Spring is underway, and the grass will be looking better and better every week as the weather warms up. However, you may notice that not all of the grass greens up evenly. Why is that? Why is there still dormant grass?
Not all grass greens up from winter dormancy at the same time. Some species like Kentucky bluegrass, perennial rye grass, and fine fescue will green up rather quickly. They are considered cool season grasses. Cool season grasses will grow at lower soil and air temperatures than warm season grasses.
Warm season grasses will take longer to green up because they need warmer soil and air temperatures to do so. The two main types of warm season grass in West Michigan are zoysia grass and Bermuda grass. These grasses will stay dormant and brown longer after the cool season grasses, like Kentucky bluegrass, start to grow. The reverse is true for the fall. Zoysia and Bermuda grass will go dormant sooner in the fall when the soil and air temperatures start to cool off.
Even though some grass may be dormant for now, they do very well when it does warm up. It is just the nature of it. Each type of grass has its own perks and its own drawbacks.