If you live in Lakeland, FL, you know how quickly a lush green lawn can turn into a patchy battlefield of weeds. Between Florida’s long growing season, frequent rain and intense sunshine, your yard can easily become a breeding ground for unwanted invaders like crabgrass, dollarweed and spurge.
But here’s the truth: with the right timing, preventive treatments and consistent care, you can stop weeds before they ever appear — and keep your lawn looking its best year-round.
At Massey Services, we understand how Central Florida’s climate affects your lawn. Our GreenUP Landscape Services program uses seasonal pre-emergent weed control and environmentally responsible lawn care techniques designed specifically for Florida lawns.
Let’s explore why weeds thrive in Lakeland, the most common species you’ll encounter and how to finally reclaim your outdoor space from these persistent lawn intruders.
Why Weeds Thrive in Lakeland, FL
Lakeland sits in the heart of Central Florida, where hot humid summers and mild winters create the perfect environment for weeds to thrive nearly year-round. Add in heavy summer rains, sandy soil and constant moisture and you have the ideal breeding conditions for both warm-season and cool-season weeds.
Some of the main factors that allow weeds to spread so easily include:
• Thin or bare patches – Weeds love open soil, especially areas where turfgrass is weak.
• Overwatering – Florida lawns are often watered too frequently, which encourages moisture-loving weeds like dollarweed and doveweed.
• Soil compaction – Compacted sandy soil makes it difficult for grass roots to thrive, giving weeds the upper hand.
• Mild winters – Unlike in northern climates, many weed species in Florida never go fully dormant.
Without a proper weed control strategy, even the healthiest lawns can quickly become overrun.
The Importance of Pre-Emergent Weed Control
The most effective way to stop weeds is to prevent them from growing in the first place — and that’s exactly what pre-emergent weed treatments do.
How Pre-Emergents Work
Pre-emergent herbicides form a protective barrier beneath the soil that prevents weed seeds from sprouting. Once applied, they:
• Block germination before seedlings emerge.
• Disrupt root development.
• Prevent weeds from competing with your grass for nutrients and water.
• Protect your lawn through the fall, winter and early spring.
Timing is everything. In Lakeland, fall is the best time to apply pre-emergents because this is when many winter weeds begin germinating.
By applying treatment now, you’ll stop weed seeds before they sprout — ensuring your lawn remains healthy and weed-free all season long.
At Massey Services, we take a proactive approach with our fall pre-emergent applications. Our experts tailor every treatment to your lawn’s unique soil type, grass variety and environmental conditions.
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The Most Common Weeds in Lakeland Lawns
Central Florida is home to dozens of aggressive weed species that can take over lawns, gardens and landscape beds. Here are some of the most common invaders we see across the Lakeland area:
- Crabgrass
This light-green coarse weed thrives in the Florida heat. It takes root in bare spots and can survive drought conditions with ease. Once crabgrass matures, it releases thousands of seeds ensuring it comes back year after year unless controlled early. - Dollarweed
Also known as pennywort, dollarweed features round coin-shaped leaves and spreads rapidly through moist soil. Overwatering and poor drainage make this weed particularly common in Central Florida lawns. - Poa Annua (Annual Bluegrass)
A cool-season weed with a pale green color and whitish seed head, Poa annua germinates in fall and thrives through winter. It loves shaded damp areas and can quickly spread if untreated. - Doveweed
A summer annual that thrives in wet lawns, doveweed mimics turfgrass in appearance but grows faster and thicker, crowding out healthy grass. - Spotted Spurge
This low-growing weed spreads across the soil surface forming mats that smother turf. It’s often found in dry or compacted areas. - Henbit
A winter annual that produces small purple flowers and square stems, Henbit germinates in fall and grows quickly as temperatures cool. - Florida Pusley
A common summer weed with white star-shaped flowers. Pusley thrives in sandy soil and open areas where grass has thinned out.
These weeds are more than just eyesores — they rob your lawn of essential nutrients, weaken turfgrass and spread rapidly across property lines.
Why DIY Weed Control Rarely Works
Many homeowners in Lakeland attempt to handle weeds with over-the-counter herbicides or by pulling them by hand. Unfortunately, these methods often only offer temporary relief.
Here’s why weeds keep coming back:
• Persistent root systems – Even tiny root fragments can regrow after pulling.
• Massive seed production – Some weeds produce thousands of seeds that remain dormant in the soil for years.
• Wrong product or timing – Pre-emergent herbicides must be applied before germination and post-emergents only work when weeds are actively growing.
• Turf damage risk – Applying too much herbicide or the wrong kind can harm your grass.
That’s why professional lawn care matters. Massey Services understands how Florida’s weather affects weed cycles — and we apply treatments at precisely the right time to ensure maximum effectiveness.
The Massey Services Advantage
At Massey Services, we don’t just control weeds — we prevent them. Our GreenUP Landscape Services program offers a comprehensive approach to lawn health that focuses on prevention, protection and long-term sustainability.
Our Weed Control Process
- Seasonal Pre-Emergent Treatments – Applied in fall and spring to stop weeds before they sprout.
- Targeted Post-Emergent Applications – For any existing weeds that manage to appear.
- Soil Analysis and Monitoring – We identify underlying conditions that allow weeds to thrive.
- Customized Care Plans – Every lawn in Lakeland is different and our experts tailor treatments accordingly.
- Environmentally Responsible Methods – We minimize chemical use while maximizing results.
Our technicians are trained to spot early signs of weed invasion and adjust treatments as needed throughout the year. That means your lawn gets exactly what it needs — no more, no less.
How Homeowners Can Help Keep Weeds Away
While professional treatments deliver the best long-term results, your everyday lawn care routine also plays a big role in keeping weeds from returning. Here are a few tips for maintaining a strong healthy lawn in Lakeland:
• Mow correctly – Keep your grass at the proper height for its variety (St. Augustine, Bermuda, Zoysia, etc.).
• Water deeply but infrequently – Too much water promotes weed growth. Aim for 2–3 deep waterings per week depending on rainfall.
• Aerate compacted soil – This allows air, water and nutrients to reach your turf’s roots.
• Feed your lawn wisely – Balanced fertilization helps turf outcompete weeds naturally.
• Repair bare spots quickly – Overseed or patch thin areas before weeds take advantage of them.
When these best practices are combined with professional pre-emergent treatments, your lawn becomes naturally resistant to weeds.
The Benefits of a Weed-Free Lawn
A weed-free lawn isn’t just about looks — it contributes to a healthier home environment and increased property value. Here’s what you gain by keeping weeds under control:
• Improved curb appeal – A uniform green lawn enhances the appearance of your entire property.
• Higher property value – Well-maintained landscapes can boost home value by up to 15%.
• Environmental benefits – Healthy turf reduces soil erosion, filters rainwater and improves air quality.
• A more enjoyable outdoor space – A soft lush lawn creates a comfortable and inviting setting for family and guests.
Your lawn is more than just grass — it’s part of your home’s first impression. Keeping it healthy and vibrant protects your investment.
Why Fall is the Perfect Time for Pre-Emergent Application in Lakeland
In Central Florida, fall is the ideal time to apply pre-emergent weed control. Here’s why timing makes all the difference:
• Winter weeds germinate in fall – Applying treatment now prevents weeds like Poa annua and Henbit before they sprout.
• Soil temperatures are ideal – When soil begins to cool below 70°F, many weed seeds start to activate.
• Rainfall helps activation – Light rainfall helps pre-emergents bond to the soil and form a protective barrier.
• Grass growth slows – As your turf’s growth rate drops, it’s important to block weeds that can take over in the cooler months.
By acting now, you’ll protect your lawn from winter weed outbreaks and give your grass a strong foundation for spring.
Trust Massey Services for Weed Control in Lakeland, FL
At Massey Services, we’ve been helping Florida homeowners maintain healthy weed-free lawns for decades. Our team understands the unique challenges of Lakeland’s sandy soil, unpredictable weather and warm climate.
When you partner with Massey, you’ll receive:
• Local expertise – Knowledge of Florida-specific weeds and growing conditions.
• Comprehensive programs – Pre-emergent and post-emergent weed control, fertilization and soil management.
• Environmentally conscious care – Sustainable practices that protect your landscape and the environment.
• Guaranteed results – If weeds return between scheduled visits, we’ll return at no additional cost.
From residential neighborhoods like Grasslands and Christina to commercial properties throughout Lakeland, we deliver professional results backed by experience and science.
Take Back Your Lawn Today
Weeds are persistent but with Massey Services on your side, they don’t stand a chance. Whether you’re dealing with crabgrass, dollarweed or any of Florida’s many lawn invaders, our proactive treatments can restore balance to your landscape.
Don’t wait until weeds are already growing — act now to prevent them. Fall is the perfect time to protect your lawn for the months ahead.
Call Massey Services today to schedule your fall pre-emergent weed treatment in Lakeland, FL. Our experts are ready to help you enjoy a lush healthy and weed-free lawn all year long. take the first step toward a greener, stronger, weed-free lawn.