1. Start With a Soil Test (Early Spring or Pre-Season)

Before any fertilization plan, test the soil for:

• pH levels
• Nutrient deficiencies (N-P-K)
• Organic matter content

Why: Fertilizer works best when pH is balanced (6.0–7.0 for most turf). Adjust lime or sulfur early.

2. Clean & Prep the Lawn (Early Spring)

Do this before your first pre-emergent or fertilizer application:

• Remove leaves, branches, and heavy thatch
• Dethatch if thatch > ½ inch
• Light aeration helps—but save core aeration for fall

Why: A clean, open lawn allows treatments to bond with the soil.

3. Apply a Pre-Emergent Herbicide (Early–Mid Spring)

This is critical for crabgrass and summer weeds.

Tips:

• Apply before soil temps hit 55°F for 2–3 days (usually March–April depending on region)
• Use a professional-grade product (e.g., prodiamine or dithiopyr)
• Water it in for activation

4. Begin Fertilization Based on Turf Type

Cool-Season Grass (Fescue, Bluegrass, Rye)

• Light fertilization in early spring (avoid pushing too much growth)
• Strong fertilization in the fall
• Summer = minimal feeding, focus on weed control

   

Warm-Season Grass (Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine)

• First fertilization after lawn has fully greened up (late April–May)
• Strong fertilization through summer
• Avoid heavy fall applications

   

5. Consistent Weed Control Program (Throughout 2026)

Spring

• Spot spray broadleaf weeds (Triclopyr, 2,4-D, or combo products)
• Avoid applications during heat waves

   

Summer

• Treat summer annual weeds
• For warm-season grass: this is prime weed-control season
• For cool-season grass: be careful during heat to avoid herbicide burn

   

Fall

• The BEST time for broadleaf weed control
• Treat dandelions, clover, henbit, chickweed before winter

   

6. Mowing Practices That Boost Treatment Results

• Keep mower blades sharp
• Follow correct mowing heights:
  • Cool-season: 3–4 inches
  • Warm-season: 1–2.5 inches depending on species
• Mow frequently enough so you never remove more than 1/3 of the blade

   

Good mowing = fewer weeds and better fertilizer uptake.

7. Proper Watering

• Deep, infrequent watering (1–1.5″ per week)
• Water early morning only
• Avoid watering daily—promotes weeds

   

8. Fall Aeration & Overseeding (Cool-Season Lawns)

This is the single most important step for fescue lawns:

• Core aeration early fall
• Overseed with high-quality seed
• Apply starter fertilizer
• Follow with fall weed control after seed has established

   

9. Adjust Program Based on Weather

2026 may bring irregular temperatures or rainfall patterns.
Be ready to adjust:

• Pre-emergent timing
• Nitrogen levels
• Irrigation schedules

   

10. Set Customer Expectations

Educate them:

• Treatments take time
• Weather influences results
• Proper mowing & watering is as important as chemical treatments