Zoysia grass is a popular warm-season turf variety favored across Georgia for its dense growth and resilience to summer heat. Like other warm-season grasses, Zoysia enters a protective state called dormancy to survive cold winter temperatures. During dormancy, the grass conserves energy by halting active growth, allowing the root system and crown to remain viable until warmer weather returns. This seasonal transition is a normal part of maintaining a Zoysia lawn in the state.
Temperature Triggers and Regional Dormancy Onset
Zoysia dormancy begins when consistent nighttime air temperatures drop below 55°F. This temperature decline signals the end of the growing season, prompting the grass to prepare for winter. The timing of this shift varies significantly across Georgia due to the state’s north-to-south span.
North Georgia, including the Atlanta area, typically sees dormancy start earlier, usually in late October or early November. Central Georgia generally transitions later, often around mid-to-late November. In South Georgia’s warmer climate, Zoysia may remain green well into December, sometimes experiencing only a partial or brief dormant period during mild winters.
Visual Indicators of Zoysia Dormancy
The most visible sign of Zoysia entering dormancy is a distinct color change. The deep green of the active season gradually fades, transforming into a tan or straw-brown hue. This progressive process often starts at the tips of the blades and moves inward.
This straw-like color indicates that the grass has successfully shut down its above-ground growth. The grass remains alive during this period, concentrating energy and resources in the crown and the root system just below the soil surface. The healthy roots are ready to resume growth in the spring.
Spring Green-Up and Seasonal Recovery
Zoysia breaks dormancy only when soil temperatures warm up consistently, requiring a sustained 60°F to 65°F at a four-inch depth. This rising temperature signals the grass to begin actively growing and producing chlorophyll, a process known as spring green-up. The timing of recovery mirrors the regional variation seen during dormancy onset.
In South Georgia, green-up can begin as early as late March. Central Georgia typically sees a return to green throughout April. North Georgia, with its cooler microclimates, often experiences the latest recovery, with full green-up sometimes not occurring until late April or early May.
Essential Winter Care and Maintenance
The maintenance regimen changes dramatically during dormancy to support survival and prepare for spring growth.
Fertilizer and Watering
Nitrogen-based fertilizer applications should be suspended once the grass slows growth in the fall. Applying fertilizer to dormant turf is inefficient because the grass cannot absorb the nutrients, increasing the risk of fungal disease or runoff. Although the grass is not actively growing, it still requires minimal moisture to prevent root desiccation. Homeowners should water the dormant lawn deeply and infrequently, such as once every three to four weeks during extended dry spells.
Traffic and Weed Control
Avoid heavy foot traffic on the brittle, dormant blades. Traffic can easily damage the grass crowns and create visible paths that recover slowly in the spring. Clearing fallen leaves and debris is also important, as a thick layer can smother the turf and harbor pathogens that cause winter diseases like brown patch. Applying a pre-emergent herbicide when soil temperatures drop to 55°F in the fall helps control winter annual weeds that germinate while the Zoysia is dormant.