In Wisconsin, cool-season grass stops growing from late October to November when air temperatures consistently drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
During summer, grass may also slow down if it doesn’t receive enough water and can enter dormancy when soil temperatures reach 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit.
When grass stops growing in fall and winter
In Wisconsin, grass stops growing in the fall, typically between late October and November, as cooler air and soil temperatures signal it to slow down and prepare for winter dormancy.
How air temperature affects grass growth
Cool-season grasses, which are common in Wisconsin, love air temperatures between 55 F and 75 F. This is when they really thrive and grow strong.
However, once the air temperature drops below 50 F — usually by late October — you’ll see a noticeable slowdown in the growth of cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass.
By early November, when frost starts settling in Wisconsin, these grasses enter a state of dormancy, meaning they stop growing for the winter.
How soil temperature affects grass growth
Grass roots are a bit more sensitive. They start to grow when the soil warms up to above 32 F, but they really prefer soil temperatures between 50 F and 65 F for optimal growth.
As fall sets in and temperatures drop, grass growth slows down, preparing for dormancy. When soil temperatures drop to 32 F, growth completely halts.
This dormancy is a natural way for the grass to conserve energy during the chilly winter months. By early November, most grasses in Wisconsin have stopped growing as the soil cools.
Remember: Soil temperature drops more slowly than air temperature in the fall. This is because soil can hold onto heat longer, which means the growing season for cool-season grasses can stretch a bit longer. They get to build stronger roots until the soil temperatures dip to the freezing point (32 F).
Pro Tip: To keep tabs on soil temperatures, consider using GreenCast. This handy tool provides real-time soil temperature data, helping you know exactly when it’s the right time to water or fertilize your lawn.
When grass stops growing in summer
During the summer months, particularly July to August, grass in Wisconsin may stop growing as it experiences stress due to extreme heat. When soil temperatures reach 85-90 F, cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass enter dormancy, leading to a brown appearance that can concern homeowners.
To check if your grass is still alive in summer, look for the following signs:
- Inspect the crown: Look for any white tissue around the grass crown, which indicates that it is still alive.
- Look for green leaves: Presence of green tissue in the leaf blades is a positive sign.
- Check root stability: Roots should feel firmly attached to the crown; if they detach easily, the grass may be dying.
Plan your lawn care around dormancy
Dormancy is nature’s way of helping grass survive the harsh winter. When temperatures drop and the frost sets in, your grass essentially takes a break, slowing down all its growth activities. But don’t worry — once the warmer weather returns in spring, your lawn will wake up and start growing again.
Understanding when and why your grass goes dormant is crucial for effective planning for your month-to-month Wisconsin lawn care calendar. Knowing these patterns allows you to make informed decisions about when to water and fertilize, when to stop mowing, or simply when to let your lawn rest.
More Wisconsin resources
For a deeper dive into lawn and garden care in Wisconsin, explore these comprehensive guides:
Lawn maintenance and care:
- The Best Time to Dethatch Your Lawn in Wisconsin
- The Common Weeds in Wisconsin
- When to Apply Weed and Feed in Wisconsin
- When to Apply Grub Control in Wisconsin
- When to Apply Crabgrass Preventer in Wisconsin
Grass planting and growth:
- The Best Grass Seed for Wisconsin Lawns
- The Best Time to Plant Grass Seed in Wisconsin
- Should You Plant a Clover Lawn in Wisconsin?
- When to Plant Clover in Wisconsin
Enhancing your landscape
FAQ about lawn care in Wisconsin
Is my grass dead or dormant?
To determine if your grass is dead or dormant, look for specific signs. Dormant grass typically turns an even brown color due to environmental stress from drought or extreme temperatures, while dead grass often appears in irregular patches.
To further assess its condition, you can do the following:
- Perform a tug test. If the grass resists pulling and the roots look white, it’s likely dormant.
- Check soil moisture levels and conduct soil tests for nutrients to better understand your grass’s health.
For more information, you check our guide: “How to Tell If Your Grass is Dead or Dormant.”
When is the most productive growing season for Wisconsin lawns?
In Wisconsin, lawns thrive best during the cooler spring and fall months.
In spring, as temperatures warm up and rainfall increases, grass springs to life, growing vigorously. This productive growth continues into the fall when cooler temperatures and plenty of moisture help the grass prepare for winter.
How can I monitor soil temperatures in my Wisconsin lawn?
To effectively monitor soil temperatures in your lawn, consider using a soil thermometer.
This tool lets you check the temperature directly in the ground, helping you plan your lawn care tasks more effectively. Knowing the soil temperature can help timing fertilizing, watering, mowing, and generally caring for your lawn.
Leave lawn care to a pro
If you’re unsure how to care for your lawn during dormancy or need expert help managing growth patterns in Wisconsin throughout the year, let a reliable pro handle it.
Whether it’s navigating seasonal changes, coming up with the best lawn care schedule, or simply ensuring your grass thrives, we can connect you with a local lawn care expert to keep your yard in top shape.
Main Image Credit: Emery Grant House in Kenosha, WI | Teemu008 | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0
