When grass ceases growth in North Carolina depends entirely on the type of turfgrass present. This complexity arises because the state’s geography places it squarely within the transition zone. Understanding this zone and the two primary categories of grasses—warm-season and cool-season—is necessary to predict the timing of growth cessation. Specific temperature thresholds dictate whether the grass will enter a true dormant state or merely experience a significant slowdown in its growth rate.
The Role of North Carolina’s Transition Zone
North Carolina occupies a challenging middle ground in turf management, a region where neither northern cool-season grasses nor southern warm-season grasses thrive perfectly year-round. The state’s climate features summers that are often too hot and humid for cool-season varieties and winters that are too cold for optimal performance from warm-season types. This geographical reality means that homeowners must choose the turf that best suits their location within the state and their maintenance goals.
The timing of when a lawn stops growing is a direct consequence of this choice. Warm-season grasses, such as Bermuda and Zoysia, flourish in the summer heat but go completely dormant in winter. Cool-season grasses, including Tall Fescue and Kentucky Bluegrass, prefer the spring and fall but experience growth stress in the summer and a significant slowdown in the coldest months.
Dormancy Timing for Warm-Season Grasses
Warm-season turfgrasses, which are popular in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain regions, enter a state of true dormancy once temperatures drop significantly. This complete cessation of growth is primarily triggered by consistent soil temperatures below a specific threshold. These grasses stop growing when the soil temperature falls consistently below 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Visually, this process is marked by the grass blades turning a uniform straw-brown color, a natural defense mechanism that protects the plant’s crown and root system through winter. Dormancy typically begins in late October and extends into November, depending on the location within North Carolina. Bermuda, Zoysia, and Centipede grass remain dormant until soil temperatures reliably warm again in the spring.
Winter Slowdown for Cool-Season Grasses
Cool-season grasses, like Tall Fescue, which dominate the Mountain and upper Piedmont regions, do not experience the same true dormancy as their warm-season counterparts. Instead of a complete stoppage, they undergo a significant reduction in growth rate during the coldest periods. These grasses are genetically programmed to grow best when air temperatures are between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, which occurs during the spring and fall in North Carolina.
The slowdown in growth occurs when air temperatures consistently drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and root growth is minimal when soil temperatures fall into the 33 to 45 degree range. While shoot growth is nearly halted, the plant remains metabolically active, allowing it to stay green throughout the winter. During warmer spells, a homeowner may still need to perform an occasional, light mowing, as the grass has not stopped growing entirely.
Essential Maintenance When Growth Stops
Once the grass has entered its winter state, whether dormant or slowed, homeowners should adjust their maintenance routines to support the plant’s health until spring. A final mowing for warm-season grass should be performed at a slightly lower height than usual to prevent matting and minimize the risk of snow mold. Cool-season grass should be kept at a higher height throughout the winter to protect the crowns and promote photosynthesis during warmer days.
Watering should be significantly reduced or stopped altogether, as the turf requires far less moisture when growth is minimal or halted. Heavy nitrogen-rich fertilization should be avoided until the spring, especially on warm-season varieties, as late-season nitrogen encourages tender new growth susceptible to cold injury. Focus instead on removing leaves and debris, which block sunlight and trap moisture, setting the stage for disease during the winter months.