YEAR-ROUND LAWN CARE
DeSoto Turf provides professional lawn care through an eight-treatment program that combines seasonal weed prevention, existing weed control, and fertilization. Visits are normally scheduled 30 to 45 days apart, with applications changing throughout the year.
Early treatments focus on stopping weeds before they emerge. Fertilizer is introduced when the grass begins actively growing. Later visits address summer weeds, prepare for cooler weather, and finish with a lime application.
The program gives each treatment a specific purpose rather than applying the same products at every visit.
UNDERSTANDING LAWN PROBLEMS
A lawn can look healthy in one area and struggle a few feet away.
Weeds often spread into thin or bare grass. Some return every year from seeds in the soil, while perennial weeds can grow back from established roots. Spraying what is visible does not always prevent another round of growth.
Brown patches need a closer look. They may indicate insect damage, disease, poor drainage, or watering problems rather than a lack of fertilizer.
Compacted soil can also make it difficult for roots to grow and absorb water. Grass growing in hard soil may thin out even when it receives regular fertilizer.
Good lawn care starts with identifying the problem before choosing a treatment.
THE DESOTO TURF APPROACH
Our weed control and fertilization program follows seasonal changes in grass growth and weed activity.
Pre-emergent herbicides help prevent certain weeds from establishing.
Timing matters because these products generally work before the targeted weeds emerge. Spring applications focus on crabgrass and other warm-season weeds, while fall treatments address weeds that grow during cooler months.
We split the spring pre-emergent application between two visits to extend preventive coverage.
Post-emergent herbicides target weeds that have appeared in the lawn.
Depending on the weed and the affected area, treatment may involve spot spraying or a broader application.
Some perennial weeds, including dallisgrass, nutsedge, and Virginia buttonweed, can be difficult to control. Repeat treatments may be necessary, and aggressive applications can damage nearby grass.
Mississippi State University Extension explains why weed identification and herbicide selection matter when treating established lawns.
Fertilization begins when the grass is growing and can use the nutrients.
Early growing-season applications include slow-release nitrogen to support growth and color. Later applications contain less nitrogen, with potassium to support root development and iron to help maintain color.
Fertilizer is not automatically applied during every visit.
Hard, compacted soil can interfere with root development and water movement.
When compaction is affecting the lawn, core aeration may help by removing small plugs of soil and opening space for air and water to move into the root zone.
Aeration is a separate service, not a routine part of every lawn treatment.
The eighth treatment includes granular lime.
Lime raises soil pH gradually, which can help improve nutrient availability when the soil is too acidic. It does not work like fertilizer and should not be expected to produce an immediate change in grass color.
THE EIGHT-TREATMENT PROGRAM
The first visit focuses on preventing weeds that would otherwise emerge as temperatures rise.
We apply the first portion of spring pre-emergent herbicide, targeting weeds such as crabgrass. Visible weeds are also treated when conditions allow.
Rainfall generally activates the pre-emergent. If conditions remain dry, irrigation may be needed according to the service instructions.
The second spring pre-emergent application extends coverage against emerging weeds.
We also address existing weeds such as henbit, dandelions, Poa annua, and other winter growth.
Splitting the spring treatment helps provide a longer preventive window without relying on one large application.
As the grass greens up and begins growing, we apply slow-release granular fertilizer.
Existing weeds receive treatment as needed. This is also when problems such as winter injury, spring dead spot, and soil compaction may become easier to identify.
Lawns with significant weed pressure may receive a different application approach.
Another fertilizer application supports active grass growth.
We also treat weeds such as nutsedge, dallisgrass, Virginia buttonweed, and spurge where they appear.
Discolored areas are reviewed before additional treatment is considered. Not every brown patch needs more fertilizer.
The fertilizer blend changes during this visit.
We reduce nitrogen compared with the previous application to avoid encouraging excessive top growth. Potassium supports root development, and iron helps maintain color.
Active weeds continue to receive treatment as needed.
Fall weed prevention begins with a pre-emergent application focused on Poa annua.
This weed is difficult to manage once established, making prevention especially important.
We also address visible weeds such as sedge and spurge when present.
This treatment combines pre-emergent and post-emergent weed control.
The preventive application targets broadleaf weeds that may appear in early spring.
Existing weeds, including Poa annua that has already emerged, receive treatment where appropriate.
The final visit includes granular lime and spot treatment for remaining weeds.
The lime works gradually to raise soil pH, helping improve nutrient availability when acidity is limiting the lawn.
This completes the annual eight-treatment schedule.
AFTER YOUR LAWN VISIT
The instructions depend on what was applied. A liquid weed treatment may require different care than granular fertilizer, pre-emergent herbicide, or lime.
Before mowing, watering, or allowing normal activity on the grass, read the service notes.
The EPA provides additional pesticide safety guidance, including precautions for children, pets, and treated outdoor areas.
More water does not make every treatment work faster. Follow the instructions for the specific application.
UNDERSTANDING TREATMENT RESULTS
Different treatments produce different results.
Post-emergent herbicides may cause weeds to curl, yellow, or stop growing before they die. Some weeds respond within several days, while established perennial weeds can take longer.
Pre-emergent applications are less visible. Their purpose is to prevent targeted weeds from developing, not remove weeds already growing.
Fertilizer supports grass as it grows. Improvements in color and density usually happen gradually.
A lawn with severe thinning, persistent shade, drainage problems, or disease may need additional attention beyond regular fertilization and weed control.
CARE BETWEEN TREATMENTS
Avoid cutting the grass too short.
Removing too much leaf growth at once can stress the lawn and leave more room for weeds. A useful general rule is to remove no more than one-third of the grass blade during a single mowing.
Keep mower blades sharp to reduce tearing.
Water deeply when needed rather than adding small amounts every day.
Check sprinkler coverage if some areas remain dry while others stay wet. Standing water and constantly saturated soil can create additional lawn problems.
A few weeds may still appear between treatments.
Do not automatically apply another herbicide. Identify the weed and check whether the previous application needs more time to work.
Heavy layers of leaves and debris can block sunlight and trap moisture.
Keep the lawn clear enough for grass to receive adequate light and air movement.
Sudden thinning, spreading brown patches, or visible insect activity should be checked.
Treating every lawn problem with fertilizer or weed control can delay the appropriate solution.
WHY CHOOSE DESOTO TURF
DeSoto Turf uses an eight-treatment program with specific applications scheduled throughout the year.
We do not apply fertilizer simply because another visit is due. Weed prevention is timed around seasonal germination, while existing weeds are treated according to their growth and condition.
The program includes two spring pre-emergent applications, seasonal fertilization, fall weed prevention, and a final lime treatment.
We also identify visible problems that regular weed control and fertilization may not correct.
You can learn more about our company and lawn care approach on the About DeSoto Turf page.
COMMON LAWN CARE QUESTIONS
Weeds do not all grow at the same time, and grass does not need the same nutrients during every season.
DeSoto Turf’s eight-treatment program follows those changes with preventive weed control, treatments for existing weeds, seasonal fertilization, and a final lime application.
For questions about the program, treatment timing, or an existing lawn problem, contact DeSoto Turf. Our team can review your concerns and explain the available services.