks.
• Dry or crunchy feel, particularly after frosts.

While it might look dead, a dormant lawn is still very much alive — it’s just waiting for warmer weather to "wake up" again.

What Causes the Colour Change?

1. Temperature Drops
   As the soil cools, metabolic activity slows. Grass stops producing chlorophyll (the green pigment), resulting in a faded appearance.
2. Reduced Sunlight
   Shorter days mean less light energy for photosynthesis, especially in shaded areas or lawns on the southern side of properties.
3. Frost
   Frosty mornings are common in Adelaide’s outer suburbs and turf-growing regions like Langhorne Creek. Frost can temporarily damage the outer leaf tissue, giving grass a silvery or burnt look.
4. Overwatering or Poor Drainage
   Heavy winter rains and compacted soil can lead to soggy lawns, which stress the roots and invite fungal diseases like brown patch or winter fusarium.

How to Tell the Difference Between Dormant and Dead Grass

Use this quick check to identify what’s really happening under the surface:

• Tug Test: Gently pull on the grass blades. If they resist and stay rooted, the lawn is dormant. If they come out easily with no green at the base, they may be dead or diseased.
• Check for Green at the Crown: Look closely at the base of the blade near the soil line. Dormant grass often has a hint of green there, especially in Buffalo or Kikuyu.
• Temperature Tracking: If daytime highs are consistently below 18°C, especially overnight lows near or below five degrees, your lawn is likely just responding normally to the season.

What You Can Do in Winter

Although you can’t “green up” a dormant lawn in winter, there are practical steps you can take to maintain health and give it the best chance to recover in spring.

1. Minimise Traffic

Walking on cold or frosted grass can damage brittle blades and compact the soil underneath. Use stepping stones or stick to pathways.

2. Keep It Clear

Leaves, debris, and garden clutter can suffocate the lawn and encourage disease. Rake regularly to improve air circulation and let in light.

3. Adjust Mowing Habits

You may not need to mow at all during winter, but if you do, mow high. Avoid cutting too short — this protects the crown of the grass and prevents shock.

4. Apply a Lawn Pigment or Colourant

Products like ColourGuard Plus can give a natural green tint without forcing growth. These are especially useful if lawn presentation is important for home sales or events.

5. Use Iron-Based Supplements

Iron helps intensify the remaining green pigment without promoting new growth. This is ideal during colder months when nitrogen fertilisers are ineffective and risky.

6. Monitor Drainage

After heavy rain, check for pooling or slow-draining areas. Aerating compacted spots and adding gypsum or coarse sand can help improve infiltration and root health.

7. Inspect for Weeds and Disease

Winter is a good time to target broadleaf weeds like clover or bindii. Use selective herbicides safe for your lawn type and follow up as needed.

Looking Ahead: Planning for Spring Recovery

Once soil temperatures rise above 18°C in early to mid-spring, your lawn will begin to wake up. You’ll likely notice:

• New green shoots emerging from the base.
• Faster growth, especially after rain.
• A need for mowing again.

To support recovery:

• Fertilise with a balanced spring starter fertiliser (with nitrogen).
• Begin regular mowing and irrigation.
• Consider a lawn renovation, including dethatching, aerating, and topdressing.

Your Lawn Isn’t Dead — It’s Resting

Winter dormancy isn’t a sign of failure — it’s nature working exactly as intended. With the right care now, you’ll be rewarded with a stronger, greener lawn in spring. Remember, grass is incredibly resilient. By giving it time, avoiding unnecessary damage, and planning for the season ahead, you’re setting the stage for healthy, lush growth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How long does dormancy last in Adelaide?
A: Typically from late May to mid-September, depending on temperatures and lawn variety.

Q: Is it worth laying turf in winter?
A: It can be done successfully if you manage watering carefully and temper expectations about appearance. Roots will still slowly establish.

Q: Can I still weed and feed during winter?
A: Yes, but only with winter-safe formulations. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers.

Q: Which lawn types keep the best winter colour?
A: In South Australia, kikuyu and Buffalo have the best winter colour retention, followed by Couch (Bermuda Grass). Couch tends to lose colour the most, but recovers quickly once spring hits.

Q: Should I irrigate my lawn in winter?
A: Rarely. Most lawns in Adelaide need little to no irrigation during winter. Only water if there’s been a long dry spell and the soil feels bone dry.