Get matched with top lawn care pros in Wesson, MS

Mow before aeration. After you've aerated the lawn, you can fertilize, water, and overseed. But wait at least two weeks after aeration before you mow.

Signs of an overwatered lawn can be visual, physical, or related to pests and weeds. Visually, the grass may appear yellow, wilted, patchy, or thin instead of green and lush. You might also notice the presence of mushrooms, other fungal growths, or an increase in weeds like crabgrass. Physically, the soil may be waterlogged, soggy, and perpetually damp. An overwatered lawn often feels mushy or makes a squishing sound underfoot, even several hours after watering. Additionally, you may see an increase in pests such as grubs. To prevent overwatering, ensure your lawn has proper drainage through periodic aeration and adjust your watering schedule to meet its actual needs.

Carpetgrass is distinguishable by its pale green to yellowish color and coarse appearance that grows well under shady conditions in poor and compact soils. If it grows uncontrolled, it tends to develop a hairy seedhead, giving patches of grass a messy appearance. If carpetgrass is regularly cut, it looks very similar to centipedegrass and St. Augustine grass, and people may confuse them. Carpetgrass blades are flat and rounded at the tip. Note that the grass only typically grows as a weed in Southern states.

Chiggers thrive in overgrown lawns, so regular mowing will deter these annoying mites. It may not remove every single chigger, however, so follow that up with weeding and trimming any nearby trees and bushes. Pay special attention to moist, shady spots, as these are a chigger’s preferred habitat. When all else fails, sprinkle your yard with diatomaceous earth. It kills chiggers by dehydrating their exoskeletons. Diatomaceous earth is basically ground-up shells, so there’s no risk of injury to animals.