Spring in Cincinnati is full of promise—warmer temps, greener grass, and longer days. But for many homeowners, it also signals the return of one unwelcome guest: weeds. If left unchecked, these fast-spreading invaders can take over your lawn before summer even hits. The good news? You can stop weeds before they start with a few proactive steps.
Here’s how to win the war on weeds this spring—and keep your lawn lush, thick, and healthy all season long.
1. Start Early with Pre-Emergent Weed Control
Timing is everything when it comes to weeds. Many of the most aggressive weeds—like crabgrass—germinate early in spring, before you even notice them.
Here’s what to do:
- Apply a pre-emergent herbicide in early spring (when soil temps hit ~55°F for several days in a row).
- Use a product labeled for the specific weeds common in Cincinnati.
- Water it in well to activate the barrier it creates in the soil.
FAQ: What does a pre-emergent do?
It stops weed seeds from sprouting by creating a chemical barrier in the soil—perfect for preventing grassy weeds like crabgrass from ruining your lawn before they even start.
Need help choosing or applying the right product? TopScapes Design offers professional lawn care and weed prevention tailored to your property.
2. Feed Your Lawn—Don’t Feed the Weeds
Weeds love thin, stressed-out turf. That’s why a healthy, well-fed lawn is one of your best defenses against them.
Lawn fertilizing tips:
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to give your lawn a strong start.
- Choose a slow-release formula to promote steady growth.
- Follow with a second application in late spring to keep it going strong.
A thick, dense lawn shades the soil and prevents weed seeds from getting the light they need to grow.
3. Mow High and Often to Crowd Out Weeds
Mowing might seem like a simple chore—but done right, it’s a powerful way to suppress weeds.
Follow these mowing rules:
- Keep your grass height between 3 and 3.5 inches.
- Never cut more than ⅓ of the blade at a time.
- Leave grass clippings on the lawn for natural fertilization.
FAQ: Does mowing low help control weeds?
Nope. Mowing too short actually stresses the grass and lets more sunlight hit the soil—encouraging weeds to sprout. Higher mowing creates a shady canopy that chokes out weed growth.
4. Water Wisely to Avoid Feeding Weed Seeds
Consistent watering helps your grass—and the weeds. But how and when you water makes a big difference.
Watering do’s and don’ts:
- Water deeply (about 1 inch/week), but infrequently to encourage deep root growth.
- Water in the early morning to prevent disease.
- Avoid daily, shallow watering—it encourages shallow roots and weed growth.
If you struggle with dry spots or poor drainage, TopScapes Design can help with grading, soil amendments, or installing irrigation.
5. Tackle Weeds by Hand (The Right Way)
Even with the best practices, a few weeds may sneak in. When they do, take care of them early—before they spread.
Here’s how to handle hand weeding:
- Pull weeds when the soil is moist so the entire root comes out.
- Use a weeding tool to loosen deep-rooted invaders like dandelions or thistle.
- Dispose of pulled weeds—don’t compost them.
For aggressive weed infestations or hard-to-kill perennials, a professional weed control plan may be your best bet.
Take Control of Your Lawn This Spring with TopScapes Design
Weed prevention isn’t just about spraying chemicals—it’s about creating a healthy, thriving lawn that weeds don’t want to grow in. At TopScapes Design, we help homeowners in Cincinnati build and maintain beautiful, weed-free lawns through expert lawn mowing, landscape maintenance, and seasonal treatments.
Call us today at (937) 218-6729
Visit us online at topscapesdesign.com
Or check out our Google Maps listing to see what your neighbors are saying.
Let’s make this the season you finally get the lawn you love—without the weeds that drive you crazy.