Why Won’t Your Lawn Grow?
When grass stops growing, the problem is almost always underground. We’ll help you find it and fix it so your lawn can actually take off.
Symptom overview
What This Looks Like
When your lawn stops growing or refuses to fill in, something is blocking it at the root level. In Middle Georgia, the usual suspects are compacted clay soil, improper watering, or damage below the surface that isn’t visible.
Possible causes
What Could Be Causing This
Severe Soil Compaction
Middle Georgia’s red clay compacts into a near-impenetrable layer. Roots can’t push through, water runs off instead of soaking in, and the lawn simply stalls. This is especially common in new construction yards and high-traffic areas.
Root Damage from Grubs or Nematodes
Grubs chew through roots underground, and nematodes (microscopic roundworms) attack root systems in sandy soils. Both cause grass to stop growing because the root system can’t support it. The lawn may look okay from above until it suddenly declines.
Learn moreWrong Grass Type for the Conditions
Bermuda planted in heavy shade, centipede in alkaline soil, or St. Augustine in full sun and heavy traffic — grass in the wrong environment will never thrive no matter how much you water and fertilize it.
Buried Debris or Poor Soil
New construction often buries concrete, rocks, and construction debris under a thin layer of topsoil. Grass can’t establish roots through rubble. This shows up as patches that never fill in no matter what you do.
Herbicide Residue in Soil
Some pre-emergent herbicides persist in the soil for months and can prevent new grass from establishing. If you recently applied a pre-emergent and then tried to plant new sod or seed, the herbicide may be blocking germination and root growth.
Diagnose it
Narrow Down the Cause
Is this a new construction home or recently graded yard?
Buried debris and poor topsoil quality are extremely common in new construction. The soil may need amending before grass can establish.
If the lawn used to grow fine and stopped, something changed — look at compaction, pests, or root-level damage.
Have you applied any herbicides or weed-and-feed products recently?
Pre-emergent herbicides can prevent new grass from rooting for 3–6 months. Wait for the product to break down before replanting.
Herbicide residue is unlikely. Focus on soil conditions and root health.
Does the lawn struggle in specific spots or across the entire yard?
Localized failure usually points to buried debris, severe compaction in one area, or a drainage problem. Dig down 6 inches to see what’s under the surface.
Yard-wide issues suggest a soil chemistry problem, wrong grass type, or systemic pest issue like nematodes.
Still not sure? A professional lawn assessment takes the guesswork out of it.
Get QuoteSeasonal timing
When This Is Most Common
Warm-season grasses in Middle Georgia grow actively from late April through September. If your lawn isn’t growing during peak summer, something is seriously wrong. Spring slowness (March–early April) is normal as turf exits dormancy. Fall slowdown begins in October and is expected.
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why won’t my new sod take root?
New sod needs consistent moisture for the first 2–3 weeks to establish roots. But if the soil underneath is compacted clay, buried debris, or has herbicide residue, the roots have nowhere to go. We can assess the soil conditions and recommend corrective steps.
Can bad soil be fixed, or do I need to start over?
Most soil issues can be corrected without starting over. Core aeration, soil amendments, and a proper fertility program improve soil structure over time. Severe cases with buried debris may need excavation and fresh topsoil in problem areas.
How do I know if I have nematodes?
Nematode damage looks like a lawn that’s slowly declining despite proper care. The grass thins, yellows, and stops growing. A nematode assay (soil sample sent to a lab) is the only way to confirm. We can help you get one.
Related problems
Other Lawn Problems to Consider
Take action
Stop Guessing and Start Fixing
Every lawn problem has a solution. Get a professional diagnosis and targeted treatment plan from Attaboy Lawn Care.
