Spring in Missouri means longer days, warmer air, and lawns that are finally shaking off their winter blues. It’s the season of new beginnings—until weeds show up and ruin the party. So, what’s the most common mistake homeowners make this time of year?
They skip pre-emergent weed control.
It might not seem like a big deal, but this one oversight can sabotage your entire lawn season. We’re talking more weeds, more work, and way less satisfaction when you look out your front window. In this guide, we’ll break down why it matters so much, what happens if you miss the window, and how you can avoid the hassle altogether.
Whether you’re in Eldon, Jefferson City, Lake of the Ozarks, or anywhere in mid-Missouri, this is your go-to guide for starting spring on the right foot.
Why Spring is the Most Critical Season for Lawn Care
Think of spring as your lawn’s wake-up call. After months of hibernation, your grass is ready to stretch, grow, and get back to looking good. But if you don’t give it what it needs now, it won’t have the strength to compete with the weeds waiting to take over.
Missouri lawns—especially cool-season grasses like fescue and bluegrass—thrive in spring. With a little help, they’ll grow thick and lush. Without it? Weeds creep in, and the battle begins.
Understanding the Enemy: What Are Pre-Emergent Weeds?
Weeds are opportunists. They don’t wait for an invitation—they just show up and start stealing space, water, and nutrients.
Pre-emergent weed control is different from your standard weed spray. Instead of killing weeds after they sprout, it stops them from popping up in the first place. It works underground, blocking weed seeds from taking root.
The most common troublemakers in Missouri lawns include:
- Crabgrass
- Goosegrass
- Foxtail
- Annual bluegrass
- Spurge
These guys are fast-growing, aggressive, and hard to control once they get going.
What Is Pre-Emergent Weed Control and How Does It Work?
Here’s the simple version: Pre-emergent treatments create a barrier in the soil. When weed seeds start to grow, that barrier shuts them down before they ever see daylight.
But—and this is important—the timing has to be just right.
- Too early? It breaks down before it can do any good.
- Too late? The weeds are already winning.
Think of it like sunscreen for your lawn. You’ve got to apply it before the burn.
The Science Behind Timing: When to Apply Pre-Emergents in Missouri
In Missouri, the secret isn’t the calendar—it’s the soil temperature. Most weed seeds, especially crabgrass, start germinating when soil temps hit around 55°F for several days in a row.
That usually happens somewhere between mid-March and early April, depending on the year.
If you want to be precise, grab a soil thermometer or check with Mizzou Extension’s local soil temp tracker.
Or better yet, let TurfMark handle it. We keep tabs on soil temps and weather patterns so you don’t have to guess.
Common Missouri Weeds You Can Prevent with Pre-Emergents
Let’s talk about the usual suspects:
Crabgrass: Public enemy #1. Once it shows up, it spreads fast and turns your lawn into a patchy mess.
Foxtail: Loves hot weather and grows tall with bushy seed heads. Not great for lawn aesthetics.
Goosegrass: Tough, low to the ground, and hard to mow. It thrives in compacted soil.
Spurge: Creeps low and wide, filling in bare spots and laughing at weak grass.
Annual Bluegrass: Sneaks in early and messes with the uniform look of your lawn.
Why Most Homeowners Miss the Pre-Emergent Window
We get it—life’s busy. And Missouri’s spring weather doesn’t make it easy. Here are some of the reasons people miss the mark:
- Warm snap fake-outs: You think it’s too early, then boom—crabgrass season.
- Confusing soil vs. air temps: Air might feel warm, but your soil could still be chilly.
- DIY guessing: Without a plan or professional input, timing is hard to nail.
- Busy schedules: Work, family, and weekend plans take priority over weed prevention.
It happens. But missing this window means fighting an uphill battle all summer.
The Cost of Waiting: What Happens When Weeds Take Over
So what if you skip the pre-emergent? Here’s what you’re in for:
- More time spent fighting weeds
- Multiple rounds of post-emergent treatments
- Thinner grass and bare spots
- Less curb appeal and lower lawn satisfaction
And let’s be honest—no one loves spending their weekend pulling weeds.
DIY vs. Professional Application: What’s the Difference?
Sure, you can grab a bag of pre-emergent at the store. But doing it yourself comes with a learning curve:
- Timing it wrong = wasted money
- Using the wrong product = poor results
- Missing spots = patchy protection
TurfMark takes the guesswork out of it. We:
- Use commercial-grade products
- Tailor applications to your lawn type
- Track soil temps daily
- Guarantee proper coverage
You get better results without lifting a finger.
What TurfMark Does Differently
We’re not just applying chemicals and crossing our fingers. Our team at TurfMark:
- Monitors weather and soil conditions across mid-Missouri
- Customizes treatment plans for your specific lawn
- Uses proven timing, tools, and techniques
- Follows up with service and support
We don’t believe in cookie-cutter care. We believe in your lawn, done right.
Other Spring Services That Work Hand-in-Hand With Pre-Emergent Treatment
Want to take it a step further? Combine pre-emergent with these services for max impact:
- Core aeration: Loosens up compacted soil so your lawn can breathe
- Fertilization: Feeds your grass the nutrients it needs to grow strong
- Mulching and edging beds: Boosts curb appeal and keeps weeds out of flowerbeds
- Seasonal cleanup: Clears debris so your lawn gets light, air, and room to grow
The combo approach sets your yard up for a stress-free summer.
Your 5-Step Spring Lawn Strategy (Starting Now)
- Schedule a free evaluation with TurfMark. We’ll walk your lawn and give honest recommendations.
- Apply pre-emergent before soil temps consistently hit 55°F.
- Fertilize to fuel spring growth.
- Aerate if the soil feels compacted or water pools.
- Maintain with regular mowing, clean edges, and a proactive mindset.
It’s that simple—and we’ll handle the hard parts.
Don’t Let One Mistake Define Your Lawn This Year
There’s a short window every spring to make the biggest difference in your lawn’s health. Skipping pre-emergent weed control might not seem like a huge deal now, but come June, you’ll wish you had.
TurfMark is here to help you stay ahead of the curve—without the stress, guesswork, or wasted Saturdays.
Let’s get your lawn on the right track now. Schedule Your Free Lawn Evaluation!