A great-looking lawn doesn’t happen by chance—it starts with early-season care that sets the tone for the months ahead. Spring is your opportunity to build strong roots, prevent weeds, and get that rich green color everyone notices. Two of the most important steps in early spring grass care? Fertilization and weed control.
At TLC – The Lawn Company, we’ve helped homeowners get healthier lawns with a program that combines the best spring fertilizer and strategic crabgrass prevention. Here’s what you should know if you want a lawn that thrives through summer and beyond.
Fertilize Early for Thicker, Greener Growth
Spring is the time when your lawn wakes up. And just like your body needs fuel in the morning, your grass needs nutrients to start the growing season strong. That’s where spring lawn fertilization comes in.
We recommend applying a nitrogen-rich fertilizer early in the season—ideally when soil temperatures reach around 55°F. This gives your grass the nutrients it needs to:
- Jumpstart root development
- Improve density and color
- Build resilience before summer heat and drought
Look for a slow-release product that balances nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These key ingredients help strengthen roots while promoting long-lasting green-up. And remember—timing matters. Fertilizing too late can cause weak, fast growth that’s more vulnerable to disease and drought.
Pro tip: Not sure what to apply? TLC’s full-season lawn care program includes custom fertilizer blends at the exact times your lawn needs them.
Stop Weeds Before They Start
Weeds aren’t just annoying—they compete with your grass for water, sunlight, and nutrients. And in early spring, they’re gearing up to take over.
The best defense? Pre-emergent crabgrass control. This type of treatment stops weeds like crabgrass and foxtail before they ever sprout.
To be most effective, apply your pre-emergent crabgrass treatment when soil temps are consistently between 50°F–55°F—often around the same time you’re doing your spring fertilization.
You can also:
- Spot-treat visible broadleaf weeds like dandelions or clover with a selective herbicide
- Mow at a high setting to shade the soil and reduce weed germination
- Avoid disturbing the soil after applying a pre-emergent to prevent breaking the treatment barrier
Trust TLC to Handle the Timing (and the Science)
When it comes to spring lawn fertilization and weed control, precision matters. Applying products too early or too late can reduce their effectiveness—and waste time and money. That’s why TLC follows a proven, science-backed lawn care schedule to treat lawns at the right time with the right product.
If you’ve been searching for “lawn care near me” or “best spring fertilizer for grass,” now’s the time to connect with TLC. We’ll help you take the guesswork out of early spring grass care—and give you a lawn that grows thicker, stronger, and healthier this year.
