We’ve noticed—both in our customers’ yards and around town—that lawns just aren’t greening up like they normally do. So, why are lawns so brown this spring?
Our observations, along with findings from the University of Minnesota, point to winter weather as the main culprit. This past winter brought unusual conditions: little snow cover and wide temperature swings. That combination damaged many grass types, leading to more widespread browning than normal.
Grass, like people, has a lot of genetic diversity. Some varieties handle stress better than others. Newer lawns seem to be the hardest hit. They often have shallower roots and less genetic variety, making them more vulnerable to tough weather.
On top of that, we had a dry fall. Many lawns entered winter already stressed, and that made it harder for them to bounce back—another reason why lawns are so brown right now.
What Can You Do?
Water and fertilize. These two steps will encourage healthy grass to spread and new shoots to grow.
If large sections of your lawn are dead, consider overseeding. Adding seed will help fill in bare spots faster and improve future resilience.
Still wondering, “Why is my lawn so brown?” The University of Minnesota has a great article that dives deeper into this issue: UMN Article on Brown Grass
Have questions about your lawn? Send us a photo—we’ll let you know what’s going on and how to bring your lawn back to life.