Best Lawn Fertilization & Weed Control in Oklahoma Ranked

Maintaining a healthy, vibrant lawn in Oklahoma requires a strategic approach to feeding and weed management. The state's climate, with its hot summers and variable winters, supports warm-season grasses like Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass, which have specific nutritional needs and face persistent weed pressure. A proper fertilization and weed control program strengthens your turf to withstand stress, crowd out unwanted plants, and create a resilient outdoor space. This guide outlines the essential timing, products, and considerations for Oklahoma lawns, helping you understand the process so you can effectively connect with local professionals who can implement a tailored plan for your property.

Understanding Oklahoma's Lawn Environment

Successful lawn care starts with knowing what you're working with. Oklahoma primarily falls within the transition zone, but its climate leans heavily toward supporting warm-season turfgrasses. Bermudagrass is the most common, prized for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in full sun. Zoysiagrass is another excellent warm-season option, offering a denser turf. These grasses grow actively during the warm months (late spring through early fall) and go dormant, turning brown, after the first hard frost. This active growth period is the critical window for fertilization and weed control. The soil types can vary from heavy clay to sandy loam, which influences water retention and nutrient availability, making a soil test a valuable first step in any lawn care plan¹.

The Annual Fertilization Schedule for Oklahoma Lawns

A seasonally timed fertilization schedule is the cornerstone of a healthy lawn. Feeding your grass at the right times promotes strong root development, dense growth that resists weeds, and better recovery from environmental stress.

• Late Winter to Early Spring (February - March): This is not typically a major feeding time for warm-season grasses, as they are still dormant. The focus is on weed prevention. However, a very light application of a quick-release, complete fertilizer can be applied as the grass begins to green up to support early root growth².
• Late Spring (May - June): As soil temperatures consistently reach 65-70°F and your lawn is fully green and growing, apply the first main fertilizer application. Use a product with a balanced or slow-release nitrogen formula. This fuels the rapid growth phase and helps the lawn thicken up^{1 3}.
• Mid-Summer (July): Apply another round of fertilizer, ideally using a slow-release nitrogen source. This provides sustained nutrition during the peak heat without causing excessive, weak growth that is susceptible to drought and disease¹.
• Early Fall (September): This is one of the most important feedings. Applying fertilizer in early fall encourages deep root growth and nutrient storage, which helps the lawn survive the winter and green up more quickly the following spring. Use a fertilizer that is higher in potassium (the third number in the NPK ratio) to enhance winter hardiness^{2 3}.

A Strategic Weed Control Calendar

Weeds compete with your lawn for water, light, and nutrients. Controlling them involves a two-pronged approach: stopping weeds before they emerge and eliminating those that have already sprouted.

• Late Winter (February - Early March): Apply a pre-emergent herbicide when soil temperatures reach about 55°F for several consecutive days. This creates a barrier in the soil that prevents crabgrass and other summer annual weed seeds from germinating. It is also the time to control winter annual weeds like henbit and chickweed before they set seed^{4 5}.
• Spring (April - May): As temperatures warm, broadleaf weeds like dandelions, clover, and spurge become active. Apply a post-emergent herbicide specifically formulated for broadleaf weeds in warm-season turf. Spot-treating problem areas is often effective⁵.
• Summer (June - August): Monitor for breakthrough summer weeds like nutsedge and spurge. Use targeted post-emergent herbicides for these specific pests. Always follow label instructions carefully, especially regarding temperature, to avoid damaging your lawn^{5 6}.
• Fall (September - October): Apply a second round of pre-emergent herbicide to prevent winter annual weeds like annual bluegrass (Poa annua). This fall application is crucial for maintaining a weed-free lawn through the cooler months and into the next spring^{4 3}.

Choosing the Right Products

Selecting appropriate fertilizers and herbicides is key to effectiveness and lawn safety.

Fertilizers: Look for a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (N-P-K) ratio suited for warm-season grasses. A common recommendation is a 3-1-2 or 4-1-2 ratio (e.g., 12-4-8 or 16-4-8)¹. Slow-release nitrogen is highly beneficial for summer applications as it feeds the lawn gradually. Always base phosphorus and potassium applications on the results of a soil test, which can be obtained through your local county extension office^{1 7}.

Weed Control:

• Pre-emergent Herbicides: These are categorized by their active ingredients. Products containing dithiopyr, pendimethalin, or prodiamine are common for crabgrass prevention. For winter weeds, herbicides with ingredients like Kerb (pronamide) may be recommended^{4 5}.
• Post-emergent Herbicides: Choose selective herbicides that target weeds but spare your grass. For broadleaf weeds in Bermudagrass or Zoysia, look for products containing 2,4-D, dicamba, or MCPP. For grassy weeds or sedges, different specific herbicides are required^{5 6}. Always ensure the product is labeled for use on your specific type of lawn.

Key Considerations for Oklahoma Homeowners

• Soil Testing: Before starting any fertilization program, conduct a soil test. It reveals your soil's pH and nutrient levels, allowing you to apply only what is needed, which saves money and protects the environment^{1 7}.
• Watering Practices: Proper irrigation is essential, especially after applying fertilizer or certain herbicides. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep roots. Early morning watering is best to reduce evaporation and fungal disease.
• Mowing Height: Never cut more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. For Bermudagrass, maintain a height of 1 to 2 inches; for Zoysia, 1 to 2.5 inches. Proper mowing keeps the turf dense and shades the soil, naturally suppressing weeds.
• Professional vs. DIY: A DIY approach requires knowledge, proper equipment, and time to apply products correctly. Professional lawn care services offer expertise, consistent scheduling, access to commercial-grade products, and often guarantees on their work, which can provide peace of mind and superior results^{8 6}.

Understanding Service Costs

Investing in professional lawn fertilization and weed control varies based on several factors. On a per-application basis, treatments can range from approximately $50 to $100 or more^{9 8}. For a full annual program encompassing multiple fertilizer and weed control applications, homeowners might invest between $300 to $600 or higher^{9 10 11}. The final cost is influenced by:

• Lawn Size: Pricing is often based on square footage or acreage.
• Condition & Weed Pressure: Lawns with severe weed infestations may require more intensive initial treatments.
• Service Scope: A basic fertilization plan costs less than a comprehensive program that includes weed control, insect control, and soil amendments.
• Property Accessibility: Easy-to-access, flat lawns are typically less expensive to service than those with slopes or many obstacles.
• Company & Location: Rates can differ between providers and in different regions of Oklahoma^{9 8 10}.

Frequently asked questions

Sources