The short answer: Effective weed control in Columbus requires different strategies for each season because different weeds emerge at different times throughout the year.
Spring focuses on preventing crabgrass before it germinates. Summer targets nutsedge and any broadleaf weeds that escaped earlier treatments. Fall is actually your best opportunity to eliminate stubborn perennials like dandelions. Winter is when you plan and prepare for the cycle to start again.
Quick overview:
- Early Spring (March): Apply pre-emergent herbicide before soil temperatures reach 55 degrees
- Late Spring (April to May): Treat actively growing broadleaf weeds with post-emergent herbicide
- Summer (June to August): Target nutsedge and grassy weeds while maintaining thick turf
- Fall (September to October): Attack perennial weeds when they’re storing energy in their roots
Understanding what weeds you’re fighting and when they’re most vulnerable gives you a major advantage. Let’s break down exactly how to keep Columbus yards weed-free throughout the entire year.
The Complete Weed Control Approach: Our Multi-Round Program
At Lawn Squad of Columbus, we include broadleaf weed control in five of our six treatment rounds. This isn’t overkill. It’s what Central Ohio lawns actually need to stay weed-free.
Why so many applications? Because weeds don’t give up after one treatment. New seeds blow in from neighboring properties. Dormant seeds in your soil wait for the right conditions to sprout. Perennial weeds with deep root systems can survive initial treatments and regrow. A single weed control application might knock back what’s visible, but it won’t keep your lawn clean for long.
Our approach combines preventative treatments that stop weeds before they emerge with targeted post-emergent applications that eliminate weeds already growing in your turf. This two-pronged strategy addresses weeds at every stage of their life cycle.
Whether you handle weed control yourself or work with professionals, understanding the seasonal nature of weed pressure will help you time your efforts for maximum effectiveness.
Why Weed Control Matters More Than Most Columbus Homeowners Realize
Weeds aren’t just ugly. They’re aggressive competitors that steal water, nutrients, and sunlight from your grass.
A single dandelion plant can produce up to 15,000 seeds per year. Each of those seeds can remain viable in your soil for years, waiting for an opportunity to germinate. One crabgrass plant can produce 150,000 seeds in a single growing season. Let a few weeds go to seed, and you’ve created a weed problem that will take years to fully resolve.
Weeds also spread through means other than seeds. Nutsedge reproduces through underground tubers called nutlets. Creeping Charlie spreads through runners that root at each node. Ground ivy can regrow from tiny root fragments left in the soil after pulling. These survival mechanisms make weeds remarkably difficult to eliminate once they establish themselves.
The key principle is this: prevention is always easier than cure. Stopping weeds before they emerge requires far less effort, money, and herbicide than eliminating established weed populations. Columbus homeowners who stay ahead of weeds spend less time and money on lawn care than those who wait until problems become obvious.
Columbus presents specific weed challenges that generic advice doesn’t address. Our clay soils, variable rainfall patterns, and temperature swings create conditions where both cool season and warm season weeds can thrive. That local knowledge matters when planning your weed control strategy.
Spring Weed Control Guide for Columbus Yards
Spring is the most critical season for weed prevention. What you do in March determines how much crabgrass you’ll fight in July.
Early Spring: Pre-Emergent Application (Early March)
Pre-emergent herbicide is your first line of defense against crabgrass, foxtail, and other grassy weeds. These products work by creating a chemical barrier in the top layer of soil that prevents weed seeds from developing normally after germination.
The timing is everything. Pre-emergent must be in place before target weeds begin germinating. In Columbus, crabgrass typically starts germinating when soil temperatures reach 55 degrees for several consecutive days, usually in late March or early April. That means your pre-emergent application needs to happen by early March to ensure the barrier is active when seeds start sprouting.
Lawn Squad begins Round 1 treatments on March 2nd specifically to hit this window. The application combines pre-emergent crabgrass control with slow-release fertilizer, giving your grass a nutritional boost while protecting it from weed competition.
Important note: Pre-emergent herbicides prevent ALL seeds from germinating, including grass seed. If you’re planning to overseed in spring, you’ll need to skip pre-emergent in those areas or wait until fall to seed. This conflict is one reason fall overseeding produces better results in Columbus.
Late Spring: Second Pre-Emergent and Broadleaf Control (Mid-April)
The second spring treatment reinforces pre-emergent protection and adds broadleaf weed control. By mid-April, dandelions, clover, and other broadleaf weeds are actively growing, making them vulnerable to selective herbicides.
Post-emergent broadleaf herbicides work best when weeds are young and actively growing. Warm temperatures (60 to 80 degrees) help weeds absorb the herbicide and translocate it throughout their systems. Avoid applying when temperatures exceed 85 degrees, as this can stress your grass and reduce herbicide effectiveness.
This round targets:
- Dandelions in their spring flowering stage
- White clover spreading through lawns
- Chickweed that established over winter
- Henbit and deadnettle finishing their spring growth cycle
- Ground ivy (creeping Charlie) beginning active spread
The PRO and ELITE programs also include surface insect control in this round, addressing pests that can weaken turf and create openings for weed invasion.
Spring Weed Control Mistakes to Avoid
Applying pre-emergent too late: Once you see crabgrass plants, pre-emergent season is over. You’ve missed the window and will need curative treatments later.
Mowing too soon after treatment: Wait at least 24 to 48 hours after broadleaf herbicide application before mowing. This gives the product time to absorb into weed leaves.
Watering immediately after application: Most granular pre-emergents need light watering to activate, but liquid broadleaf treatments need time to dry on weed leaves. Follow product instructions carefully.
Summer Weed Control Guide for Columbus Yards
Summer brings different weed challenges. Warm season weeds like nutsedge and crabgrass escapes become the primary targets, while heat stress can limit treatment options.
Early Summer: Continued Broadleaf Control and Nutsedge (Late May to June)
Round 3 continues broadleaf weed control while shifting focus to summer-specific problems. Nutsedge, sometimes called nutgrass, becomes visible in Columbus lawns starting in late May. This sedge (not actually a grass) thrives in wet areas and spreads aggressively through underground tubers.
Nutsedge requires specialized herbicides. Standard broadleaf weed killers won’t touch it, and products that kill grassy weeds can damage your lawn. Lawn Squad offers sedge curative treatments specifically for this problem, with pricing ranging from $50 to $292 depending on lawn size.
Characteristics that identify nutsedge:
- Grows faster than surrounding grass, creating visible patches within days of mowing
- Light green or yellowish color compared to turf grass
- Triangular stem (roll it between your fingers to feel the edges)
- Thrives in low, wet areas but can spread throughout the lawn
Mid-Summer: Crabgrass Curative Treatment (July)
Despite best prevention efforts, some crabgrass may break through, especially in thin areas, along driveways, or where pre-emergent was washed away by heavy rain. Once crabgrass is visible, you need post-emergent crabgrass control.
Curative crabgrass treatment is more expensive and less effective than prevention. Young crabgrass plants respond better than mature ones, so treat as soon as you identify the problem. By late summer, mature crabgrass becomes very difficult to kill without damaging desirable grass.
Crabgrass curative pricing at Lawn Squad ranges from $50 to $402 depending on lawn size, compared to $45 to $130 for preventative treatments included in regular programs. This price difference illustrates why prevention matters.
Summer Heat Considerations
Avoid broadleaf herbicide applications when temperatures exceed 85 degrees. High heat increases the risk of herbicide damage to your lawn and reduces effectiveness against weeds. Columbus summers regularly see stretches above this threshold, which is why professional timing matters.
Maintain mowing height at 3 to 3.5 inches. Taller grass shades the soil, preventing weed seed germination and reducing moisture stress. Many homeowners cut too short in summer, which weakens grass and creates opportunities for weeds.
Water deeply but infrequently. This encourages deep grass root development while discouraging shallow-rooted weeds. Most weeds thrive with frequent, light watering.
Fall Weed Control Guide for Columbus Yards
Fall is actually the best time to attack perennial broadleaf weeds. Most Columbus homeowners don’t realize this, which is why they fight the same dandelions year after year.
Why Fall Weed Control Works Better
In fall, perennial weeds are preparing for winter by moving energy from their leaves down into their root systems. When you apply herbicide during this period, the weed actively transports the herbicide into its roots, delivering a killing dose to the entire plant, not just the visible portion.
Spring treatments often kill the top growth of perennial weeds, but the roots survive and regenerate. Fall treatments eliminate roots and all, providing longer lasting control.
Fall Weed Control Timing (September to October)
Round 6 of Lawn Squad’s program applies broadleaf weed control during this optimal window. By late September, temperatures have moderated from summer extremes, weeds are actively growing, and energy is flowing toward root systems.
Target weeds for fall treatment:
- Dandelions storing energy for spring flowering
- Clover that has spread through summer
- Plantain with established root systems
- Wild violet with extensive underground networks
- Ground ivy that has colonized shaded areas
Combining Fall Weed Control with Overseeding
Fall is also the best time to overseed thin lawns, but this creates a conflict. Most broadleaf herbicides will damage or kill newly germinated grass seedlings.
The solution is timing. Apply herbicide treatments at least three weeks before overseeding, or wait until new grass has been mowed at least three times before applying herbicides. Lawn Squad coordinates these services to avoid conflicts, adjusting treatment schedules for customers who need both weed control and overseeding.
How to Identify Common Columbus Weeds
Knowing what you’re fighting helps you choose the right weapons. Here are the most common weeds in Central Ohio lawns and how to identify them.
Crabgrass: Annual grassy weed that germinates in spring and dies with first frost. Forms low, spreading clumps with wide, flat blades. Stems radiate from a central point like crab legs. Light green color. Seeds prolifically in late summer.
Dandelion: Perennial broadleaf with deep taproot. Recognizable yellow flowers become white puffball seed heads. Leaves form rosette pattern with jagged, tooth-like edges. Flowers primarily in spring but can bloom throughout growing season.
White Clover: Perennial broadleaf that spreads through stolons (above-ground runners). Three-part leaves with white chevron marking. White or pinkish round flower heads. Fixes nitrogen from air, so it stays green even in poor soil.
Nutsedge: Perennial sedge (not a grass) with triangular stems. Reproduces through underground tubers called nutlets. Grows faster than grass, becoming visible within days of mowing. Yellowish-green color. Thrives in wet conditions.
Creeping Charlie (Ground Ivy): Perennial broadleaf that spreads through runners. Round or kidney-shaped leaves with scalloped edges. Small purple flowers in spring. Strong minty odor when crushed. Prefers shade but tolerates sun.
Plantain: Perennial broadleaf with fibrous root system. Two types common in Columbus: broadleaf plantain with oval leaves and buckhorn plantain with narrow, lance-shaped leaves. Leaves form rosette close to ground. Tolerates compacted soil and foot traffic.
Professional Weed Control Service Options
Lawn Squad of Columbus offers several weed control options depending on your lawn’s needs and your budget.
Weed Control as Part of Full Programs
The ELITE, PRO, and ESSENTIAL programs all include multiple broadleaf weed control applications throughout the season. This integrated approach addresses weeds as part of comprehensive lawn care.
| Program | Weed Control Applications | Pre-Emergent Applications |
|---|---|---|
| ELITE | 5 rounds | 2 rounds |
| PRO | 5 rounds | 2 rounds |
| ESSENTIAL | 4 rounds | 2 rounds |
Standalone Weed Control Services
For customers who only need weed control, Lawn Squad offers a Weed Control Only (WCO) program with treatments in Rounds 1 through 6. This option works for homeowners who handle fertilization themselves but want professional weed management.
Specialty Weed Treatments
Some weeds require targeted treatments beyond standard broadleaf control:
- Crabgrass Curative: Post-emergent treatment for established crabgrass ($50 to $402 based on lawn size)
- Sedge Curative: Specialized treatment for nutsedge ($50 to $292 based on lawn size)
- Non-Selective Herbicide: Total vegetation control for starting over ($55 to $319 based on area size)
Common Weed Control Mistakes Columbus Homeowners Make
After serving the Greater Columbus area since 2001, we’ve seen homeowners make the same weed control mistakes repeatedly. Avoiding these errors will save you time, money, and frustration.
Mistake #1: Relying on “weed and feed” products alone Store-bought weed and feed products apply herbicide and fertilizer at the same time, but optimal timing for these applications rarely overlaps. Pre-emergent needs to go down before weeds germinate. Fertilizer timing depends on grass needs. Broadleaf herbicide works best when weeds are actively growing. Combining everything into one product means compromising on timing for all of them.
Mistake #2: Spot-treating without addressing the underlying problem Killing individual weeds without improving lawn density just creates space for new weeds to move in. Weed control must be paired with practices that encourage thick, healthy turf. Fertilization, proper mowing, and overseeding thin areas all reduce future weed pressure.
Mistake #3: Applying herbicide to stressed lawns Herbicides stress all plants, including your grass. Applying treatments during drought, extreme heat, or when grass is already weakened can cause lawn damage. Professional applicators monitor conditions and delay treatments when necessary to protect turf health.
Mistake #4: Ignoring weeds until they’re obvious By the time weeds form visible patches, they’ve already gone to seed or spread through runners. The best time to treat weeds is when they’re young and before they reproduce. This often means treating when you can barely see the problem.
Mistake #5: Using the wrong product for the weed type Broadleaf herbicides don’t kill grassy weeds. Grassy weed killers can damage your lawn. Sedges require specialized products. Identifying the weed correctly before treatment prevents wasted money and potential lawn damage.
Organic vs. Conventional Weed Control: Which Should You Choose?
Conventional weed control uses synthetic herbicides that effectively kill target weeds with minimal impact on desired grass. Products are extensively tested, reasonably priced, and provide reliable results. Modern selective herbicides are safer and more targeted than products from decades past. The tradeoff is that you’re applying synthetic chemicals to your lawn.
Best for: Homeowners who prioritize effectiveness and want the fastest path to a weed-free lawn.
Organic weed control avoids synthetic chemicals but has significant limitations. No organic pre-emergent matches the effectiveness of synthetic options. Organic post-emergent herbicides (usually based on iron or fatty acids) work slowly, require multiple applications, and can burn grass in hot weather. The primary organic weed control strategy is cultural: maintaining such thick, healthy grass that weeds can’t establish.
Best for: Homeowners with chemical sensitivities, those with pets or children who frequently use the lawn, or those who prioritize organic practices over perfect weed control results.
Lawn Squad offers an Organic Program that uses 100% organic fertilizer to promote lawn health, though it does not include synthetic weed control. This option works best for customers willing to accept some weed presence in exchange for avoiding synthetic herbicides.
Your Columbus Weed Control Calendar at a Glance
Full Program Weed Control Schedule
| Round | Timing | Weed Control Services |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | March 2 | Pre-emergent crabgrass control |
| 2 | April 13 | Pre-emergent crabgrass control, broadleaf weed control |
| 3 | May 25 | Broadleaf weed control |
| 4 | July 6 | Broadleaf weed control |
| 5 | August 17 | Broadleaf weed control |
| 6 | September 28 | Broadleaf weed control |
Specialty Weed Treatment Timing
| Weed Problem | Best Treatment Window | Treatment Type |
|---|---|---|
| Crabgrass (prevention) | Early March | Pre-emergent |
| Crabgrass (curative) | May through July | Post-emergent |
| Nutsedge | June through August | Sedge curative |
| Dandelions | April or September to October | Broadleaf post-emergent |
| Clover | April through October | Broadleaf post-emergent |
| Ground ivy | Fall (September to October) | Broadleaf post-emergent |
The Bottom Line
Controlling weeds in Columbus yards requires a seasonal approach that matches treatments to weed life cycles and optimal application conditions.
Key principles to remember:
- Pre-emergent timing in early March prevents crabgrass before it starts
- Young, actively growing weeds are always easier to kill than mature, established ones
- Fall is the best time to eliminate perennial broadleaf weeds like dandelions
- Different weed types require different herbicides, so identification matters
- Thick, healthy grass is your best long-term weed prevention strategy
Columbus homeowners who follow this seasonal approach spend less time fighting weeds and enjoy better looking lawns than those who react to problems after they appear.
Let Lawn Squad Handle It For You
Every Columbus property faces different weed pressures. Shade levels, soil conditions, past lawn care history, and neighboring properties all influence what weeds you’re fighting and how aggressively they spread.
Lawn Squad of Columbus has protected lawns throughout Greater Columbus, Dublin, Westerville, New Albany, and surrounding Central Ohio communities since 2001. We understand the specific weeds that thrive in our region and the timing required to control them effectively.
Our weed control approach includes:
- Two pre-emergent applications timed for Columbus soil temperatures
- Five broadleaf weed control treatments throughout the growing season
- Professional identification of problem weeds
- Access to commercial-grade herbicides not available to homeowners
- Specialty treatments for nutsedge, crabgrass escapes, and other persistent problems
- Unlimited service calls if weeds appear between scheduled treatments
Stop spending your weekends pulling dandelions that keep coming back. Stop watching crabgrass take over every summer. Stop wondering why store-bought products aren’t working.
Contact Lawn Squad of Columbus today at 740-549-9991 to get a free quote and finally win the war against weeds in your yard.
