The Lawn Care Products You Should Buy Now for Spring

Spring is coming — your lawn’s Super Bowl season — and the biggest mistake homeowners make is waiting until April or May to grab the products they need. By then, the early weeds have already sprouted, crabgrass is warming up on the sidelines, and your grass has missed its best chance for a strong green-up.

This guide gives you the must-have, can’t-skip, buy-them-now lawn care essentials that set up any lawn for spring success. Whether you're chasing a deep green lawn, preventing weeds, or giving your turf the nutrients it needs to thrive, this is your spring shopping list.

If you buy nothing else right now, get:

1. A spring pre-emergent — stops Crabgrass and other weeds before they germinate.
   

2. A balanced, slow-release spring fertilizer — fuels green-up without causing surge growth.
   

3. A targeted post-emergent weed killer — for the winter weeds already staring at you.
   

4. A spring lawn disease prevention product — if your area is humid or you’ve had fungus before.
   

5. Essential tools — soil test, spreader, and a sprayer.

What Lawn Products to Apply in Spring

(AKA: What your lawn needs before it wakes up hungry and annoyed.)

Your spring lawn treatment plan should include:

• Crabgrass preventer/spring pre-emergent

• Slow-release spring fertilizer

• Post-emergent weed killer

• Disease prevention (optional but smart)

• Add-on tools that make everything work better.

If you handle these five categories, you're ahead of 90% of homeowners.

Best Spring Pre-Emergents (Stop Weeds Before They Start)

Pre-emergent herbicides are the single most powerful line of defence against crabgrass, goosegrass, annual bluegrass, and most other spring/summer weeds. They work by forming a barrier in the soil that disrupts germination, inhibiting cell division in seedlings and preventing weeds from emerging.

Our top choices:

Prodiamine 65 WDG Brand Alternative Barricade® 65WDG

• Gold standard pre-emergent: Prodiamine is one of the most widely used and trusted pre-emergent herbicides. It’s long-lasting and effective at preventing a broad spectrum of annual grassy weeds — crabgrass, foxtail, goosegrass, annual bluegrass, even spurge, and some broadleaf annuals.

• Barrier effect: Once applied and watered in, it binds to the top layer of soil and inhibits microtubule formation in germinating seedlings — basically stopping weeds at the root before they even break the surface.

• Long coverage: A single early-spring application (at the right time) can protect your lawn through the main weed-germination window. For many lawns, that’s one less round of weed-cleanup later.

Best for: Most lawns — cool- or warm-season — that are already established and need long-term weed prevention early. Great first choice for a spring pre-emergent.

 

prodiamine-65-wdg-brand-alternative-barricade%C2%AE-65wdg

 

Specticle® FLO Pre‑Emergent Herbicide

• Different chemistry, similar goal: Specticle® FLO uses a different active ingredient than Prodiamine, but still acts as a pre-emergent, forming a soil barrier that interrupts weed germination. Pre-emergents like this are best applied before the weed seeds begin to sprout.

• Good for warm-season lawns / flexible timing: Many turf-care professionals lean on Specticle® FLO when dealing with warm-season grasses or unpredictable spring soil temps. Because the mode of action and activation profile differ, it can offer an alternative if Prodiamine’s window was missed or if you want a different chemistry in rotation. 

• Smart backup plan: Using a different pre-emergent chemistry helps if your lawn experiences heavy weed pressure — diversifying pre-emergent active ingredients reduces the chance that weeds will adapt or survive.

Best for: Warm-season lawns where you want an effective pre-emergent but may have missed the earliest window, or want to rotate chemistry for improved long-term weed management. 

 

specticle-flo-pre-emergent-herbicide

 

Dimension 15 Pre‑Emergent Herbicide with Fertilizer 0-0-7

• Dual benefit (pre-emergent + light fertiliser): This product combines a pre-emergent active ingredient (dithiopyr)with a 0-0-7 fertilizer base, making it convenient. Pre-emergent protection plus a slight nutrient boost in one pass.

• Flexibility thanks to early post-emergent activity: Dithiopyr doesn’t just prevent weeds — it offers some early post-emergent control, meaning if a few weeds have already sprouted, you get extra coverage. 

• Good for “late starter” spring applications: If you’re a bit late applying pre-emergent (soil temps already creeping up), Dimension 15 gives a wider window — still catching weeds you might’ve missed with a Prodiamine-only approach.

Best for: Lawns where timing is a bit tight — perhaps skipped the earliest window — or where you want a simple two-in-one (pre-emergent + light fertiliser). Also handy if your lawn tends to see a few weeds early, regardless of your attempts. Safe for all lawn types.

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Timing and Key Tips for Best Results

• Apply before weed seeds germinate — ideally when soil temperatures rise to ~50–55°F (10–13 °C). For many regions, this means late winter / very early spring.

• Water in after application — a good rain or irrigation soon after spreading activates the chemical barrier.

• Avoid applying pre-emergents to newly seeded turf — they can also block seed germination. 

• Consider “sequencing” or “rotating” pre-emergent chemistries over years — using a different active ingredient (e.g., Specticle® FLO vs Prodiamine) helps avoid resistance and preserves long-term effectiveness.

Why Pre-Emergents Deserve a Spot in Every Spring Lawn Plan

Pre-emergent herbicides are preventive: they keep weeds from ever becoming a problem. Once weed seeds sprout and break the surface, it’s too late for pre-emergents — that’s when you shift to post-emergent weed killers, which are less efficient, more labour-intensive, and often risk turf stress.

A well-timed pre-emergent application, especially with a product like Prodiamine 65 WDG or Specticle® FLO, dramatically reduces weed pressure throughout the season — leaving space, nutrients, and light for your grass, not the weeds.

Related: The Best Crabgrass Weed Killers That Won't Harm Your Turfgrass 

 

Best Spring Fertilizers for a Thick, Green Lawn

A good spring fertilizer gives your lawn the nutrients it craves right after winter — especially nitrogen for green-up, plus potassium and sometimes trace elements for resilience. The three numbers on a fertilizer bag (“N-P-K”) tell you exactly what you're feeding your turf.

Country Club 16-0-8 Humic Max and Mesa® by Lebanonturf

 Why this works well for spring:

• The “16-0-8” formula means 16% nitrogen and 8% potassium, with no phosphorus — a good balance for established lawns where root systems are already built.
  

• Nitrogen supports leafy, green growth (important in spring), while potassium helps build strength and stress resistance — useful as the lawn emerges from dormancy.
  

• The inclusion of humic acid can enhance soil structure, nutrient uptake, and microbial activity — a boon after winter when soil microbiology is still waking up.

Best for: Cool- or warm-season lawns needing a reliable, balanced spring feed without overdoing phosphorus — especially those that were fertilized in the preceding autumn and just need a clean green-up boost.

 

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Golf Course Lawn 20-2-3 Liquid Fertilizer with Kelp and Fulvic Acid

Why this works well for spring:

• As a liquid fertiliser, it acts faster than granular feeds, delivering nutrients quickly to roots and blades once applied.
  

• The 20-2-3 ratio provides a strong nitrogen boost for spring green-up, along with small amounts of phosphorus (for root growth and energy metabolism) and potassium (for stress tolerance).
  

• Adding kelp and fulvic acid provides additional benefits: kelp is rich in micronutrients, plant growth hormones, and compounds that enhance stress tolerance and improve soil health; fulvic acid helps improve nutrient uptake and stimulate soil microbial activity. Products combining fertilizers and biostimulants often help lawns recover from winter stress more quickly.
  

• Faster absorption makes this ideal when you want quick results — great for giving a “wake-up call” to a lawn that’s looking flat or tired after winter.

 

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CarbonizPN-G™ — Granular Soil Compost and Biochar

Why this works for spring:

• It is a premium soil amendment that combines nutrient-rich compost with biochar to improve soil structure, boost microbial life, and enhance water retention, naturally.
  

• CarbonizPN-G™ contains premium organics, biochar, and compost, including natural reclaimed waste stream inputs to enhance soil quality. This increases soil organic matter, enabling the soil to retain nutrients and moisture more effectively.

 

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Timing and Fertilizing Tips for Spring

• Apply when grass starts actively growing — usually after the first couple of mowings and when soil moisture is adequate.
  

• Granular feeds often require only one application in early spring; liquid fertilizers may be applied more frequently (e.g., every 4–6 weeks) if you want repeated green-ups.
  

• Always follow label instructions — over-fertilizing can cause excessive growth spurts, uneven colour, or even make your lawn more susceptible to disease.
  

• If you fertilize every spring, consider doing a soil test periodically to check for nutrient imbalances or deficiencies before applying phosphorus-heavy feeds.

Why Spring Fertilizer Is a Crucial Part of Lawn Success

Spring fertilizer replenishes nutrients depleted over winter, kick-starts the green-up process, and primes your lawn for strong growth, enhanced stress tolerance, and resilience throughout the summer. Combined with pre-emergents and proper mowing, it gives your turf the best shot at a thick, healthy season.

By choosing the right fertilizer (liquid vs. granular, fast vs. slow release, balanced vs. boosted), you can tailor your spring lawn care to your specific needs — whether you want quick results, long-lasting nourishment, or stress resistance. When done right, spring fertilizing sets the tone for the entire growing season.

 

Related: The Best Lawn Fertilizers to Use This Spring 

 

Best Spring Weed Killers for Lawns (Post-Emergent)

Post-emergent herbicides are the tools you reach for after weeds have already sprouted. They kill weeds at the leaf/shoot level — they don’t prevent germination as pre-emergents do. 

Let’s look at four solid options you can use this spring — depending on your grass type (cool-season vs warm-season), whether you’re targeting broadleaf weeds, crabgrass, or stubborn annual grasses like Poa annua.

Celsius and Certainty Herbicide Kit (with surfactant and dye)

• Best for warm-season lawns — this is the go-to kit if your turf is a warm-season grass type (e.g., Bermuda, Zoysia, etc.). It’s designed to kill a wide spectrum of weeds — broadleaf and grassy — without harming your lawn turf. 

• Broad weed coverage: The kit is effective against a wide range of common lawn weeds. Good for yards with mixed weed problems — clover, dandelions, chickweed, etc., especially once spring growth begins.

• Built-in precision tools: The included surfactant helps the herbicide stick and spread evenly on leaf surfaces; the dye helps you see where you’ve sprayed, so you avoid misses or overlaps. Great for accurate lawn-wide treatments. 

When to use: Once weeds are visible and actively growing in a warm-season lawn, and when daytime temperatures are within the safe spray range (not scorching hot).

 

celsius-and-certainty-herbicide-kit-with-surfactant-and-dye

 

Tenacity and SedgeHammer® Herbicide Kit (with surfactant and dye — for cool-season turf)

• Best for cool-season lawns: If your lawn is a cool-season grass (such as fescue, ryegrass, or Kentucky bluegrass), this is the safer and more effective selective herbicide kit.

• Broadleaf and grassy weed control: The kit targets over 40–50 different weed species — both broadleaf and grassy ones — making it versatile for mixed weed problems that often emerge in spring.

• Pre-seed friendly (in many cases): One advantage of Tenacity (over many post-emergents) is that it can sometimes be used even when seeding or overseeding — giving lawns a chance to stay clean from weeds without harming new turf.

• Safe, selective action: As a selective post-emergent herbicide, it kills weeds without damaging desirable turfgrass. 

When to use: On cool-season lawns with weeds already emerging; especially useful if you have recently overseeded or want weed control without turf damage.

 

tenacity-and-sedgehammer-herbicide-kit-with-surfactant-and-dye-cool-season-grass

 

Drive XLR8 Herbicide Crabgrass Weed Killer

• Specialist for grassy weeds like crabgrass: This is a great post-emergent for crabgrass — once crabgrass has sprouted, Drive XLR8 becomes a valuable tool. According to Golf CourseLawn’s own content, it’s one of the best weedkillers for crabgrass when applied before high heat (i.e., before temperatures exceed ~85°F).
  

• Works well on both warm-season and many cool-season lawns: it offers good versatility if you have a mixed lawn or are uncertain of your turf type.
  

• Targeted application for grassy weeds: Because crabgrass and other annual grassy weeds can spread quickly, using a specialist like Drive XLR8 helps cut them out before they seed and spread further.

When to use: When you spot crabgrass or other grassy weeds already emerged, and especially before hot summer temperatures, if possible.

 

drive-xlr8-herbicide-crabgrass-weed-killer

 

Velocity® PM Herbicide (for cool-season turf and difficult weeds like Poa annua)

• Effective against tough weeds like Poa annua / Poa trivialis: Velocity® PM was developed for professional turf managers to selectively control and remove Poa annua and Poa trivialis — plus several broadleaf weeds — from cool-season lawns.
  

• Dual benefit — weed control and disease suppression: Besides killing weeds, Velocity® PM also helps suppress certain diseases (e.g., dollar spot) and reduces Poa seedhead production, which helps prevent future weed outbreaks.
  

• Great for spring cleanup or renovation efforts: If your lawn has patches of Poa or annual grassy weeds that survived the winter, Velocity® PM offers a strong, selective way to tackle them without harming your desired turf. 

When to use: On cool-season lawns, especially when dealing with persistent grassy weeds or mixed weed pressure, timing should coincide with active weed growth but before heavy summer stress or dormancy sets in.

velocity-pm-poa-annua-control-for-cool-season-turf

 

Why Post-Emergents Belong in Your Spring Lawn Kit

Spring doesn’t just bring new grass — it brings weeds. Pre-emergents give you a head start, but they don’t affect weeds that have already germinated before application. Post-emergent herbicides are essential for cleaning up those early survivors (winter weeds, early crabgrass, creeping broadleaf weeds) and giving your lawn a clean slate going into its main growing season.

Used correctly, selective post-emergents like the ones above help you reclaim control — without damaging your grass. And when combined with proper pre-emergent coverage, fertilizers, good mowing, and soil health, you set your lawn up for a thick, healthy, weed-resistant season.

Fungicides and Pesticides: Why They Belong in Your Spring Lawn Kit

Spring doesn’t just bring weeds and growth — it also brings ideal conditions for fungal diseases and insect pressure. Warm soil, damp weather, and hungry new grass = a recipe for trouble. Common lawn diseases include spring dead spot, brown patch, dollar spot, red thread, rusts, fairy ring, and more. 

Left untreated, fungus and pests can undermine all your fertiliser and weed-control efforts — turning a promising spring green-up into dead patches, thinning turf, or grub damage. 

That’s why adding a couple of targeted fungicide and insecticide applications in spring (especially if your lawn has a history of problems) can save you heartache later. Ideally:

• Use preventative fungicides early — before high humidity or heavy rain periods.

• Use insecticides and pest/fungus combinations if grubs, armyworms, or other pests are common in your area.

Recommended Spring Fungicides and Insecticides

Headway G Fungicide Granular

• A broad-spectrum granular fungicide designed to tackle many of the most common turf diseases — Brown Patch, Dollar Spot, fairy ring, and more. 

• Great for preventive or early-intervention use: applying Headway G before symptoms appear — or at the first sign of trouble — can prevent disease from spreading.
  

• Because it’s granular, it spreads evenly and is ideal for larger lawns or blanket treatments early in the season.

Best for: Lawns with past fungal issues, lawns in humid, damp climates (or with poor drainage), and those seeking a “set-and-forget” early spring disease shield.

 

headway-g-fungicide-granular

 

Pillar SC Intrinsic® Brand (for Brown Patch, Dollar Spot, general turf diseases)

• A fast-acting liquid fungicide that covers many common diseases affecting both cool-season and warm-season lawns.
  

• Because it’s liquid, it works more quickly than most granulars — good if you’re dealing with early signs of disease or want rapid protection before the weather gets warm and humid.

Best for: Lawn owners who want to treat or prevent fungal disease quickly in early spring, or those reseeding or overseeding and seeking protection while new turf is established.

 

pillar-sc-fungicide-liquid-brown-patch-and-dollar-spot-control

 

Acelepryn G Insecticide (Grub and Armyworm Control)

• Insects (like grubs, armyworms, and leatherjackets) can silently damage roots and crowns — weakening turf and making it far more vulnerable to disease, drought, and stress.
  

• Acelepryn G offers targeted insect control in addition to being part of a broader integrated lawn health strategy.

Best for: Lawns with a history of grub or insect damage, or lawns in regions where pests emerge in spring. Use early before insect activity peaks.

 

acelepryn-g-insecticide-grub-and-armyworm-control

 

Caravan® G Insecticide and Fungicide — Dual-Purpose Pest + Fungus Defence

• Caravan® G combines a fungicide (for diseases) with an insecticide (for grubs, leatherjackets, certain turf pests), giving you a “two-for-one” treatment. It targets fungus diseases like Brown Patch or fairy ring, and tackles soil-dwelling insect threats.
  

• Economical and efficient — especially helpful for lawns that suffer from both pest and disease pressure. Rather than applying separate treatments, Caravan® G simplifies early-season maintenance. 

Best for: Lawns that have had both insect and disease issues, or for homeowners who want a comprehensive early-season preventative application with minimal fuss.

 

caravan-g-insecticide-and-fungicide

 

When and How to Apply Fungicides and Insecticides

• Timing is key. For fungicides, early spring — before warm, humid weather — is ideal for preventative treatments.
  

• For insect control (such as grubs), apply before larvae hatch or early in their lifecycle — often just as soil warms.
  

• Choose systemic products (granular or absorbable) for long-lasting protection that works throughout the plant; select liquid/contact fungicides for fast, surface-level treatment when disease is visible.
  

• Combine fungicide/pesticide use with good lawn practices — proper drainage, correct mowing height, avoiding overwatering or overfertilising. Healthy turf is more resistant to pests and diseases.

Essential Lawn Care Tools for Spring

The right products (fertilizers, pre-emergents, weed killers) make a big difference — but equally important are the tools you use to apply them. The wrong equipment can lead to patchy coverage, waste, or even lawn damage. A few simple tools help you treat soil, spread it evenly, and apply it with precision.

MySoil Starter Pack — Soil Test Kit

Why a soil test kit is often the most important “first tool” you can own:

• It reveals what’s really going on under the turf. A soil test determines the pH, nutrient levels (including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients), and whether the soil's chemistry is balanced. Without that info, you’re fertilizing blind.

• It prevents over- or under-fertilizing. If you apply fertilizer without knowing your soil’s needs, you might add nutrients your lawn doesn’t need — which is wasteful at best, harmful at worst. A soil test helps you apply the right type and amount of fertilizer. 

• It helps you catch soil pH or nutrient issues before they cause visible lawn problems. Grass often looks yellow, thin, or patchy because nutrients or pH are off, not because you didn’t fertilize enough. A soil test lets you spot those root causes.

• It saves money and reduces chemical overuse. You only apply what your lawn genuinely needs — more sustainable, and often more effective. 

Best for: Every lawn — whether you’re starting a new turf, overseeding, or maintaining an existing lawn. Ideally, test once every few years (or more often if you amend soil).

 

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Yard Mastery 4‑Gallon Backpack Sprayer — Backpack Sprayer

Why a backpack sprayer belongs in every serious lawn-care kit:

• Precision application of liquid treatments. When using liquid fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, or sprays (such as kelp, humic acid, or weed killer), a backpack sprayer delivers an even, controlled spray, avoiding over-application or missed patches. Sprayers are among the most common tools for applying herbicides, pesticides, and turf treatments.
  

• Efficiency and convenience for larger lawns. Compared to small handheld sprayers, a 4-gallon backpack covers more area with fewer frequent refills — saving time and ensuring coverage is consistent. Many lawn-care pros prefer backpack sprayers for herbicides, surfactant, or additive sprays.
  

• Accurate dosing and reduced waste. With a sprayer, you can calibrate rates (per square meter or per liter) to follow product instructions, which helps prevent overuse, turf stress, or environmental runoff.
  

• Versatility: Works for weed killers, liquid fertilizers, soil amendments, foliar feeds, and even preventive fungicides or pest sprays. Once set up, you have a flexible tool for most liquid treatments.

Best for: Anyone using liquid lawn treatments (fertilisers, herbicides, fungicides, surfactants) — especially useful on medium to large lawns, or if you want to spray selectively rather than blanket-treat.

 

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Why Tools Matter — Not Just Products

• A soil test kit often tells you the single biggest limiting factor for lawn health (nutrient deficiency or pH imbalance). Fixing that first makes all other treatments (fertiliser, weed control, disease prevention) more effective. info.supersod.com+1

• Precision in application (fertiliser, weed killer, fungicide) avoids burn, streaks, or uneven growth. Over- or under-application can do more harm than good.
  

• A good toolkit helps you adopt a smart, responsive lawn-care approach — one based on real soil data and targeted treatments, rather than guesswork.

 

Related: The Essential Lawn Care Tools for Your Yard 

 

FAQ: Spring Lawn Care Essentials

What’s the biggest mistake homeowners make with spring lawn treatments?

Applying products when the soil is still too cold.

Grass isn’t actively growing yet, and weeds aren’t germinating — meaning you waste product. Always check soil temperature (aim for ~50–55°F for most spring applications).

Do I need to apply all spring lawn products on the same day?

No — and in most cases, you shouldn’t.

Pre-emergent herbicides are applied first, followed by fertilizer a week or two later. Weed killers are used only when weeds appear. Fungicides and insecticides are applied based on weather conditions or pest pressure, rather than a calendar.

Can I seed my lawn in spring if I’m planning to use pre-emergent?

Only if you’re using a seed-safe herbicide (like Tenacity for cool-season turf). Most pre-emergents will block grass seed just like they block weed seed.

Should I aerate before or after applying spring lawn products?

If aerating, do it before applying pre-emergent. Aeration punches holes into the soil and can break the weed-prevention barrier if done afterward.

What spring lawn product gives the fastest visible improvement?

A liquid fertilizer generally provides the quickest cosmetic green-up. It absorbs faster than granular products, showing results within days.

Is a crabgrass preventer different from a “weed and feed?”

Yes. Crabgrass preventers are pre-emergents that stop grassy weeds before they sprout. Weed and feed products typically use post-emergent herbicides that kill active broadleaf weeds.

How do I know if my lawn needs a fungicide this spring?

Use a fungicide in spring if:

• Your lawn had a disease last year

• You live in a humid or rainy climate

• You’re growing a disease-prone turf (e.g., tall fescue in humid states).

Prevention is far easier than cure.

Do I need to apply a surfactant with weed killers in spring?

You don’t have to, but it will definitely help. Surfactants help break down the water’s surface tension, allowing the herbicide to spread and stick to leaves more effectively. All of the Golf Course Lawn herbicide kits include one for this reason.

Which spring lawn product saves the most money long-term?

Pre-emergent herbicide. Blocking weeds before they grow means fewer herbicide applications later — and a healthier lawn that needs fewer repairs.

Should I water my lawn right after applying spring products?

It depends:

• Pre-emergent → Yes, water in

• Granular fertilizer → Usually yes 

• Liquid fertilizer or herbicide → No, let it dry on the leaf.

Always follow the label directions for the product you’re using.

How do I avoid damaging my lawn with spring treatments?

A few simple rules:

• Don’t apply in extreme heat or frost

• Don’t combine products unless label-approved

• Avoid overlapping sprays

• Use a marker dye for herbicides

• Follow the bag/sprayer calibration instructions.

Most lawn damage is human error, not the product.

Is it okay to mow immediately before applying spring lawn products?

For granular applications → Yes, mowing first helps the product reach the soil.
For liquid herbicides → No, you want maximum leaf surface for the weed killer to stick to.

Can I use spring products on newly sodded or newly seeded lawns?

Most pre-emergents and weed killers are not safe on new sod or seed until the turf is established. When in doubt, wait 6–8 weeks — or use seed-safe products like Tenacity for cool-season lawns.

The Early Bird Gets the Greenest Lawn

Getting your lawn ready for spring is a lot like tuning up a sports car: the right products, applied at the right time, give you the kind of performance your neighbours will absolutely pretend not to notice. With the best pre-emergents, fertilizers, weed killers, and disease prevention tools in your arsenal, you’re setting your turf up for its greenest season yet.

Ready to build your spring lawn-care kit? Shop all the products mentioned here at Golf Course Lawn and give your lawn the head start it deserves. Check out our YouTube channel for more tips on how to get your lawn ready for next season.