How Long Does Professional Weed Control Take To Work & How Long Will It Last?

You’ve invested in professional weed control because you’re tired of fighting off crabgrass, dandelions, and that one stubborn patch that just won’t quit.

But a few days after your first lawn treatment… the weeds are still standing. You start wondering: Is this working?

The truth is, eliminating weeds in your lawn in the Memphis area isn’t a quick solution, and that’s not a bad thing. In fact, effective weed control requires strategy, precise timing, and a bit of patience.

Here’s what every homeowner should know about how professional weed control works, how long it takes, and what you can do to get the best results.

The Quick-Fix Myth: Why Weed Control Takes Time

Many homeowners expect visible changes within a few days. But depending on the type of weed, the treatment used, and environmental factors like heat or rain, results can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

Importantly, some of the most effective weed control products are preventative. They aim to stop weeds from appearing rather than eliminating them afterwards. As a result, the most successful outcomes often appear as if nothing has occurred at all.

Effective Weed Control Starts With the Right Game Plan

Weeds thrive in thin, weak lawns. So while weed control products are part of the solution, they’re just one piece of a broader strategy.

A professional lawn care program begins with weed identification. Every weed behaves differently, with some germinating in spring, others in fall. Some spread quickly, others return year after year unless addressed at the root level.

To build a truly weed-resistant lawn, a professional provider will assess what types of weeds you’re dealing with, time treatments based on local seasonal patterns and soil temperatures and use the appropriate treatment for each stage of growth.

There’s no shortcut. But with the right approach, you’ll see consistent progress.

The Season-by-Season Weed Control Timeline

The weed control calendar for Memphis and North Mississippi is busy—and for good reason. Each season brings its own set of invaders and treatment priorities.

Early Spring: Pre-emergents are applied to stop weeds like crabgrass before they sprout.

Timing is key here. Once you see crabgrass, it’s too late for prevention.

Late Spring to Summer: Post-emergent products target visible weeds like clover and spurge. Follow-ups may be needed for more aggressive varieties.

Fall: Treatments address cool-season weeds before they overwinter and reappear in spring. Fall is also a great time for aeration and strengthening the lawn before dormancy.

This proactive schedule keeps weeds from gaining a foothold and reduces how many you’ll see next season.

What’s Causing Weed Control to Fail?

Sometimes, weed control doesn’t seem to “work” because of one of the following issues:

• Incorrect timing. Pre-emergents applied too late won’t stop germination.
• Wrong product for the weed. Some weeds need specialty herbicides.
• Skipping follow-ups. One treatment isn’t enough for persistent invaders.
• Lawn stress. Thin, compacted, or underfed grass invites weeds back.

A professional can recognize these signs and adjust your treatment plan to fix the root problem, not just the symptoms.

The Most Overlooked Factor: Lawn Health

One of the best ways to stop weeds from coming back? Grow a thick, healthy lawn. Weeds take advantage of bare soil, compacted areas, and turf that’s struggling to compete.

By improving your lawn’s health, you automatically reduce weed pressure.

Here’s what helps:

• Proper mowing at the right height (not too short!)
• Consistent fertilization to feed your turf
• Annual aeration to relieve compaction and encourage root growth
• Targeted watering that avoids over-saturation

The thicker your grass, the fewer opportunities weeds have to sneak in.

When Will I See Results from Weed Control?

Let’s get real about lawn care timelines.

Once your lawn is treated, you may start to see some weeds discolor or curl within 7 to 14 days. That’s typical for broadleaf weeds like clover or dandelions. But not all weeds respond the same way.

Crabgrass and similar grassy weeds are often prevented, not treated after the fact. So when pre-emergent herbicides are used in early spring, success looks like no crabgrass appearing later.

Some weeds, such as nutsedge or spurge, are more resilient and may need multiple treatments during the summer months.

Cool-season weeds that show up in early spring? They likely started growing the fall before. That’s why fall treatments are essential for setting up success the following year.

In short: results depend on the weed type, treatment used, and time of year. Visible changes might take a week or more, but the real goal is long-term weed suppression, not a quick visual fix.

Why Partner With a Pro?

If you’ve ever felt like DIY weed control was a waste of time, you’re not alone. Professional lawn care brings experience, precision, and tools that go far beyond store-bought sprays.

At Lawn & Pest Solutions, we provide:

• Custom weed control plans based on your specific lawn and weeds.
• Licensed, local technicians who know how to treat Memphis-area turf.
• High-quality materials and precision equipment for maximum coverage.
• Seasonal support to adjust as conditions and weed threats change.

And we back it with our 360 Guarantee - because we believe you should see real results from your lawn care program.

Want Fewer Weeds and a Healthier Lawn?

You don’t have to fight weeds alone. Let us create a plan that works - whether you’re dealing with spring crabgrass in Memphis, summer spurge in Olive Branch or fall weeds in New Albany.

Lawn & Pest Solutions offers proactive, professional lawn care for homeowners who want beautiful, low-maintenance yards—and a team they can trust to deliver. Request your free quote today to get started. Your lawn’s next season can look better than ever.