Should You Stop Mowing Dormant Grass During a Dry Spell?

A brown, dormant lawn may need a break from mowing during a prolonged dry spell, especially when the grass has stopped actively growing and the soil has become hard and dusty. Wait for fresh growth and suitable soil conditions before resuming mowing, and keep the mower deck higher to reduce stress on the grass – Shutterstock

When grass turns brown during a dry spell, the lawnmower may suddenly look less like a helpful garden tool and more like an unnecessary weekly appointment. In many cases, stopping or dramatically reducing mowing makes sense, especially when the grass has entered true dormancy and the soil has become too dry to support active growth.

The tricky part involves recognizing the difference between dormant grass and grass that simply needs a little water. A lawn can look tan, pause its growth, and still recover nicely when rain returns, but mowing at the wrong time can add stress when the plants already have very little water to spare. The right approach depends on the grass type, weather conditions, soil moisture, and whether the lawn still shows signs of active growth.