Is Your Lawn Dead or Just Dormant? Grass Maintenance Guide
A brown lawn in Dubai doesn’t always mean your grass is dead. Sometimes, it’s just dormant grass—resting to survive extreme heat. But how can you tell? Knowing the difference saves time, money, and effort in grass maintenance.
At AV Landscaping, we help villa owners, landscapers, and contractors keep lawns green year-round. Here’s a simple guide to spotting dead grass vs. dormant grass and what to do next.
What is Dormant Grass?
Dormant grass is alive but temporarily inactive to survive harsh conditions like Dubai’s summer heat.
✅ Signs your grass is dormant:
- Brown or yellow but firm at the roots
- Returns green after watering or cooler weather
- No dry, brittle patches
🌿 Tip: Most warm-season grasses (like Bermuda & Zoysia) go dormant in extreme heat but recover.
How to Identify Dead Grass
Dead grass won’t come back, no matter how much you water it.
❌ Signs your grass is dead:
- Crumbles when touched
- Roots are dry and lifeless
- Stays brown even after rainfall
- Mushy or moldy patches (from overwatering or disease)
🔍 Test it: Pull a small section—if roots are white and moist, it’s dormant. If they’re brittle and black, it’s dead.
Why Does Grass Die in Dubai?
Dubai’s climate is tough on lawns. Common causes of dead grass include:
☀️ Extreme heat & sunburn – Grass dries out quickly.
💧 Overwatering or underwatering – Both can kill roots.
🐜 Pests & diseases – Insects and fungi damage lawns.
🧂 High soil salinity – Common in UAE’s sandy soil.
🏡 For villa owners: Shaded areas may stay green, while sun-exposed grass struggles.
How to Fix Dead Patches
If your grass is dead, don’t worry—you can revive your lawn.
1. Remove Dead Grass
- Rake out dead patches.
- Loosen soil for new seeds.
2. Reseed or Re-sod
- Choose heat-tolerant grass (Bermuda, Paspalum).
- Lay fresh sod for instant results.
3. Improve Soil & Watering
- Use organic compost.
- Water early morning to prevent evaporation.
🌱 Pro Tip: Better contact a professional grass maintenance company that test soil quality to prevent future dead grass. Contact Now
How to Care for Dormant Grass
If your grass is dormant, proper care helps it bounce back faster.
💦 Water deeply but less often – 1-2 times per week is enough.
✂️ Avoid heavy mowing – Keep blades slightly longer for shade.
🌿 Use slow-release fertilizer – Helps when grass wakes up.
📅 Best time for recovery: Autumn, when temperatures cool.
Prevent Dead Grass in Dubai’s Climate
Want a lawn that survives Dubai summers? Follow these tips:
✔ Install smart irrigation – Saves water, keeps grass healthy.
✔ Choose drought-resistant grass – Bermuda & Zoysia work best. (How to Choose Grass?)
✔ Schedule professional grass maintenance – Regular care prevents dead patches.
🏆 AV Landscaping’s grass maintenance services include soil testing, pest control, and seasonal care.
When to Call a Professional?
If your lawn has:
- Large dead patches that won’t recover
- Pest infestations (white grubs, fungus)
- Uneven growth despite proper care
…it’s time to call AV Landscaping, the leading grass maintenance company in UAE.
🔧 Our services:
- Lawn repair & reseeding
- Custom irrigation solutions
- Year-round maintenance plans
📞 Contact us today for a free lawn inspection!
Dead grass and dormant grass look similar but need different care. In Dubai’s heat, proper grass maintenance is key to a green lawn.
If you’re unsure, test your grass or call experts like AV Landscaping. We help villa owners, landscapers, and contractors keep lawns healthy all year.
💧 Water wisely, choose the right grass, and get professional help when needed. Your lawn will thank you!
