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Walking outside during a Texas summer, it’s common to hear the unmistakable crunch beneath your feet. You look down and see brown grass where lush green once stood. 

For many homeowners, that can be alarming. After spending time, effort and money maintaining a healthy lawn, seeing it turn brown during the hottest months of the year can feel frustrating. But before turning on the sprinkler, it’s important to know that brown doesn’t always mean your lawn is in trouble.  

Grass dormancy is a natural survival mechanism that helps grass conserve energy and moisture during periods of extreme heat or limited rainfall. It doesn’t mean your grass is dead. Instead, it’s temporarily resting until conditions improve. 

Dormant grass typically appears brown or straw-colored while maintaining healthy roots beneath the surface. Dead grass, on the other hand, often pulls up easily from the soil and won’t recover after rainfall or watering. Most dormant lawns naturally return to green once temperatures cool and moisture returns. 

One of the biggest misconceptions is that brown grass automatically means it needs more water. In reality, applying more water than your lawn needs can do more harm than good. Overwatering encourages shallow root systems, increases the risk of disease and wastes one of our community’s most valuable resources. 

When your lawn does need water, water deeply and less frequently to encourage stronger roots. Follow your assigned watering schedule and water during the early morning hours to reduce evaporation and maximize efficiency. 

If you have an irrigation system, inspect it regularly for leaks, broken sprinkler heads or overspray. Even small leaks can waste thousands of gallons of water over time. If your irrigation system is no longer needed or isn’t being used, consider taking advantage of New Braunfels Utilities’ Irrigation Zone Removal Rebate, which helps customers permanently remove unnecessary irrigation zones while conserving water. 

Summer irrigation accounts for one of the largest sources of seasonal water demand in our community.  NBU’s water future is strong, and keeping it that way is a shared responsibility. Small conservation efforts made by thousands of customers add up to make a meaningful difference. 

If you’re not sure where to begin, NBU’s Conservation and Customer Solutions team is here to help. Through free home assessments and irrigation evaluations, our team works directly with customers to identify practical ways to help you save money and water. We’ll review your irrigation system, discuss your water use habits and offer simple, personalized recommendations that can help lower your water use while keeping your landscape as healthy as possible. 

Although a green lawn is often the goal, a temporarily brown lawn is frequently a sign that nature is working exactly as intended. Sometimes, the healthiest thing your lawn can do is simply take a well-deserved summer rest.