5 Common Lawn Problems in the Mid-South—And How to Fix Them

A healthy, green lawn is the pride of many Mid-South homeowners—but our unique climate and soil conditions can make turf tricky to manage. Between the clay-heavy ground, humid summers, and pesky weeds, lawns in Memphis and surrounding areas face challenges that require targeted solutions.

Here are five common lawn problems in the Mid-South—and expert tips on how to fix them.

1. Thirsty Grass (Dry, Curled Blades and Bluish Tint)

The Problem:
If your grass blades look curled, dry, and have a bluish tint, it’s a clear sign of drought stress.

The Fix:

• Water deeply: 1 inch weekly, preferably in the early morning.
• Raise mower height to reduce stress.
• Mulch mow to help retain soil moisture.

Pro Tip: Never water at night—standing water invites fungus.

2. Compacted Soil

The Problem:
Clay-heavy Mid-South soil combined with heavy foot traffic leads to compacted lawns. This prevents air, water, and nutrients from reaching the roots.

The Fix:

• Core aerate yearly.
• Topdress with compost or sand.
• Apply gypsum if needed to improve soil structure.

Pro Tip: Compacted soil causes water runoff and root suffocation—don’t ignore it!

3. Weeds Taking Over

The Problem:
When weeds thrive, it’s usually because your turf is weak. Bare or thin patches leave room for invasive plants to spread.

The Fix:

• Apply pre-emergent herbicide in early spring.
• Spot treat weeds with post-emergent herbicide.
• Keep your lawn thick, fertilized, and healthy.

Pro Tip: A strong, dense lawn naturally chokes out weeds over time.

4. Thatch Buildup

The Problem:
A thick, spongy layer under your grass stops water and nutrients from reaching the roots. This is known as thatch.

The Fix:

• Aerate in spring and fall.
• Dethatch if the layer is more than ½ inch thick.
• Topdress with compost to improve soil health.

Pro Tip: Too much thatch = shallow roots and lawn stress.

5. Fungal Diseases

The Problem:
Brown or straw-colored patches that spread quickly? That’s often a fungus—common in humid Memphis summers.

The Fix:

• Water early to reduce moisture lingering overnight.
• Avoid overwatering.
• Mow regularly for airflow.
• Apply fungicide if needed.

Pro Tip: Fungi love humidity—summer is prime time for lawn disease prevention.

Final Thoughts

From thirsty grass to fungus outbreaks, Mid-South lawns face a unique set of challenges. But with proper care—watering wisely, aerating regularly, and staying ahead of weeds—you can keep your lawn lush and healthy year-round.

If you’re struggling with persistent lawn issues, don’t go it alone. At Charter Vista Landscaping, we offer free lawn assessments to diagnose problems and create tailored solutions.

📞 Call us today at (662) 895-4110 to schedule your lawn evaluation.