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Top Lawn Fertilization & Weed Control in Colton, California Ranked

A healthy, vibrant lawn is more than just a patch of green; it's a living ecosystem that enhances your home's curb appeal and provides a space for relaxation. Lawn fertilization and weed control are the cornerstones of maintaining this vitality, providing essential nutrients to your grass while suppressing invasive plants that compete for resources. In Colton's unique climate, a tailored approach is key. This guide will help you understand the specific needs of local lawns, from seasonal schedules to grass types, empowering you to find the right local expertise for a lush, resilient yard.

Understanding Your Colton Lawn's Needs

The foundation of effective lawn care in Colton begins with identifying your grass type. The local climate heavily favors warm-season grasses, which thrive in the heat and enter dormancy during cooler months. The two most common varieties are Bermuda grass and St. Augustine grass 1. These grasses have their peak growing season from late spring through early fall, dictating the primary schedule for feeding and weed management.

Conversely, some properties may have cool-season grasses like tall fescue, which prefer the milder temperatures of spring and fall. Knowing which grass you have is the first critical step, as fertilizing a Bermuda lawn on a fescue schedule (or vice versa) can be ineffective or even harmful, promoting weak growth or disease.

The Seasonal Lawn Care Calendar for Colton

A proactive, season-by-season plan is the most effective strategy for lawn nutrition and weed suppression. Here's a breakdown of what your lawn needs throughout the year.

Spring (March - May): The Wake-Up Call

As temperatures rise, your lawn exits winter dormancy. This is a crucial window for setting up success.

  • Fertilization: Apply a balanced or light nitrogen "wake-up" feed to encourage green-up and steady growth 1 2.
  • Weed Control: This is the ideal time for a pre-emergent herbicide application. Pre-emergents create a barrier in the soil that prevents weed seeds (like crabgrass and poa annua) from germinating, stopping problems before they start 1.
  • Core Aeration: If your soil is compacted, spring is a good time for aeration, which allows water, air, and fertilizer to reach the root zone more effectively 2.

Summer (June - August): Sustaining Through the Heat

Colton summers are hot and often dry, stressing lawns.

  • Fertilization: For warm-season grasses, a summer application of nitrogen-rich fertilizer supports their active growth phase 1. To maintain green color without excessive, water-thirsty growth, many professionals use supplements containing iron 1 2.
  • Weed Control: Spot treatment of existing weeds (like spurge or dandelions) with post-emergent herbicides is common. A summer wetting agent can also be beneficial to help water penetrate dry soil more evenly 2.
  • Water Management: Adherence to local water restrictions is essential. Deep, infrequent watering is better than frequent, shallow sprinkling.

Fall (September - November): Preparing for Dormancy

This season is about strengthening the lawn for the coming cooler months.

  • Fertilization: A fall nutrient boost is vital. For cool-season fescue, this is a primary feeding time. For warm-season grasses, an application with higher phosphorus (the "P" in N-P-K) helps develop strong roots to survive the winter 1 3.
  • Weed Control: Fall is the best time to control perennial broadleaf weeds like clover, as weeds are actively transporting nutrients to their roots, carrying the herbicide down with them 1.

Winter (December - February): The Dormant Period

Growth slows or stops for warm-season grasses.

  • Maintenance: Watering needs are minimal. Some opt for a single "dormant feeding" to provide underlying nutrients, but the focus shifts to cleanup, equipment maintenance, and planning for the spring 3.

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Professional Lawn Care Programs & Investment

Many homeowners in Colton opt for a professional lawn care program, which provides consistent, scientifically-backed treatments throughout the year. A typical annual program includes 4 to 6 scheduled visits, encompassing fertilization, weed control, and sometimes additional services like insect control 4 5.

What to Expect from a Program:

  • Customized Schedule: Treatments are timed for Colton's climate and your specific grass type.
  • Combined Applications: Fertilizer and appropriate herbicides are often applied together for efficiency.
  • Seasonal Adjustments: The formula and focus change from spring pre-emergence to summer feeding to fall root preparation.

Understanding Costs: Professional lawn care is an investment in your property's health and value. Costs are influenced by your lawn's square footage, its current condition, and the service provider.

  • Annual Program: A comprehensive annual plan for fertilization and weed control in Colton typically ranges from $300 to $600 or more 4 5.
  • Per-Visit Service: If you prefer a more flexible approach, a single application of fertilizer and weed control can cost between $50 to $100+ per visit 4 6.

It's always recommended to get detailed quotes from local providers, as they can assess your lawn's unique needs and provide a precise estimate.

Key Local Considerations for Colton Homeowners

Beyond the basic calendar, a few local factors play a significant role in lawn care strategy.

  • Warm-Season Dominance: Since most lawns are Bermuda or St. Augustine, the community's overall lawn care rhythm is focused on warm-weather activity. This means the busiest application periods for lawn feeding and weed prevention are from April through October 1.
  • Water Regulations: Southern California is no stranger to drought and water use restrictions. A professional lawn feeding service will tailor recommendations to work within these rules, potentially using products like iron supplements to enhance green color without promoting growth that demands excessive water 2.
  • Soil Conditions: Inland Empire soils can vary. A soil test can reveal pH imbalances or nutrient deficiencies, allowing for a truly customized fertilization plan that addresses your lawn's specific needs rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Footnotes

  1. Lawn Fertilization & Weed Control in Southern California - https://www.lawnscape.com/lawn-care-services/fertilization-weed-control/ 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

  2. Southern California Lawn Care Calendar | Month-by-Month Plan - https://www.landtechscenery.com/southern-california-lawn-care-calendar 2 3 4 5

  3. When to Fertilize Your Lawn in California - https://lawnlove.com/blog/when-to-fertilize-lawn-california/ 2

  4. How much does lawn care service cost? - Green Lawn Fertilizing - https://www.greenlawnfertilizing.com/blog/how-much-does-lawn-care-service-cost 2 3

  5. How Much Does TruGreen Cost? (2026) - HomeGuide - https://homeguide.com/costs/trugreen-cost 2

  6. How Much Does Lawn Fertilization Cost in 2026? - https://lawnlove.com/blog/lawn-fertilization-cost/