When you think about lawn care in the fall, you probably picture raking leaves, aerating, or planting grass seed. But there’s one task many Madison homeowners overlook—and it can make all the difference for next spring’s lawn: fall weed control.

Weeds like dandelions and crabgrass don’t take the winter off. In fact, early fall is one of the best times to stop them in their tracks so they don’t reappear stronger than ever when the snow melts. By acting now, you can enjoy a greener, cleaner yard come April without battling an invasion of unwanted plants.

Why Fall Weed Prevention Works

For Crabgrass:
Crabgrass is an annual weed, meaning it dies off in fall—but not before dropping thousands of seeds into your lawn. Those seeds sit dormant through winter, ready to germinate in the spring as soon as the soil warms up. If you prevent those seeds from taking root, you break the cycle before it even begins.

For Dandelions and Other Perennials:
Unlike crabgrass, dandelions are perennials, which means they come back year after year from the same root system. In fall, dandelions are busy storing energy in their roots for winter survival. Applying a targeted treatment at this stage sends it straight to the root, making it much more effective than trying to tackle them in spring.

The Power of Pre-Emergent Herbicides

For crabgrass and other annual weeds, timing is everything when it comes to pre-emergent herbicides. While most people think of applying pre-emergents in early spring, there’s also value in a fall application—especially in lawns where crabgrass has been a recurring problem.

Applying a pre-emergent in late August to early September can stop some cool-season weeds from germinating and limit the seed bank that survives winter. Just remember, pre-emergents work by creating a barrier in the soil that prevents seeds from sprouting, so they need to be applied before germination begins.

Spot-Treating Stubborn Perennials

For broadleaf weeds like dandelions, plantain, and clover, a selective post-emergent herbicide applied in early fall can be highly effective. Since these weeds are actively pulling nutrients (and herbicides) down into their roots at this time of year, treatments work better now than during summer heat.

For smaller lawns or isolated weed patches, hand-pulling can also work—just make sure to remove the entire root. If even a small piece is left behind, the plant will grow back.

Cultural Practices That Keep Weeds Away

Weed prevention isn’t just about herbicides—healthy lawns naturally crowd out invaders. Here’s how to give your grass the upper hand:

• Mow at the right height: Keeping grass around 3 inches tall shades the soil, making it harder for weed seeds to germinate.
• Water deeply and infrequently: Shallow watering encourages weak grass and weed growth. Aim for about 1–1.5 inches per week.
• Overseed thin areas: Bare or patchy spots are an open invitation for weeds. Fall overseeding helps fill in those gaps.
• Aerate compacted soil: Dense soil makes it hard for grass roots to thrive, giving weeds an advantage.

Why Starting in Fall Makes Spring Easier

Think of fall weed control as an investment. The work you do now means fewer weeds competing with your grass in spring, less need for aggressive treatments later, and a head start on a thicker, healthier lawn. It’s a win-win: less work and a better-looking yard when warm weather returns.

Let Friske Lawn Care Handle the Fall Chores

Taking control of weeds in early fall can set your lawn up for a much healthier spring—but we know your time is limited. While you focus on tackling those dandelions and crabgrass before they return, Friske Lawn Care can handle the rest of your fall cleanup. From leaf removal to prepping your yard for winter, our team makes it easy to free up your weekends so you can focus on what matters most. Reach out today, and let’s get your lawn looking its best before the snow flies.