If you've shopped around for lawn care in Westmoreland County, you've probably seen programs ranging from a simple "weed and feed" 4-step plan to complex 8-treatment schedules. It begs the question: How many treatments does my lawn actually need to stay green and weed-free?
The "Sweet Spot" for Pennsylvania Lawns
Here in Pennsylvania, our cool-season grasses (typically Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, and Fescues) face specific challenges: acidic soil, hot humid summers, and freeze-thaw winter cycles.
Through years of testing and results, we have found that 6 treatments per year is the absolute sweet spot. It provides consistent nutrition without over-fertilizing (which causes disease) and keeps a protective barrier against weeds year-round.
Why Not Just "A La Carte"?
At TruScape, we often get asked: "Can you just come spray the dandelions once?" or "I only want the fall fertilizer."
The answer is no. We do not offer a la carte lawn treatments.
Why? Because comprehensive lawn care is a system, not an event. Treating weeds once without feeding the soil is a temporary fix. Fertilizing without crabgrass prevention is a waste of money. To guarantee the results our clients expect, we must control the entire nutrition schedule. We don't do halfway measures because we don't want you to have halfway results.
The 6 Steps to a Perfect Lawn
Here is exactly what a professional 6-step program should cover, and why each visit matters:
Round 1: Early Spring
March/April
The Wake-Up Call. A balanced fertilizer to wake up the turf from dormancy, paired with a pre-emergent herbicide. This creates a barrier in the soil that stops crabgrass seeds from germinating before they even start.
Round 2: Late Spring
May/June
Weed Control & Color. As broadleaf weeds (dandelions, clover) try to pop up, we apply targeted weed control. We also add slow-release nitrogen to deepen the green color as we head into summer.
Round 3: Early Summer
June/July
Stress Management & Grub Control. Summer heat stresses the grass. We apply a fertilizer designed to maintain health without forcing rapid growth (which stresses roots). This is also the critical time for preventative grub control.
Round 4: Late Summer
August/September
Recovery. As the summer heat breaks, this visit focuses on helping the lawn recover from drought stress. We also spot-treat any stubborn summer weeds like nutsedge or spurge.
Round 5: Early Fall
October
Root Builder. Fall is for roots. This heavy nutrient application is stored by the plant to build a massive root system. Strong roots are the #1 defense against disease and drought next year.
Round 6: Late Fall/Winterizer
November/December
Winter Protection. A final high-potassium application that acts like antifreeze for your grass. It helps the turf survive the freezing winter and ensures you have the greenest lawn on the block come spring thaw.
Doesn't Rain Wash It Away?
This is a common myth. Most modern granular fertilizers actually need water to break down and enter the soil. Liquid weed controls dry on the leaf within 30-60 minutes. Unless there is a torrential downpour immediately after application, rain is actually beneficial for your treatment.
The Bottom Line
Fewer than 6 treatments leaves gaps in your weed defense (especially crabgrass) and leads to "feast or famine" nutrient dips where the grass turns yellow. More than 7 is usually overkill for a residential lawn unless you are managing a golf course putting green.
By sticking to a disciplined 6-step program, we take the guesswork out of it. You don't need to worry about what to buy or when to apply it—we simply show up at the right time, every time.