Lawn Weed Control Guide
How weed control works, why timing matters more than product, and what a lawn care company should promise when weeds come back.
Weeds are the most common reason homeowners call a lawn care company. Crabgrass, dandelions, clover, nutsedge and dozens of others move in wherever grass is thin, and once they set seed, the problem grows every year.
Good weed control works on two fronts. Pre-emergent treatments stop weed seeds before they sprout. Post-emergent treatments knock out weeds that are already growing. And the best long-term defense is a thick, healthy lawn that leaves weeds no room to start.
What it includes
- Spring pre-emergent for crabgrass and summer weeds
- Fall pre-emergent in southern lawns for winter weeds
- Targeted post-emergent spot treatments
- Broadleaf weed control for dandelions and clover
- Nutsedge and grassy weed control
- Products chosen for your grass type
- Re-treatment between visits when weeds return
- Advice on mowing and watering to crowd weeds out
How the service works
Identify the weeds
Different weeds need different products, so the technician identifies what's growing before treating.
Prevent
Pre-emergent goes down before weed seeds sprout, creating a barrier in the top layer of soil.
Treat
Weeds that break through are spot-treated with products safe for your type of grass.
Thicken the turf
Feeding, aeration and overseeding fill in thin areas so fewer weeds can take hold next year.
Weed control timing
Crabgrass pre-emergent needs to go down before soil temperatures reach about 55 degrees, which means late winter in the Deep South and early to mid spring in the Midwest and Northeast. Applied late, it does little.
In southern lawns, a second pre-emergent in early fall stops winter weeds like annual bluegrass (poa annua) and henbit. In northern lawns, fall is the best time to spot-treat dandelions and other broadleaf weeds, because they're pulling energy down into their roots.
Questions to ask a lawn care company
- When will my pre-emergent go down?
- Do you guarantee weed control between visits?
- Are your weed control products safe for my grass type?
- How long should kids and pets stay off the lawn after treatment?
Common questions
Why do I still have weeds after a treatment?
Some weeds take 10 to 14 days to die after treatment, and others need more than one application. New weeds can also sprout from seed blown in from nearby yards. Many companies re-treat between visits at no extra charge.
Can I seed my lawn after a pre-emergent?
Usually not right away. Most pre-emergents stop grass seed from sprouting too. If you plan to overseed, tell your lawn care company so they can adjust the product or timing.
Is weed control safe for kids and pets?
Products labeled for residential lawns, applied at label rates by trained technicians, are designed for home use. Most companies recommend staying off the lawn until the treatment dries.
What's the best long-term fix for weeds?
A thick lawn. Proper mowing height, regular feeding and filling bare spots crowd weeds out far better than spraying alone.
Know a lawn care company doing great work?
We're always looking for local companies to celebrate. Lawn care companies can reach out to be featured, too.