Hello, Trumbull County.

From the number of questions I’ve received over the past few weeks, it’s clear many of you are eager to get outside and start working on your lawns.

Improving a lawn can feel overwhelming, but breaking lawn care into a few key management components makes the process much more manageable. Soil fertility, weed control and routine maintenance are the foundation of a healthy lawn — and spring is the perfect time to focus on each of these areas.

Before heading to the store to purchase fertilizer, I recommend starting with a soil test. Soil testing provides valuable information that allows you to tailor fertilizer and lime applications to the actual needs of your lawn. In many cases, soil testing can also save you money by reducing unnecessary fertilizer applications. Over the years, I’ve reviewed many soil test reports and often find that “well-loved” lawns already have excessive nutrient levels and high soil pH. In those situations, fertilizer is not needed, and management strategies may need to focus on correcting soil pH instead.

Soil testing is simple and results are typically available within 7-10 days. Soil test kits are available at the OSU Extension Trumbull County office for $15 each, and many garden centers also offer testing kits.

Lawn weeds have been a frequent topic in our office recently. The 2024 and 2025 growing seasons included periods of excessive rainfall followed by drought, which stressed many lawns. Stressed turf creates opportunities for weeds to become established. Correct weed identification is essential to developing an effective control strategy, as perennial weeds require different management approaches than annual weeds and grass weeds differ from broadleaf weeds.

Perennial grassy weeds, such as nimblewill, have been particularly troublesome this spring. Nimblewill is a warm-season grass that thrives during summer heat when cool-season lawns are stressed. It becomes most noticeable in the fall and winter when it turns brown, creating a patchwork appearance across lawns. As temperatures warm, nimblewill will turn green again. Control options are limited but can be effective, including physical removal with a shovel, covering the area with black plastic for several weeks, or using glyphosate applications according to label directions.

Annual weeds, such as crabgrass, are best managed through prevention. Crabgrass readily germinates in bare soil, so overseeding desirable grass species can help outcompete it and other annual weeds. Lawn weed preventers are also effective but must be applied early in the spring to prevent seed germination. These products do not control weeds that are already growing.

Broadleaf weeds can be more challenging to manage, especially in lawns where alternative species such as clover are encouraged. Hand-pulling weeds is highly effective but may not be practical for larger areas. In those situations, shielded or targeted herbicide applications can help control weeds without harming desirable plants. In traditional grass lawns, selective herbicides containing products such as 2,4-D can be used to control broadleaf weeds when applied according to label instructions.

Timely mowing is another effective tool for reducing weeds. Mowing before weeds go to seed can gradually reduce the weed seed bank. Maintaining a mowing height of 3-4 inches increases shading at the soil surface, allowing healthy turf to outcompete weeds. Practices such as aeration, overseeding and thatch management also improve turf health and reduce weed pressure over time.

OSU Extension Trumbull County is here to help with your lawn and landscape questions. Whether your goal is a native habitat, a manicured lawn or something in between, we can help you develop a management plan that meets your needs.

Beers is the extension educator, agriculture and natural resources at the Ohio State University Extension. Beers can be reached at beers.66@osu.edu or 330-638-6783.