Lawn Care Solutions: What to Do Now (Checklist) + Product Picks

A great lawn starts with smart timing. Late winter into early spring is when you can get ahead of crabgrass, tackle broadleaf weeds early, and set your turf up for thicker growth and better color.

What to do now: Quick lawn checklist

Use this checklist to prevent weeds before they take over, support healthy soil, and feed consistently.

1. Prevent crabgrass before it starts (pre-emergent).
   Apply a pre-emergent in early spring before crabgrass germinates. A second application in late fall can help reduce winter annual weeds and set you up for next season.
   • Pro tip: Apply after rain or water it in per label directions—moisture helps activate many pre-emergents.
   • Timing cue: When soil temps approach the low-to-mid 50s°F for several days, crabgrass is getting close.
2. Knock out broadleaf weeds as they show up.
   Spot-treat or broadcast as needed for dandelions, clover, chickweed, and other broadleaf weeds.
   • Treat on a mild day when weeds are actively growing.
   • Avoid mowing 1–2 days before/after application (check label) so the product can absorb well.
3. Support healthy soil (check pH).
   If soil pH is off, grass can’t use nutrients effectively—even if you fertilize.
   • If pH is low (too acidic): lime can help correct it.
   • Best practice is a soil test, but if you’re seeing pale color and slow response to feeding, pH may be part of the issue.
4. Feed for steady, deep green growth.
   Choose a lawn food that supports long-term turf health and won’t burn.
   • Consistent feeding helps turf thicken, which naturally crowds out weeds.
   • Slow-release nutrition supports steady growth instead of a quick surge.

Product picks (grab what matches your lawn)

ProCare® Crabgrass & Weed Preventer — 20 lb (Pre-Emergent)

A strong early-season step to stop crabgrass before it starts. – Provides up to 6 months of crabgrass control – Stops crabgrass before it starts – Prevents up to 40 weeds and grasses – Apply in early spring and late fall

ProCare® Lawn Weed Control — 28 lb

For broadleaf weeds like dandelion and clover—without harming your turf when used as directed. – Kills dandelions, clovers, and other major lawn weeds – Kills 250+ weeds – Controls a wide spectrum of broadleaf weeds – Kills the weeds, not the lawn

Espoma Turf-tone™ All Season Lawn Food

A gentle, soil-friendly lawn food for deep green color and steady feeding. – Long-lasting nitrogen for deep green color – Enhanced with Bio-tone® beneficial microbes – Non-staining iron for deep green color – Won’t burn lawns or leach out of soil – 100% natural & organic approved – Safe for people, pets & planet

Espoma Lightning Lime — 30 lb

Fast-acting lime to help adjust soil pH for better nutrient uptake and improved lawn color. – 5X the coverage of regular pelletized limestone – Adjusts pH fast (6–8 weeks) – Low dust formula – Approved for organic gardening – One 30 lb bag covers up to 5,000 sq. ft.

Common lawn-care mistakes to avoid right now

• Applying pre-emergent too late: crabgrass prevention works before you see crabgrass.
• Skipping watering-in: many granular products need water to activate.
• Over-fertilizing early: more isn’t better—choose steady feeding to avoid stress.
• Treating weeds during cold snaps: herbicides work best when weeds are actively growing.

Need help choosing the right next step?

• Stop in this week, and we’ll help you pick the right products (and timing) for your lawn.
• Not sure what you need? Bring a photo of your lawn, and we’ll point you to the best next step.