DiscoverLandscaping Issues Impacting Property Owners and Tips To Correct Them

Not everyone takes the properapproach to lawn care.Before you know it, your landscape is full of unsightly weeds, bare spots, orother lawn care problems. You don't have to settle for an unkemptyard.

Follow the tips in this guide tokeep your grass free of pest infestations, lawn diseases, and more.

1. Excessive WeedGrowth

Dandelions, crabgrass, and otherweeds make caring for lawns difficult.These unwanted plants can sprout in various climates and turn the landscapeinto an eyesore. Weeds are a source of frustration for many property owners,but there are ways to prevent them.

For optimal weed control, youshould:

Apply mulch: A layer of mulch can keep weeds from sprouting, allowing your yard to retain its visual appeal.
Use herbicides: Consult professionals about safe herbicides that will prevent weeds without harming your grass.
Choose the right fertilizer: Using a fertilizer with too much nitrogen can promote crabgrass growth. Use a slow-release variety for the best results.

2. SoilCompaction

Not all lawn care problems arevisible. Compacted soil occurs beneath the surface but can prevent vegetationfrom growing. The soil could compact over time due to heavy foot traffic,construction, or running vehicles over the area.

Experts will need to aerate it andapply new seed to revive the space.

3. GrassDiscoloration

Every property owner wants vibrantgreen grass to cover their yards. So why does yours have brown or even paleyellow patches scattered around it? Discolored grass can be due to severalfactors, so you'll have to rely on the process of elimination to uncover theroot cause.

There are several ways you canmaintain beautiful green grass, including:

Keeping pets away: Dog urine can ruin a patch of grass, so take your four-legged friend to another area to do their business.
Watering the yard regularly: Drought can turn grass blades dry and brown. Consider installing an irrigation system so the yard receives a sufficient amount of water.
Fertilizing the soil: Soil nutrient deficiencies can lead to various lawn care problems. You may have to replenish the dirt with a custom fertilizer.

4. Thatch Buildup

You could meticulously care for youryard yet still have some brown patches tainting your landscape. These might bedue to a buildup of dead strands of vegetation, also called thatch. Old grassclippings, cut weeds, and other organic matter may suffocate the soil andprevent it from receiving enough water.

Thankfully, there are a few simpleways to alleviate this issue. You can:

Attach a bag to your lawn mower so no clippings stay in the yard.
Rake the lawn to collect dead blades and roots.
Aerate the soil so it receives the proper nutrients plus water.

5. Bare Patches

One of the most common lawn careproblems property owners deal with is sparse grass. Bare spots won't suddenlyappear overnight, but you should take action as soon as you notice your grassthinning. Consult a landscaping expert if you're unsure what is causing theissue.

Thinning grass or stunted growth maybe due to the following:

Excessive shade
Lawn diseases
Grubs and pest infestations
A pH imbalance

Depending on the underlying cause,experts can take steps to revitalize the grass. They may need to trim overgrowntree branches shading the area. Other potential solutions include applyingfertilizer, pesticides, or fungicides and monitoring the grass's growth.

Let Tatum LawnCare LLC Preserve Your Yard

Investing in professional lawn care benefits youin more ways than one. Why wait to transform your yard into the lush haven youdesire? Reach out to Tatum Lawn Care LLC today.

Ourexperts know how to address common lawn care problems so your exterior lookspristine. Let us maintain your property with a precise, proven approach.Call509-765-4000 to get started!

Post written by

Bob Tatum

Owner & Lawn Care Expert

With over 40 years of experience, Bob Tatum leads Tatum Lawn Care, providing reliable residential and commercial lawn services in Moses Lake and beyond. As a second-generation professional, he specializes in custom lawn care, irrigation, and landscape management, ensuring high-quality results for every client. Dedicated to excellence and community service, Bob continues to make Tatum Lawn Care a trusted name in the industry.

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Mulching

Landscape Enhancement

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How To Identify Common Lawn Pests

If your lawn is looking thin, brown, or unhealthy, lawn pests may be the cause. While issues like improper watering, poor soil, or mowing too short can damage grass, insects often create distinct signs you can spot. You may notice visible insects such as C-shaped grubs in the soil, caterpillars on the surface, or tiny chinch bugs near the base of your grass. Increased bird, mole, raccoon, or skunk activity can also signal pests beneath the surface. If your lawn feels spongy when you walk on it or develops irregular brown patches that don’t improve with watering, insects could be damaging the roots. Different pests leave different clues. Grubs feed on grass roots and cause turf to peel up easily. Chinch bugs suck sap from grass blades, creating dry, brown patches that resemble drought stress. Sod webworms chew grass blades, while billbugs hollow out stems and make grass easy to pull from the soil. Armyworms feed aggressively on grass blades and can create circular bare spots. Identifying the problem is the first step, but proper treatment and prevention are essential to restore your lawn’s healthy, green appearance. Professional lawn care can help you accurately diagnose pest issues and apply the right treatment to protect your yard long-term.

How to Spot If Your Lawn Is Getting Too Much Water

If your lawn is getting too much water, you’ll start to notice clear warning signs. You might see puddles that don’t drain, feel soggy ground under your feet, or notice more weeds thriving in the damp conditions. Your grass may even turn yellow as excess water suffocates the roots, and in worse cases, dead patches can appear due to fungal disease. To keep your lawn healthy, you should water early in the morning, focus on deeper but less frequent watering, aerate the soil to prevent compaction, avoid cutting the grass too short, and remove weeds quickly. By paying attention to these signs and adjusting how you care for your yard, you can maintain the right balance of moisture and keep your grass strong and vibrant.

When To Stop Watering Your Lawn

Proper lawn watering is essential for maintaining healthy, green grass—but knowing when to stop watering your lawn is just as important as knowing when to start. Overwatering can lead to yellowing grass, fungal diseases, pests, and wasted water. Tatum Lawn Care LLC, serving Moses Lake, recommends adjusting your watering schedule based on weather, soil conditions, and seasonal changes. You should pause watering when rainfall has already provided sufficient moisture, as watering during rainy periods can cause weed growth and lawn disease. If your lawn is showing signs of fungus or pest infestations, excess water can make the problem worse—professional treatment and controlled watering are key. Soil type also matters: sandy soil drains quickly and may need more frequent watering, while clay or loamy soil retains moisture and is more prone to overwatering. As fall approaches, continue watering only as long as the ground remains unfrozen. Once nighttime temperatures stay below 50°F or the first hard frost hits, it’s time to stop watering for the season. Watering frozen soil won’t benefit your grass and can damage your lawn. For expert lawn care, irrigation services, and seasonal watering guidance in Moses Lake, trust Tatum Lawn Care LLC. Call 509-765-4000 today to keep your lawn healthy year-round.

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