Tall fescue, like other cool season grasses, undergoes dormancy during the warmer months, causing it to turn a light brown color. When tall fescue is dormant, it loses its vibrant green hue and takes on a more muted, straw-like appearance. This change in color is a natural response to the environmental conditions, as the grass conserves its energy and resources to survive during periods of heat and drought.
During the dormant phase, tall fescue blades become dry and brittle, lacking the lushness and softness typically associated with healthy, actively growing grass. The blades may also become slightly thinner and less dense, as the plant redirects its energy to below-ground growth rather than leaf production. This can result in a sparser overall appearance, with patches of bare soil more visible.
One characteristic of tall fescue when dormant is its ability to retain some green coloration in shaded areas. While the majority of the lawn may have turned brown, areas under trees or in shaded corners may still display a hint of green. This is because shade provides some relief from the intense heat and sun exposure, allowing the grass to maintain a semblance of vitality even during dormancy.
It is worth noting that the transition from green to brown and back again is a natural part of the seasonal cycle for cool season grasses like tall fescue. As temperatures cool down and moisture levels increase in the fall, tall fescue will emerge from dormancy and regain its green color, returning to its active growth phase. This cycle repeats itself year after year, with the grass transitioning between periods of dormancy and vigorous growth.
In my personal experience, I have observed the distinctive brown color of tall fescue during dormancy in my own lawn. During the summer months, when temperatures soar and rainfall becomes scarce, the once lush and vibrant tall fescue gradually transforms into a dry, straw-like state. It can be disheartening to see the lawn lose its green charm, but I take solace in knowing that this is a natural and temporary phase.
To summarize, tall fescue appears light brown and dry when dormant. Its blades become brittle, thinner, and less dense, resulting in a sparser overall appearance. However, shaded areas may retain some green coloration. This dormancy is a normal part of the seasonal cycle for cool season grasses and will be followed by a return to green and active growth when conditions become favorable again.
