Why Bermuda Grass Looks Patchy in Fall: The Frost Effect

Why Bermuda Grass Looks Patchy in Fall: The Frost Effect

That green-and-tan mosaic in your 'TifSport' bermuda lawn after a cold snap is normal. Different grass plants go dormant at slightly different times due to micro-variations in canopy temperature and growth rate. A near-frost event (lows around 30°F) triggers the patchwork.

What's Happening

• Frost forms on some blades but not others.
• Frozen blades turn brown; others stay green.
• After a hard freeze, the whole lawn browns uniformly.

No harm done—the grass will recover fully in spring. Just wait it out.