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What Temperature Does Grass Stop Growing?

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All of you choose the perfect soil and grass for your lawn to keep it looking its best. For further maintenance, you keep tracking the factors of the best grass repairing and growth. One of these factors is the temperature at which the grass stops growing.

You must be looking for the answer to “what temperature does grass stop growing” to schedule your mowing. You won’t be losing your hardy, green grass if you find the exact answer to this question.

Continue reading this article to get your hands on the grass trimming regimen to ensure a beautiful and appealing garden.

What Temperature Does Grass Stop Growing

Relationship Between Grass Growth and Temperature

The grass growth rate depends on the various factor, which are:

  • Day length
  • Moisture supply
  • Grass-type
  • Sunshine
  • Oxygen
  • Temperature
  • Nutrients

The temperature is the most influential component that affects grass growth, and the grass stops growing when it is not getting the adequate temperature. Therefore, not only the soil temperature but the air temperature also greatly affects the grass growth rate.

The soil’s temperature holds the roots coinciding with the air temperature, and the optimum temperature for both is 5°C (41°F).

Any value below this scale will stall grass growth irrespective of the other requirements being fulfilled. 5 Degree Celsius to 10°C is the range where the grass growth is at its maximum.

The effect of temperature can either be enhanced or reduced depending on the region and the grass type. Furthermore, temperature influences many plant processes, including transpiration, respiration, germination, photosynthesis, and flowering.

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Effects Of Air And Soil Temperature On Grass Growth

The air and soil temperature are significant parameters in plants growth. The effects contributed by the temperature of air and soil is discussed here:

Soil Temperature

Soil is where the grass lives, and the temperature of this place greatly affects its health and growth. The warmer the soil, the more energy it has that speeds up the chemical process, enhancing grass growth. The ideal soil temperature for grass seeding is 9-12 degrees (including other conditions, like moisture).

The factors that affect soil temperature are solar radiation, atmospheric conditions, compost and manure, angle of slope, soil composition, texture. Warm soil is better for grass growth as it induces vegetation development in water and nutrient uptake.

The warm soil aggravates the photosynthesis letting grass make food quicker and grow faster. In contrast, the cold soil is not suitable for the water to flow smoothly, ultimately having ceased grass growth.

This direct correlation between the temperature of the soil and the grass growth rate varies for grass types.

  • Cool-Season Grass Seed needs 50–65℉ soil temperatures.
  • Warm-Season Grass Seed requires 65–70℉ soil temperatures.

Air Temperature

The growth of a plant is dependent on air to photosynthesize and breathe. Generally, grass stops growing below 40 degrees F, or above 90 degrees F, temperature. However, there can be a change contingent upon the type of grass you go for.

  • The growth of Cool-Season Grass is at its maximum when air temperatures are 60–75℉ (15–24℃).
  • Warm-Season Grass is grown best when air temperatures are 70–90℉ (21–32℃).
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Seasonal Growth Patterns of Grass

The grass’s growth depends upon the seasons of the year, and spring is the peak time of grass growth. The minimum temperature for the fine grass growth is around 8 to 10°C.

Likewise, it stops growing when the temperature drops to 50 degrees. Let’s look at the seasonal grass growth patterns to see what temperature does grass stop growing.

Warm-Season GrassCool-Season Grass
· The warm-season grass (C4 grass) retains its beauty and greenery in hot climates, i.e., southern climates. 
· Warm-season turfgrasses die due to the long exposure to cold temperatures.
· Warm-season grasses grow best in spring when soil temperatures are 65–70℉ (18–21℃).
· Examples: Bermudagrass, Bahia grass, Zoysia grass, and Centipede grass
· The cool-season grass (C3 grass) performs best in cold climate regions such as northern and coastal climates.
 · It loses its lush green color when the average soil or air temperature drops below 50 – 55 F.
· Cool-season grass grows best in fall when soil temperatures are 50–65℉ (10–18℃).
· Examples: Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and tall fescue

In general, cool-season grasses withstand cold winters except freezing temperature and it remain green almost round the year.

Choose the Best Grass Species

C3 and C4 plants have different leaf anatomies and enzymes which carry out the process of photosynthesis. The following factors of a plant get affected by these differences; optimal growth, N and water-use efficiency, forage quality, and seasonal production profile.

Some C3 grasses can withstand colder climates as compared to others. Besides, C4 grasses can tolerate warmer temperatures better than others.

Make sure to seed or sod the perfect patch for your lawn that has year-round potential to remain lush green. Here are some versatile, durable, self-repairing, and evergreen grass species which you can consider:

  • North: Kentucky Bluegrass
  • North: Perennial Ryegrass
  • North: Fine Fescue
  • North/Transition: Tall Fescue
  • Transition: Zoysia Grass
  • Transition: Bermuda Grass
  • South: St. Augustine Grass
  • South: Centipede Grass

The Best Time To Mow

Considering the details mentioned above, you should calculate the best time to mow. The type of grass, the temperature of the soil, and the air will help you determine when you should give the final cut and what height is better after dormancy.

Proper mowing height stimulates grass growth and increases turfgrass density. Ensure you select the best mower like Greenworks 48V 17″ Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower to maintain healthy turf.

Greenworks 48V 17 Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower What Temperature Does Grass Stop Growing

Conclusion

This guide gives a brief answer to “what temperature does grass stop growing.” You will get an insight into what enhances grass growth and how to get a lush green lawn around the year. In a nutshell:

  • The optimum soil and air temperature for best grass growth is 5°C (41°F)
  • Grass stops growing below 4°C, or above 35°C temperature.

For any queries and sharing your experience feel free to comment below. Don’t look any further to diagnose your lawn’s needs!