I just recently bought a house and the front / back yard needs major treatment. There's a mix of green grass that looks like weeds really just because it's in random spots. I mean the spots are green and look like some sort of grass.

The side yard is actually in pretty good condition but I have no idea what kind of grass it is. It's a darkish green and right now without it being cut it's a sturdy tall..

Basically my question is this. I just sprayed some weed killer on the front yard about.. 5 days ago, and I'm not really sure if it's working. It rained today and I was able to smell some sort of chemical so I know it's still there. But I'm wondering if I should just aerate the yard and plant some grass seed, wait about 3 weeks and lay down some weed and feed...

location wise I live in South Carolina.. what are the types of grass that grow here and what can I do to keep a green / start a good lawn for next year?


Thanks in advance

Dig up some of your soil and unidentified grass and take it to Lowe's or Home Depot. They will be able to identify it and maybe even test your soil, so you will know where to start.:)

You may want to check on the reseeding interval of the weed killer you used. Many weed killers state that you can not plant grass seed for 3-4 weeks following the application.

Also improving your clay soil will help with the grass to become stronger. Clay soil can be improved and compaction lessened by aeration and topdressing with organic matter. After aerating, spread top dressing such as Scotts Turf Builder Seeding Soil, Miracle Gro Enriched Sphagnum Peat Moss or topdressing made from 1 part peat moss, 2 parts loam, & 4 parts sand and rake into holes with backside of leaf rake. Aeration can be done in spring or fall or both.