Comprehensive Weed Management for Michigan Lawns

Three Weed Categories, Three Strategies

1. Grassy annuals (crabgrass, foxtail): Preemergent early April (fertilizer + crabgrass preventer). Dry lawn, water in.
2. Perennial grasses (quackgrass, nutsedge): Hand removal or Roundup + reseed. Selective control nearly impossible.
3. Broadleaf perennials (dandelion, clover, plantain): Weed-and-feed on WET lawn, early Sept or late May. No rain 48 hrs.

Critical Timing Rules

• Crabgrass: PRE-emergent ONLY (prevents grass seed too)
• Broadleaf: Early fall optimal
• Don't seed and fight crabgrass simultaneously
• Crabgrass dies at frost—fight next spring

Renovation Foundation

Your bare spots need soil preparation, not just seed:

1. Rototill 6" with 2" compost incorporation
2. Fine fescue blend (80%+ fine fescues) for shade
3. 10 lbs/1000 sq ft, ¼-½" compost topdress
4. Daily light water until established
5. Mow at 3" → 2.5"

Seed Label Decoding

Look for: Named cultivars (Creeping Red "Pernille"), fine fescues 80-85%, <6 month date, minimal weed seed, NO annual ryegrass.