Creating an effective weed control schedule is essential for maintaining a healthy lawn in Iowa. Begin with pre-emergent herbicides in early spring (mid-March to mid-April) and follow up in late spring (mid-April to mid-June) to prevent weeds from making an appearance on your lawn. Use post-emergent treatments as needed throughout the growing season to tackle existing weeds and stop them before they spread further. Pairing these treatments with a robust fertilization schedule provides essential nutrients, strengthening the grass and making it more resistant to weeds. This combined approach ensures a lush, green lawn that remains resilient and can fight off weeds.

Apply pre-emergent weed control on your lawn in Iowa twice in the spring.

Pre-emergent weed control is an important step in maintaining a healthy lawn in Iowa, as it helps prevent weeds from sprouting on your lawn. Make sure to apply pre-emergent weed control treatments on your lawn twice in the spring, once in early spring and another application in late spring.

  • Early Spring (Mid-March to Mid-April): During this period, soil temperatures begin to rise, reaching the 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit range necessary for pre-emergents to work effectively. Pre-emergents create a protective barrier in the soil, preventing weed seeds from breaking through the soil surface. This is especially important for controlling annual weeds like crabgrass, which can quickly overtake a lawn if left unchecked. Applying pre-emergents during this window ensures that they activate just as weed seeds are beginning to germinate, providing optimal protection.
  • Late Spring (Mid-April to Mid-June): A second application of pre-emergent herbicides in late spring can further enhance weed control efforts. Between mid-April and mid-June, additional weeds may attempt to germinate, especially if the initial application was washed away by heavy rain or if the lawn experiences high foot traffic. This follow-up treatment reinforces the protective barrier, ensuring that any late-germinating weed seeds are effectively managed.

Apply Post-Emergent Weed Control As Needed Throughout the Growing Season

Treating a weed on a lawn in Iowa with post-emergent weed control treatment.

While pre-emergents are effective at preventing weeds, post-emergent herbicides are essential for tackling any existing weeds that manage to break through the initial barrier. These treatments should be applied as needed from early spring to early fall. Post-emergent herbicides target actively growing weeds, making them effective for controlling perennial and broadleaf weeds such as dandelions and clover. Regular monitoring of your lawn is important to identify and treat problem areas promptly. Spot treatments with post-emergents can prevent weeds from spreading and competing with your grass for nutrients and sunlight.

Make sure to pair your weed control treatments with fertilization.

Integrating weed control treatments with a well-planned fertilization schedule is crucial for maintaining a robust and healthy lawn. Fertilizers provide essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are vital for grass growth and resilience. These nutrients help strengthen your lawn, making it more resistant to weeds and pests. By enhancing the health and vigor of your grass, you create an environment where weeds struggle to compete for resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients.

Furthermore, a balanced fertilization approach ensures that your lawn remains lush and green throughout the growing season. Applying the right type of fertilizer at the appropriate times supports your grass during critical growth phases, such as recovery from winter dormancy and preparation for the colder months. A well-nourished lawn can better withstand environmental stressors like heat and drought, reducing the likelihood of weed invasion.

Nutrients from fertilizers help strengthen your lawn, making it more resistant to weeds and pests.

Call our experts today to enroll in our weed control service!

Weeds can quickly take over your lawn, but with our weed control service, you can keep them at bay. Our team of experts at A+ Lawn & Landscape will apply pre- and post-emergent treatments regularly from spring to fall to keep weeds from establishing and spreading on your lawn. Some of the common weeds that we typically deal with include dandelions, clover, spurge, thistle, and more. This service is offered to homes and businesses, as well as HOAs, in Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, and surrounding areas in Iowa. Call us today at (515) 289-2020 to enroll and take your lawn back from these invasive plants!