We get it – if you’ve just signed up for a lawn care program, you’re probably anxiously waiting to see that perfect, green lawn you’ve been dreaming of. You might be thinking, “Where’s the magic? Why isn’t my lawn already looking better?” Well, welcome to the lawn care waiting game. The reality is, it takes time to see results – especially when it comes to things like fertilizer, weed control, and seeding.

Lets walk through some of the common questions you may have about how long results will take for lawn care treatments - and why working with a pro may be the best insurance for getting those results. That way you can understand what’s really going on in your yard and when you’ll start to see those results you’ve been waiting for.

How Long Does it Take to See Fertilizer Results?

So you’ve just signed up for a lawn care program, and you’re itching to see those lush, green results. Who doesn’t want their lawn looking like the golf course down the street? But here’s the deal: you won’t see that magical overnight transformation. In fact, when it comes to fertilizer, weed control, and seeding, you’re in for a bit of a waiting game.
It actually takes about a full season of regular lawn care to see the complete results. Fertilizer and weed control work overtime to strengthen your lawn’s root system, and when you throw in some seeding, it’ll need a little time to settle in and grow. Think of it like planting a new tree, you’re nurturing it, and it takes a bit to see the full bloom come next spring.

Patience is key, but trust us, by the time next year rolls around, your lawn will be looking better than ever.

How Long Does it Take for Grass to Turn Green?

Once you’ve got your first treatment under your belt, you’ll actually start seeing some green pretty quickly, sometimes even right after that first round.
When new customers sign up in the spring, our team kicks things off with a round one treatment that’s a little extra special. Why? Because we treat your lawn differently from the get-go. We add in extra nitrogen and micronutrients that give your lawn a nice little energy boost and replace some of the nutrients they missed from last fall. This helps it green up faster and work harder on defeating those weeds.

How Many Lawn Treatments Do I Really Need?

Great question! And the answer? It depends. At Shades of Green, we customize every lawn treatment based on your property’s unique needs, so there is no great one-size-fits-all answer here for new customers.
On average, you can expect anywhere from 8 to 12 visits in a season. The exact number depends on which plan you choose, the weather, how quickly your lawn responds, and any specific issues that pop up throughout the year. Check out the details of our lawn programs here.

How Long Does it Take to Get Rid of Weeds?

Ah, weeds. The perennial unwanted guest at your lawn’s party. They’re like that one friend who shows up uninvited, eats all your snacks, and refuses to leave. Unfortunately, getting rid of weeds is a process that doesn’t happen overnight – but with the right approach you will see results.
For most of our new clients, weeds are one of the main issues we have to tackle because, frankly, weeds are stubborn. You know the ones we’re talking about – wild violet, crabgrass, ground ivy…those little troublemakers can be tough to kill, and you might not see a big change until later in the season. These types of weeds need special treatment, which is why we target them with specific applications in mid-summer. The trick is timing – and a little patience.

If your lawn is on the weedy side, don’t be alarmed if it looks a bit worse before it gets better. Weeds tend to thin out your yard as they die off, leaving behind patches that may look a little bare. It’s like the lawn’s version of a detox – it gets a little messier before it gets clean. Trust us, this is part of the process that will leave you with green grass blades filling in those bare spots in no time.
To really tackle weeds, we use a multi-round approach. We start with weed control treatments that are most effective early on, before weeds sprout or when they are still young and vulnerable. Then, as the season progresses, we switch to applications that target harder-to-kill-weeds. And when these stubborn weeds keep hanging on? We come back and hit them with a heavier treatment to make sure they don’t stand a chance.

The Impact of Weather on Your Lawn Care Results

Weather in Indiana is the ultimate wildcard when it comes to lawn care results. Unfortunately, sometimes Mother Nature throws us a curveball, especially when it comes to transitioning from spring to summer.

Spring weather is crucial for your lawn’s recovery and rebuilding, especially when we’re applying treatments like fertilizer, weed control, and seed. But if the temperature never hits that sweet spot of 70-80 degrees, the grass can’t really get into its groove. Without those ideal temperatures, your lawn’s growth slows down, making it harder for the grass to recover and rebuild after the winter dormancy. It’s like trying to run a race in slow motion – your lawn is just laying around, idly waiting for the heat to kick in.
If we’ve had a particularly unpredictable winter-to-summer shift, where temperatures jump from cold to hot too quickly, it can leave a struggling lawn in a tough spot. With no time to recover, the weeds you’ve treated get killed off but the lawn doesn’t have a great chance to bounce back. That leaves you dealing with bare spots all summer long, which is far from ideal.

The bottom line: it’s important to remember that weather plays a big factor in how your lawn performs and sometimes doesn’t cooperate with our plans. However, even when weather isn’t on our side, we will adjust our approach to make sure your lawn gets what it needs when it needs it.

The Importance of Lawn Care Programs in Indiana

It comes down to more than just throwing down some fertilizer for a lush, green lawn. If it were that easy, we’d all be living in the land of perfectly manicured turf. But as you probably know, there’s a little more to it than that, especially in Indiana’s unpredictable weather. That’s where a solid lawn care program comes in. It’s about creating a plan that’s not just focused on one time fixes, but a consistent ongoing effort that incorporates irrigation, mowing practices, and good cultural practices.
Aeration, overseeding, and proper fertilization schedules are key for building a lawn that’s healthy and sustainable long term. Remember it takes time for your lawn to respond to treatments and it’s not a “quick fix” kind of deal. But that’s where a professional lawn care service really shines. They have the expertise and resources to be consistent with treatments, and they know the best timing for everything.

Partnering with Shades of Green to Transform Your Lawn

Lawn care isn’t an overnight transformation – it’s a journey. Whether it’s seeing gradual results from fertilizer, tackling those stubborn weeds, or dealing with unpredictable weather, it all takes time. But rest assured, with the right care, your lawn will be looking its best by the time next season rolls around.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the process or frustrated with the wait, our team at Shades of Green would love to help. With our customized treatment plans, attention to detail, and experience in Indiana turf care, we’ll ensure your lawn gets the care it needs to thrive. We take the guesswork out of the equation, leaving you with a lawn that’s lush, healthy, and the envy of the neighborhood.

Get started by filling out our contact form for lawn care in Lafayette, Carmel, Noblesville, Westfield, and Nearby Areas.