Why Is My Lawn Brown After the Snow Melts?
As winter fades and the snow melts, you might notice that your lawn has turned brown. While this may seem concerning, there’s no need to worry—this is a natural process. Your grass is likely in a dormant state, a survival mechanism that helps it conserve energy during harsh winter conditions.
* March 10, 2025. Tan grass surrounding a patch of grass that was covered in ice for most of the winter.
Why Does Dormant Grass Turn Brown?
Dormant grass stops actively growing. Instead of sending nutrients and water to the leaves, the plant shifts its focus to maintaining a healthy root system. Without active growth, chlorophyll (which gives grass its green color) production decreases, which causes the grass to lose its green color. This effect is even more noticeable in winters with less snow cover. When grass is exposed to UV light without snow protection, ti fades and takes on a tan appearance – much like how outdoor furniture fades in the sun.
During the winter of 2022 – 2023 there was a tremendous amount of snow cover on our grass in Minnesota and Wisconsin. This provided proection from the sun and thus a much better green coming out of winter as you can see in the photo below.
* March 30, 2023. Green grass showing as the snow melts.
When Will My Lawn Turn Green Again?
Unlike your sun faded patio furniture – as temperatures rise and spring arrives, your lawn will naturally begin to green up again. The transistion back to green occurs as new grass blades, emerge, replacing the faded ones from last fall. In Minnesota and Wisconsin, this typically happens in April, with most lawns returning to their lush green color by early May.
* March 14, 2025. Newly emerging blade of green grass from tan older leaves.
Different grass species and varieties green up at different rates. So if your neighbor’s lawn turns green before yours, don’t panic. Factors such as sunlight exposure, soil conditions, and grass type all play a role in how quickly a lawn comes out of dormancy. Rest assured, with time and warmth your lawn will green up too!
Should I Be Concerned?
Most of the time, brown grass after winter is nothing to worry about. However, if you’re unsure whether your lawn is just dormant or if there’s an underlying issue, our expert agronomists are here to help. Please reach out and one of our agronomists will assess your lawn’s condition and determine if any corrective action is needed.
So, have no fear – your lawn’s beautiful green color will return soon, and you’ll be enjoying it for another season!