Essential Lawn Care Tips for Henry County, GA (2026)
Complete guide for McDonough, Stockbridge, Griffin, and all Henry County homeowners
Henry County's unique climate and clay soil conditions require specialized lawn care approaches. Whether you're in McDonough, Stockbridge, Griffin, or Locust Grove, these expert tips from our 20+ years of local experience will help you maintain a healthy, beautiful lawn year-round.
From dealing with Georgia's red clay to managing humidity-related fungus, we'll cover everything you need to know for lawn care success in Henry County.
Seasonal Lawn Care Guide
Spring (March-May)
Key Tasks:
- Start fertilization in early March - Henry County's growing season begins earlier than northern Georgia
- Aerate compacted clay soil before first fertilization
- Apply pre-emergent herbicide by mid-March to prevent summer weeds
- Begin weekly mowing when grass reaches 3 inches
- Overseed bare patches in April for best establishment
Summer (June-August)
Key Tasks:
- Mow at 3-3.5 inches height to protect roots from Georgia heat
- Water deeply 2-3 times per week (1 inch total), preferably morning
- Watch for brown patch fungus in Henry County's humidity
- Apply grub control in June if you had issues last year
- Avoid fertilizing after July - it stresses grass in extreme heat
Fall (September-November)
Key Tasks:
- Apply fall fertilizer by September 15 for winter root development
- Continue mowing until grass stops growing (usually late November)
- Rake leaves regularly - they smother grass and promote fungus
- Apply post-emergent weed control for winter weeds
- Final mow at 2.5 inches height before winter dormancy
Winter (December-February)
Key Tasks:
- Avoid walking on frozen grass - it breaks crowns and causes dead spots
- Clean and sharpen mower blades for spring
- Plan spring projects while lawn is dormant
- Apply lime if soil test indicates pH below 6.0 (common in Henry County)
- Service irrigation system before spring startup
Best Grass Types for Henry County
Bermuda Grass
Best For:
- • Full sun areas
- • High traffic lawns
- • Drought-prone spots
Characteristics:
- • Heat tolerant
- • Aggressive spreading
- • Requires full sun
Maintenance:
Mowing: 1.5-2.5 inches
Fertilizing: Every 6-8 weeks during growing season
Watering: 1 inch per week, drought tolerant once established
Pros:
- Excellent for Henry County heat
- Self-repairing
- Drought resistant
Cons:
- •Goes dormant in winter
- •Requires full sun
- •Can be invasive
Tall Fescue
Best For:
- • Partial shade
- • Year-round green
- • Clay soil areas
Characteristics:
- • Cool-season grass
- • Deep root system
- • Shade tolerant
Maintenance:
Mowing: 3-4 inches
Fertilizing: Spring and fall only
Watering: 1 inch per week, less drought tolerant
Pros:
- Stays green year-round
- Good shade tolerance
- Handles clay soil well
Cons:
- •Can struggle in extreme heat
- •Requires overseeding
- •Less wear tolerant
Zoysia Grass
Best For:
- • Low maintenance
- • Medium shade
- • High-quality appearance
Characteristics:
- • Warm-season grass
- • Slow spreading
- • Dense growth
Maintenance:
Mowing: 2-2.5 inches
Fertilizing: 2-3 times per year
Watering: 0.75-1 inch per week
Pros:
- Very drought tolerant
- Chokes out weeds
- Low fertilizer needs
Cons:
- •Slow to establish
- •Goes dormant/brown in winter
- •Higher initial cost
Common Henry County Lawn Problems
Henry County Clay Soil
Symptoms:
- • Water pooling
- • Grass turning yellow
- • Compacted surface
Solution:
Annual aeration in spring + top dressing with compost mix
Prevention:
Avoid walking on wet soil, use gypsum amendments annually
Brown Patch Fungus
Symptoms:
- • Circular brown patches
- • Grass easily pulls up
- • Active in humid weather
Solution:
Fungicide application + improve drainage and air circulation
Prevention:
Water in morning only, avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen
Grub Damage
Symptoms:
- • Irregular brown patches
- • Grass pulls up like carpet
- • Increased animal activity
Solution:
Apply grub control in June-July, reseed damaged areas in fall
Prevention:
Monitor in late spring, apply preventive grub control yearly
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best grass type for McDonough, GA?
Bermuda grass is ideal for McDonough's full sun properties, while tall fescue works better for shaded lots. Many Henry County homeowners use a mix - Bermuda in sunny areas, fescue under trees.
How often should I water my lawn in Henry County?
During summer, water deeply 2-3 times per week for 1 inch total. In spring and fall, 1 inch per week is usually sufficient. Always water in the morning to reduce fungus risk.
When should I fertilize my lawn in Stockbridge?
Start fertilizing Bermuda and Zoysia in mid-March, then every 6-8 weeks through September. For fescue, fertilize in April and again in October. Always use a fertilizer formulated for Georgia soils.
How do I handle Georgia clay soil?
Annual aeration is crucial. Top dress with compost after aerating, and consider gypsum applications. Avoid working the soil when wet - this makes compaction worse.
What's the ideal mowing height for Griffin lawns?
Bermuda: 1.5-2.5 inches, Fescue: 3-4 inches, Zoysia: 2-2.5 inches. Never remove more than 1/3 of grass height at once. Higher heights help grass survive Georgia's summer heat.
Need Professional Lawn Care in Henry County?
With 20+ years serving McDonough, Stockbridge, Griffin, and all of Henry County, we understand local lawn care challenges better than anyone.