Zoysia is a warm-season turfgrass known for its dense, carpet-like growth and excellent tolerance to heat and drought. Its natural growth cycle is entirely dependent on warmer temperatures. The simple answer to whether Zoysia turns brown in winter is yes; this color change is a sign of a natural, temporary survival state called dormancy. This seasonal browning is not a sign of a dying lawn but rather a protective measure the grass takes to survive cold weather until spring returns.
The Physiology of Zoysia Dormancy
The browning of Zoysia grass is a biological response to dropping temperatures that initiates a protective shutdown of its active growth engine. Since Zoysia’s metabolism is optimized for heat, its growth slows significantly when temperatures cool. The visible green color comes from chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for photosynthesis in the leaf blades.
When the plant senses the sustained onset of cold, it stops producing chlorophyll and begins to break down the existing pigment in the above-ground leaf tissue. This process causes the blades to lose their green color and take on a tan or straw-like hue. The grass then relocates its energy reserves, primarily carbohydrates and nutrients, from the blades down to the protected crown and root system. This energy storage allows the plant to survive the winter safely below the soil surface, ready to regrow once warm weather returns.
When Zoysia Turns Brown and What to Expect
The transition to a brown, dormant state is triggered by specific environmental factors, primarily temperature. Zoysia typically begins to enter dormancy when soil temperatures consistently drop below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, or when air temperatures dip below freezing. In many regions, this transition usually occurs between the first frost and late November, though the exact timing varies depending on the climate.
Once fully dormant, the lawn will have a uniform, straw-colored appearance, often described as a tan or light brown carpet. This visual state is normal and indicates the grass is resting, which is different from a dead or diseased lawn. A healthy, dormant lawn will feel dry but should remain intact, whereas dead grass pulls up easily. The duration of this brown period depends on the climate zone, lasting only a month or two in the warmest southern regions but potentially covering nearly half the year in cooler transition zones.
Essential Fall Preparation for Winter Survival
Proper preparation in the fall is important for ensuring the grass survives the winter and greens up successfully in the spring. As the growing season winds down, one of the final tasks is applying a “winterizer” fertilizer. This late-season feeding should be low in nitrogen but rich in potassium, which strengthens the plant’s cell walls and boosts cold tolerance. The final fertilizer application should be timed about four to six weeks before the first expected hard frost.
Homeowners should also adjust their mowing height as temperatures begin to cool. While Zoysia is maintained at a low height, the final few cuts before dormancy should be slightly lower than the usual cutting height. This lower cut helps prevent the grass blades from matting down over the winter, which can lead to fungal diseases like snow mold. As grass growth slows, significantly reduce the frequency of watering, only providing supplemental moisture during unusually dry periods to prevent root desiccation.
The Spring Transition Back to Green
The end of the dormant period is signaled by the warming of the soil, which restarts the grass’s metabolic processes. Zoysia begins to exit dormancy and initiate spring green-up when soil temperatures consistently rise above 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature threshold signals to the grass crown that it is safe to move stored energy back into the new leaf tissue. The process of the lawn regaining its vibrant green color can be gradual, sometimes taking several weeks.
To help the grass emerge from its dormant state, post-dormancy care can be beneficial. Lightly scalping the lawn—mowing it shorter than usual—removes the accumulated layer of tan, dead leaf blades from the previous season. This removal allows sunlight and warmth to reach the soil surface more easily, which encourages faster green-up. Once the lawn is actively growing and about 50% green, applying the first fertilizer of the season, which is typically a nitrogen-based product, accelerates the return to a dense, lush green appearance.