Spring in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky brings blooming flowers, longer days—and unfortunately, weeds waking up right alongside your grass. If you’ve ever looked out at your lawn in April and thought, “Wasn’t this green and clean a week ago?”—you’re not alone. But with a little planning and some expert-backed tips, you can stop weeds before they spread and enjoy a thick, healthy lawn all season long.
In this blog, we’ll break down:
- When and how to apply pre-emergent herbicides
- Why your mowing strategy matters more than you think
- How to strengthen your turf so weeds don’t stand a chance
Let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
Use Pre-Emergent Herbicides Early in the Season
What is a pre-emergent, and why does timing matter?
Pre-emergent herbicides work by stopping weed seeds from germinating. They don’t kill existing weeds—you need to apply them before the weeds sprout. Think of it like putting a lid on the pot before it boils over.
Key Tips:
- Apply before soil temperatures hit 55°F – This usually happens around mid to late March in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.
- Focus on crabgrass and other summer weeds – These are the ones that really take over if you don’t get ahead.
- Water it in – After applying a granular pre-emergent, lightly water the lawn to activate it and create a barrier in the soil.
Straight Line Landscaping Pro Tip:
Use a split application method. Apply the first round in early spring, then reapply 6–8 weeks later to extend protection through summer.
Mow Higher and Smarter
Can the way you mow really stop weeds? 100% yes.
Many homeowners scalp their lawn too short in the spring, thinking it “cleans things up.” But mowing too low actually invites weeds by exposing bare soil and stressing your turf.
Best Practices:
- Set mower height to 3 to 3.5 inches for most cool-season grasses like Kentucky Bluegrass.
- Keep mower blades sharp – Dull blades tear grass, creating wounds where weeds and disease can sneak in.
- Follow the 1/3 rule – Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mow.
Bonus:
Taller grass shades the soil, preventing weed seeds from getting the sunlight they need to germinate.
Build a Thick, Resilient Lawn
A healthy, thick lawn is the best weed defense of all. Weeds love open space. If your grass is patchy, sparse, or recovering from a tough winter, it’s practically an invitation for weeds to move in.
Here’s how to make your turf too strong for weeds to take over:
Lawn Strengthening Tips:
- Aerate your lawn – Loosen compacted soil so water, air, and nutrients can reach the roots.
- Overseed in the fall (or early spring if needed) – Fill in bare spots to prevent weeds from filling them first.
- Feed your lawn – Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to jumpstart healthy growth.
- Water deeply, not daily – Aim for 1–1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall.
Consider Kentucky Bluegrass?
It’s a top choice for lawns in our area thanks to its self-repairing nature. When you mow and fertilize it properly, it spreads to cover bare spots, reducing space for weeds to thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions (From Google PAA)
Q: Should I pull weeds or use chemicals in spring?
A: If you only see a few weeds, hand-pulling is fine. For larger areas, use a pre-emergent early and consider spot-treating with post-emergent herbicides later in the season.
Q: What’s the best weed killer for spring lawns?
A: Look for selective pre-emergents targeting grassy weeds like crabgrass. Products with prodiamine or dithiopyr are highly effective in early spring.
Q: Can mowing get rid of weeds?
A: Not directly—but consistent, high mowing can suppress weed growth and help turf outcompete invaders. Plus, it encourages deeper root systems.
Take the Stress Out of Spring Lawn Care
We get it—weed control isn’t always at the top of your to-do list in spring. But that’s why we’re here. At Straight Line Landscaping, we offer full-service lawn care and weed control programs designed for homeowners across Batavia, Cincinnati, and Northern Kentucky.
We’ll handle the pre-emergent timing, mowing schedules, turf nutrition—and even remove weeds that slipped through the cracks.
Call us today at 513-702-1543 or reach out on Facebook to schedule your spring lawn assessment.
Your lawn deserves better than a weedy mess. Let’s get it growing strong.