As a homeowner or gardener, you may be wondering if grass continues to grow during the colder months of the year.
After all, the lush green lawns we all strive for tend to turn brown and dormant during the winter season. So, does grass actually grow in winter? The answer is not quite as straightforward as you might think.
This article will clarify what you need to know about the growth cycle of grass and whether or not it continues in winter.
Does Grass Grow in Winter?
The simple answer to the question is yes, grass does continue to grow in winter but at a much slower rate than it does during the warmer months.
Grass will continue to grow until temperatures drop below freezing, which is typically between December and February (US) depending on your location. Once temperatures fall below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degree Celsius), you will notice that your grass begins to turn brown as it goes dormant for the winter season.
Factors that Hinder the Growth of Grass During Winter Months
There are several factors that can impact the growth of grass in winter, including temperature, sunlight, and moisture.
Temperature:
Grass, like all plants, has a range of temperatures in which it can thrive. When temperatures drop below freezing, grass will become dormant, meaning it will stop growing and will not require as much water.
However, this does not mean that the grass is dead. In fact, most grasses are able to survive the winter months and will start growing again when the temperature begins to rise.
Sunlight:
Sunlight is another important factor that can impact the growth of grass in winter.
According to truegreen.com grass requires at least 6 hours of sunlight.
During the winter months, the days are shorter and the angle of the sun is lower in the sky, which can result in less direct sunlight for your lawn.
This can also affect the temperature of the soil, as it will not be as warm as it is during the summer months. While grass does need sunlight to grow, it can still grow to some extent in the lower light conditions of winter, especially if the temperature is not too cold.
Moisture:
Moisture is also an important factor for grass growth in winter.
While it is important to water your lawn during the summer to keep it green and healthy, it is also important to water it during the winter, especially if the weather is dry.
This is because the grass will still be using water to survive, even if it is not actively growing. If the soil is too dry, the grass may become stressed and more susceptible to disease or damage.
husqvarna.com mentions that lawn should be water twice a week, even during winter grass does need some water.
Types of Grass that Grow in Winter
Not all types of grass are able to withstand the cold temperatures and lower light conditions of winter. Some types of grass, such as cool-season grasses, are better suited to survive the winter months. These include:
1. Annual Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum):
This grass is a cool-season grass that can be used as a winter overseed in warmer regions. It grows quickly, but its growth slows down during cooler temperatures.
2. Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne):
This is a tall grass that has good cold tolerance and can be used as a winter overseed or to fill in bare areas.
On the other hand, warm-season grasses, such as Bermuda grass and St. Augustine grass, are not as tolerant of cold temperatures and are more likely to go dormant during the winter months.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, grass does not actively grow during the winter months, but it can still survive and may even grow to some extent if the temperature is not too cold and there is sufficient moisture and sunlight.
The type of grass you have will also play a role in its ability to survive the winter months.
Proper care, such as watering and mowing, can help your grass make it through the winter and be ready to grow again when spring arrives.