Crabgrass Prevention in Tulsa: Spring Timing and Common Mistakes (What to Do in February)

​Quick Answer: Why Crabgrass Prevention in Tulsa Starts Now

​In Tulsa, crabgrass prevention works best when a spring pre-emergent is applied before soil temperatures reach the mid-50s—typically between mid-March and early April.

That’s why it’s essential to have crabgrass prevention on your radar in February. You won’t see crabgrass yet, but this is the window to plan treatment so you don’t miss the short, weather-dependent application window when crabgrass seeds begin to germinate.

​Why February Matters (Even When Crabgrass Isn’t Visible Yet)

Crabgrass doesn’t look like a problem in February—but in Tulsa, the best crabgrass control happens before you ever see it.

Crabgrass is a warm-season annual weed. It shows up when temperatures rise, but it starts from seed, and that’s why the most effective strategy is pre-emergent weed control applied at the right time.

If you’d like help building a spring weed barrier, Nutri-Green offers seasonal weed control in Tulsa, OK as part of a year-round lawn care plan.

Why February Is the Best Time to Plan Crabgrass Prevention

In February (especially in Tulsa’s “fake spring / back to winter” weather swings), you usually won’t see crabgrass yet. That’s normal.

What you can do now is get your plan in place so you don’t miss the window when crabgrass begins to germinate.

A good spring plan typically includes:

• A properly timed pre-emergent application
• Enough water to activate the barrier
• A second application (in many programs) to extend protection as spring warms up
• Healthy turf habits that help your grass crowd out weeds

If you’re also tackling other seasonal weeds right now, it’s worth learning the difference between common winter weeds like henbit vs purple deadnettle.

Crabgrass Prevention Timing in Tulsa (The Simple Way)

There are two practical ways to time crabgrass prevention.

Use the Calendar as a Starting Point

For many Oklahoma lawns, mid-March is a common “don’t-wait-until-it’s-too-late” checkpoint for spring pre-emergent planning.

Oklahoma State University Extension notes spring pre-emergent applications are typically made around mid-March to early April for crabgrass control in home lawns.

Use Soil Temperature (More Accurate Than Air Temperature)

Crabgrass germination is closely tied to soil temperature. Many university turf programs recommend applying pre-emergent before soil temperatures reach the mid-50s°F for several days.

That’s why February matters: once Tulsa warms up consistently, the best prevention window can close quickly.

If you’re not sure you’ll catch the timing, it’s better to plan early and be ready than to wait until you’re already seeing crabgrass.

​If you’d rather not track soil temperatures and weather swings, a professional lawn care company handles timing for you.

What to Do Now (February) vs. Later (Spring)

Here’s a practical checklist that matches the “it’s February—crabgrass isn’t here yet” reality.

In February

• Decide whether you’re doing DIY or professional service.
• Get on the schedule early so you don’t miss the timing window.
• Clear heavy debris (sticks, leftover leaves) so treatments can reach the soil evenly.

Late February Through March (Weather Dependent)

• Apply spring pre-emergent before crabgrass germination ramps up.
• Plan for proper watering after application so the barrier activates.

Spring and Early Summer

• Keep mowing consistent and avoid scalping.
• Maintain strong turf density so weeds have fewer openings.
• If your lawn program uses split applications, make sure the second application isn’t skipped.

If you want a broader “spring ramp-up” plan beyond crabgrass, your lawn will benefit from a full-season approach like Nutri-Green’s lawn care solutions for Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma.

Common Crabgrass Prevention Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Crabgrass prevention usually fails for one of these reasons.

Mistake 1: Waiting Until You See Crabgrass

By the time crabgrass is visible, pre-emergent is no longer the right tool for those plants. You’re now in “control” mode instead of “prevention” mode.

How to avoid it: Treat prevention like a spring kickoff task—planned in February, executed as spring approaches.

Mistake 2: Applying Too Early… and Not Lasting Long Enough

Applying early isn’t always wrong—but in Tulsa, spring can stretch and warm up in waves. If the product “runs out” before peak germination, you can still get crabgrass later.

How to avoid it: Choose a plan that maintains coverage through the main germination window (often with split applications).

Mistake 3: Not Watering It In

Many pre-emergent products must be watered in to form the protective barrier. If it sits on the surface, results can be disappointing.

How to avoid it: Follow label directions (DIY) or your technician’s instructions (professional service).

Mistake 4: Disturbing the Soil After Application

Aggressive raking, dethatching, or digging can break the barrier and create openings for weeds.

How to avoid it: If you’re learning about thatch and whether you should remove it, read our article, What Lawn Thatch Is.

Mistake 5: Cutting the Lawn Too Short

Scalping weakens turf and lets sunlight hit the soil—conditions weeds love.

How to avoid it: Keep mowing consistent and avoid “going super low” early in spring. For more guidance, review proper mowing maintenance.

If You Already Have Crabgrass Every Year, Here’s the Real Fix

If crabgrass is a recurring issue, it’s usually a sign your lawn has openings (thin turf, compacted soil, stressed grass, inconsistent mowing/watering). It may be time for a more comprehensive approach.

Nutri-Green’s lawn care program is built to strengthen turf, close gaps, and reduce weeds over time—without guesswork. Our plan combines:

• Prevention (pre-emergent)
• Targeted weed control (as needed)
• Strong turf growth practices

Talk with a lawn care specialist to see if a full-season program makes sense for your lawn.

Crabgrass Prevention FAQ

Can I prevent crabgrass and treat existing weeds at the same time?

Often, yes—many programs pair pre-emergent with targeted weed control depending on what’s active. A technician can help choose the right approach for what’s currently growing.

Is crabgrass prevention a one-time thing?

Some lawns do fine with one well-timed application, but many Tulsa lawns benefit from extended coverage (often via split applications) depending on weather, lawn conditions, and weed pressure.

What if I missed the timing?

Don’t give up. You can still reduce crabgrass impact with in-season control and by improving turf thickness—then plan earlier next year.

Get Ahead of Crabgrass Now (Before Spring Hits)

February is the perfect time to get a crabgrass prevention plan going—so you’re protected when Tulsa warms up.

To talk through timing and treatment options, reach out via our contact page or explore our Tulsa-area service options on the areas we service page.