Understanding Our Fertilization & Weed Control Program: Why Every Application Matters

Understanding Our Fertilization & Weed Control Program: Why Every Application Matters 

At Fresh Cut, we believe in a comprehensive approach to lawn care. Our fertilization and weed control program is designed to work together across multiple applications throughout the year. While some rounds focus on soil health, others target weeds directly—but each one is vital to achieving long-term results. It’s important to know that no single application will dramatically transform your lawn, but working through the program over time will lead to a healthier, greener lawn. 

There's No Wrong Time to Start 

Ideally, starting with Round 1 in the spring sets your lawn up for success, but there’s no wrong time to begin the program. For example, If you call in June, your first application will be “Round 3 or 4”, depending on the season. The numbers are just for us to track each application. What matters most is that you get started now, no matter what month it is—because the best time to start improving your lawn is always now. 

Round 1: Early Fertilizer for Quick Green-Up 

What it does: This first application provides a boost of fertilizer to green up your lawn and help it recover from winter. It’s also our chance to assess your lawn early and identify any potential issues that need attention. 

Expectations: You’ll see early signs of growth, but Round 1 is more about setting up the soil for the rest of the year and increasing the thickness of the lawn so that the turf can outcompete weeds. 

Round 2: Pre-Emergent Weed control product + Spot Weed Control (Crucial for Crabgrass Prevention) 

Why it's essential: Round 2 is critical for preventing crabgrass and other summer weeds. We apply a pre-emergent weed control product that stops weeds before they even start growing. If we miss this step, especially around the edges of your lawn—where compaction is highest—crabgrass can take over. 

Miss Round 2? No Problem, But Expect Crabgrass: If you start the program after this round, you may see crabgrass all summer. The good news is, by sticking with the program, we’ll prevent it from coming back next year. If necessary, we can even apply a late pre-emergent in the fall to get it under control. 

Expectations: You won’t see immediate results since it’s a preventative treatment, but this round is essential for keeping crabgrass and other weeds away for the season. 

Round 3: Broadleaf Weed Control + Fertilizer Boost 

What it does: Round 3 is your heavy hitter for dandelions and broadleaf weeds. We apply a blanket post-emergent weed control product to target any existing weeds, while adding liquid nitrogen and iron for an additional green-up boost. 

Expectations: By the end of this round, you should see a noticeable reduction in weeds and a greener, healthier lawn. This is one of the most visible rounds of the year. 

Round 4: Granular Fertilizer + Insect Control & Spot Weed Treatment 

What it does: Round 4 applies a granular fertilizer blended with insecticide to promote healthy grass growth and protect your lawn from damaging insects. We also spot-spray any remaining weeds to keep your lawn weed-free. Late summer typically has the highest weed pressure, so if any weeds we treat need a second application, we’ll schedule a free respray. You can also call us for a free follow-up if you notice any new weeds after this application. 

Expectations: This round helps your lawn stay healthy through the late summer with protection against insects and steady growth, while keeping weeds in check with spot treatments. 

Round 5: Post-Emergent Weed Control + Fertilization 

What it does: Similar to Round 3, Round 5 tackles weeds with another post-emergent weed control product. It’s designed to catch any late-emerging weeds, along with a gentle fertilizer to help your lawn transition into fall. 

Expectations: Weed reduction continues, and we’re preparing your lawn for the cooler months. 

Fall Aeration & Overseeding 

Why it matters: This is the time we focus on aeration and overseeding to improve soil health and encourage new grass growth. Aeration relieves soil compaction, allowing nutrients and water to penetrate deeper, while overseeding helps thicken the lawn to prevent future weed growth. 

Expectations: This is a long-term process that might not show immediate results but is key for a healthy lawn next spring. 

Round 6: Winterizer + Final Weed Control 

What it does: The final round applies a winterizer to strengthen the roots before winter sets in. We’ll also spot-treat any weeds to make sure your lawn goes into dormancy weed-free. 

Expectations: While this round doesn’t have immediate visible effects, it sets the stage for your lawn to green up faster and stronger in the spring. 

Why One Application Isn’t Enough 

Each application in our program is part of a larger plan. You may not see drastic results from just one visit—especially with Rounds 1, 4, and 6, which focus on soil health and long-term growth. But over the course of a year, the results will be clear. Some clients think they can hire us for one application and then fire us, but that’s not how lawn care works. It takes a full year or more of consistent treatments to see lasting change. 

Before & After: A Year of Progress 

To give you a personal example, I started treating my own 2-acre property in October 2023, after it had been completely neglected. A year later, the only noticeable weeds are crabgrass along the edges and around the pond—proof that it takes time, but the results speak for themselves. While most of our clients have smaller lawns (around 8,000 sq. ft.), the principles are the same: start now and commit to the process, no matter the season.