Our Fertilization & Weed Control Program: Why It's Not the Same Stuff Every Time

At Fresh Cut Pros, our 6-application program is timed to the season and the actual conditions in Joliet, Shorewood, Plainfield, Minooka, and Channahon. We’re feeding the lawn when and how it needs it, suppressing weeds before they show up, and adapting to the weather — not running on autopilot.

What the Program Looks Like (In Plain English)

• Round 1 (Early Spring): Get things going with a nitrogen boost + soil support to improve water uptake early. 

• Round 2 (Late Spring): Pre-emergent + weed control. This round is critical. If we miss it, especially around curbs and edges, you’ll see crabgrass.

• Round 3 (Early Summer): Blanket spray for broadleaf weeds + micronutrients + nitrogen. This is where lawns start to pop.

• Round 4 (Late Summer): Granular fertilizer with insect control + spot spraying. We’re balancing growth with protection.

• Round 5 (Fall): Weeds are back — we blanket spray again, paired with lighter fertilizer to push recovery.

• Round 6 (Late Fall/Winterizer): Feeding the roots to survive winter. Also hits any straggler weeds before dormancy.

It’s a System — Not a Shortcut

For thin or weedy lawns, our program plus fall aeration and overseed is almost always enough to transform the yard in a year or two.

Our philosophy is simple: first clear the weeds, then rebuild the lawn.

Trying to overseed in spring? We get asked that a lot. Technically, it’s possible — but not ideal. If you’ve already had pre-emergent down, seed won’t take. And if you skip pre-emergent to seed, you’re inviting crabgrass. That’s a trade-off we usually avoid unless you’ve got major bare areas turning to mud.

We’ll typically hold off and seed in the fall, when conditions are better and we can aerate + seed + even topdress if needed.

Topdressing? Here’s When It Makes Sense

We don’t topdress every lawn — but if your turf is in decent shape and just needs some fresh life, topdressing after aeration can make a big impact. The soil’s already opened up, and the added compost helps new seed and existing grass root better.

Do We Adjust the Program?

Sort of. The core program stays the same, but we tweak around it:

• Shady lawns get a shade-specific seed blend like turf-type tall fescue.

• Hot weeks? We pause treatments — no need to cook your lawn.

• Special weeds? We’ve got selective controls for things like nutsedge, crabgrass, and wild violet.

• Spot spray? Blanket? We do both. Every visit includes targeted spraying. Rounds 3 & 5 are full blanket treatments with nutrients and iron.

• Info: We'll occasionally send after action reports on things you can do, raise mower deck height, sharpen your blades, water more, etc..

This isn’t a “spray and pray” deal. It’s structured, seasonal, and it works — if you stick with it.

Final Thoughts

The biggest thing to know: results take time. You’re not going to fix a lawn in one visit. But if we clear the weeds, feed the soil, and seed at the right time, the turnaround is real. We’ve seen lawns go from patchy and embarrassing to the best on the block in a season or two.

If you're ready for lawn care that actually works — and sticks to a plan — we’re here.

📍 Serving the Joliet area including Shorewood, Plainfield, Minooka, and Channahon
📞 Click to request a quote or get on the fall aeration list early.