Brown grass is a clear sign that the grass isn’t absorbing any nutrients or water at the roots, and so the grass isn’t growing or thriving in a healthy manner. This could be a sign that the grass is dying (or dead), which is bad, but it could also be a sign of the grass being dormant, which is a natural part of its life cycle.
Here are the two explained:
Dormant grass:
Grass, just like some animals, has a hibernation period during the colder seasons. So during the end of the fall season, and all throughout winter, it is highly likely that your grass will turn a brownish color. This means that it is dormant. It is hibernating through the winter, and it is a completely natural process, and to be expected every year.
Dying or dead grass:
If your grass is turning brown during spring or summer, it is pretty clear that it isn’t down to it being dormant. Instead, it means your grass is not okay, and that something is wrong. A brownish color means the grass isn’t absorbing the necessary nutrients and water, and it is usually down to it receiving improper care. If this is the case, you need to reassess and figure out what you’re doing wrong, and then put a remedy to it!
However, brown grass can also mean the grass is completely dead. In which case, there is nothing you can do.