Customized Fertilization and Weed Management Programs

Weed Control & Fertilization: What to Expect This Season

As spring arrives, dandelions and other broadleaf weeds begin to surface across Southeast Wisconsin lawns. If this is your first season with a weed control and fertilization program, you may be wondering what to expect and how soon you’ll see results.

Total Lawn Care has the experience, equipment, and proven treatment programs to manage dandelions, clover, chickweed, creeping Charlie, wild violet, and other common lawn weeds. Below are a few helpful things to understand about the process and timeline.

Timing Matters in Lawn Treatments

One of the most common questions we receive is: When will my lawn be treated?

Weather plays a major role in both fertilization and weed control scheduling. When consistent warm temperatures arrive—typically in April or May—your lawn begins to come out of dormancy, and weeds start to actively grow.

It’s important to note that broadleaf weeds cannot be treated before they appear. Unlike crabgrass, which can be prevented with a pre-emergent application, broadleaf weeds must first sprout before they can be effectively treated. Once weeds are visible and actively growing, our licensed applicators begin treatment.

If this is your first year on a program, it may take time to bring your lawn to your desired condition. Consistent, seasonal treatments build results over time and improve turf health each year.

To help you prepare, Total Lawn Care will email you the day before your scheduled application so you can move items, secure pets, or address any specific concerns. Please check your email regularly for service notifications and reminders.

Our Approach to Weed Control

After weeds emerge, we apply targeted liquid selective herbicides designed to treat specific weed types without harming your turf. Different weeds require different treatments. For example, a crabgrass preventative is effective against crabgrass only—it will not eliminate dandelions or other broadleaf weeds.

A full-season program typically includes six scheduled applications, combining:

• Crabgrass prevention

• Broadleaf weed control

• Balanced fertilization

Fertilizer plays a critical role in weed prevention by strengthening your turf and promoting dense growth, making it harder for weeds to establish.

We also recommend:

• A seasonal insecticide application to help prevent grub and chinch bug damage

• Fall core aeration to improve soil health and root development

Lawns heavily affected by creeping Charlie, wild violet, or other aggressive weeds may require additional spot treatments.

Maintaining proper mowing height (using one of the two highest mower settings), watering deeply and less frequently, and staying consistent with fertilization will significantly reduce weed pressure over time.

Long-Term Results Take Time

A successful lawn care program requires patience and consistency. Some improvement may be noticeable after the first couple of treatments, but optimal results typically develop over one to two full growing seasons.

A thick, green, weed-controlled lawn is achievable—with the right plan and proper timing.

If you have questions about your lawn care program, contact Total Lawn Care and our team will be happy to assist you. Thank you for trusting us with your lawn.