How to Get a Head Start on Winter Weed Control for a Healthy Lawn This Spring

Pickens Point Turf
Feb 11, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Feb 11, 2025

Winter is coming to an end. Are you ready to get a head start on your lawn care and weed control this year? Here are some tips that the team at Pickens Point Turf recommend for getting started, whether you have a well-established Bermuda turf lawn or newly-laid Bermuda turf grass.

Well-Established Lawns (6+ Weeks Established)

1. Get started now. Early to mid-February is the perfect time to begin a weed control regimen for your lawn.

2. Herbicides are one way to prepare your lawn for optimal health and growth for the year. Herbicides are a chemical that is specifically designed to kill or control weeds and other undesirable plants that may grow in your yard. It is important to choose the right type of herbicide for the type of weed you are targeting, the type of grass that you have, and the specific time of year.

3. Consider including both a pre-emergent herbicide and a post-emergent herbicide when combining your mixture. Applying a pre-emergent during late winter should give you excellent control of weeds before they germinate. Applying a post-emergent can help take care of those weeds that have already germinated and may already be visible. A proper combination of these two types of herbicides can give you up to 75 days of control, depending on weather conditions and other factors that could be out of your control.

Newly-Laid Lawns (Less Than 6 Weeks Since Installation)

1. Avoid applying any herbicide until the sod has had time to root properly. This can take several weeks. Applying herbicides too early can kill the turf if applied before the roots have time to grow and establish. Waiting 6 weeks after sodding to apply any chemical is typically recommended, but even after those 6 weeks, it never hurts to play it safe and wait until the spring green up has occurred.

2. While you are waiting for your new sod to establish roots, the best way to manage weeds is by manually pulling them.

3. If you opt to use herbicides during the early stages of sod establishment, consider spot treatment and be sure to choose a selective post emergent that will specifically target weeds and will not damage turf grass. Try to avoid turf grass as much as possible during spot treatment.

For help with weed control, and for other tips and recommendations, check with local lawn care professionals in our area. Woodlawn Lawn Care and All Day Lawn are two great choices located right here in Tipton County.