Every fall, homeowners watch their lush Bermuda lawns fade from bright green to tan. The change can seem alarming, but don't worry – it's not dying.
Bermuda grass in winter simply enters a dormancy phase, a natural resting period that protects the roots until warmth returns.
With a few smart adjustments, you can keep your Bermuda lawn healthy through cold weather and ready to thrive again in spring.
At Lawn Synergy, we've spent over 30 years caring for high-end estates across the South. Now, we're here to help you make the most of your Bermuda grass, even in winter.
What this article covers:
- What Happens to Bermuda Grass in Winter
- How to Care for Bermuda Grass During Winter
- How to Keep Bermuda Grass Green in Winter
- Common Winter Problems (and Fixes)
- When Bermuda Grass Wakes Up
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens to Bermuda Grass in Winter
Bermuda is a classic warm-season grass, thriving in heat between 75 and 95°F. When soil temperatures drop below about 60°F, the grass stops growing and begins to shut down above ground.
The green color fades to brown, and the Bermuda lawn enters dormancy: a normal, healthy process that conserves energy.
This phase allows the root system to survive winter stress. Once soil temperatures rise above 65°F in spring, Bermuda resumes growth and regains its rich green color.
The process happens naturally and ensures the plant's long-term vigor.
Why Bermuda Turns Brown
When Bermuda loses its green color, it's a complex physiological shift driven by soil temperature, daylight duration, and the plant's internal survival mechanisms.
As fall arrives, shorter days reduce photosynthetic activity, and cooler soil temperatures slow enzyme function. The grass begins to conserve energy by reallocating sugars from the leaves down into the stolons, rhizomes, and roots.
Chlorophyll – the pigment that gives Bermuda its vivid green hue –breaks down faster than it's produced once soil temperatures fall below roughly 60°F.
Without active chlorophyll, light energy can't be captured efficiently, so the plant essentially shuts down nonessential processes to protect itself.
Meanwhile, the underground portions of the plant remain metabolically active at a low level.
Carbohydrates stored during the summer are now being used to maintain vital root respiration and protect cell structures from freezing.
This is why lawns that received balanced feeding (including potassium) in early fall typically re-emerge greener and faster in spring: their roots have more reserves to pull from when temperatures rise again.
How to Care for Bermuda Grass During Winter
Your focus during winter should shift from growth to protection. Every action you take now supports a stronger spring recovery.
Stop Fertilizing
Fertilizer timing is critical. Avoid nitrogen-heavy applications after early fall, as they can promote new growth that frost will damage.
Instead, use a winterizer rich in potassium to strengthen the root system before the cold sets in.
Lawn Synergy's Emerald 10-0-20 Lawn Fertilizer is an ideal choice. It supports root density and carbohydrate storage, helping Bermuda withstand dormancy while maintaining soil balance.
Water Less Often
Once your Bermuda goes dormant, it needs far less water. A light watering every two or three weeks during dry weather is enough to prevent soil cracking or root dehydration. Overwatering cold soil increases the risk of fungus and rot.
If you're in a region with consistent rainfall, you can turn off irrigation completely until early spring.
Mow Higher Before Dormancy
Before the first frost, raise your mowing height by half to one inch. Taller blades insulate the crown and roots, protecting them from temperature fluctuations. Make sure your mower blades are sharp to prevent tearing the grass.
Once the lawn is fully brown, stop mowing altogether until new growth appears in spring.
Clear Debris and Leaves
A clean surface helps dormant Bermuda breathe. Leaves, acorns, and yard debris can trap moisture and cause mold or disease. Lightly rake or blow off debris every week or two to keep air circulation consistent.
This also allows sunlight to penetrate and warm the soil, promoting faster spring recovery.
Limit Foot Traffic
Dormant grass is more fragile than growing turf. Walking, parking, or playing on it can compact the soil and damage crowns. Use designated walkways or stepping stones to protect high-traffic areas. For pet owners, rotating play zones helps minimize wear.
How to Keep Bermuda Grass Green in Winter
If you prefer a green lawn year-round, overseeding your Bermuda grass seed is your best option. Early fall is the perfect time – roughly six to eight weeks before the first frost.
Mow your Bermuda lawn short (about one inch) to expose the soil. Then, broadcast 5–10 pounds of ryegrass seed per 1,000 square feet.
Use a rake to ensure good soil contact and water lightly every day until germination, usually within a week.
Once established, ryegrass provides rich color through the winter months, while Bermuda rests below. When spring warmth returns, the ryegrass fades naturally, allowing Bermuda to reclaim the lawn.
For transition-zone homeowners comparing Bermuda grass vs fescue, remember that overseeding gives you seasonal color without switching to a permanent cool-season grass.
If you prefer a mixed or cooler-tolerant turf, try HighGreen Turf-Type Tall Fescue Seed for resilient, deep-green coverage.
Common Winter Problems (and Fixes)
Even a well-maintained lawn can show stress in winter. Recognizing the cause helps you correct issues quickly.
|
Problem |
Cause |
Solution |
|
Patchy brown spots |
Uneven dormancy or frost damage |
Avoid foot traffic during frosty mornings and gently rake to allow airflow |
|
Weeds appearing |
Dormant Bermuda leaves open soil exposed |
Apply a pre-emergent herbicide in late fall before weed seeds germinate |
|
Slow spring green-up |
Compacted soil or overwatering |
Aerate in early spring and reduce irrigation frequency |
|
Dead patches |
Prolonged freeze or standing water |
Reseed bare areas using Bermuda plugs or seed in spring |
For lawns with drainage problems or hard, compacted soil, apply Gypsum Soil Conditioner. It loosens clay-heavy soils, improves air exchange, and promotes deeper root growth.
When Bermuda Grass Wakes Up
Bermuda begins greening up in late March through May, depending on your region. The key is soil temperature: it should stay above 65°F before you resume fertilizing or mowing.
Feeding too early wastes nutrients and can stimulate weeds before Bermuda fully wakes up.
Once growth begins, gradually lower your mowing height and return to your standard watering schedule. Patience pays off: full green color can take several weeks to return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bermuda Grass Die in the Winter?
No. Bermuda grass in winter is dormant, not dead. Its brown appearance is simply a survival strategy to withstand cold temperatures. Once the soil warms, it naturally greens up again.
Should I Water Bermuda Grass During the Winter?
Water sparingly. If rainfall is scarce, irrigate every two or three weeks to keep the soil slightly moist. Avoid watering cold, saturated soil – it can lead to fungal disease.
Can Frost Kill Bermuda Grass?
Light frost only affects the blades, not the roots. Extended freezes may brown the top growth, but Bermuda's underground rhizomes remain alive and healthy.
Should I Mow Dormant Bermuda Grass?
Only once, right before it goes dormant. Raise the mowing height slightly to help insulate the crown and roots. Avoid mowing once it's brown or frosty, as that can stress the plant.
Conclusion
Winter is a time for maintenance, not growth. The best thing you can do for your Bermuda lawn during cold months is protect the roots, minimize stress, and prepare for spring recovery.
Avoid fertilizing cold soil, limit irrigation, and keep debris off the surface. If you want to maintain a green appearance, plan your overseeding early in the fall.
At Lawn Synergy, we make professional turf care accessible for homeowners.
Achieving estate-level results all year long is possible, whether you're managing a Bermuda lawn in Georgia, Florida, or the Carolinas. All you need is Lawn Synergy.
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