Yellow patches, poor growth, or widespread weeds indicate a need for treatment. Soil testing can confirm nutritional deficiencies that require intervention.

Mowing is one of the most important ways to maintain your lawn because it encourages grass to grow horizontally, creating a fuller, more uniform yard. On top of mowing your lawn, you’ll want to routinely fertilize your lawn, water it regularly, and take care of pests the moment they arise. 

Glyphosate and other non-selective herbicides can kill orchard grass, but they will also kill the surrounding plants. Also, not all areas allow the use of glyphosate due to its environmental impact—which the EPA describes as a "potential risk to terrestrial and aquatic plants and birds, and low toxicity to honeybees." Consider mechanical removal to target the plants specifically.

The best time to hire a weed service company is in the early spring. This allows them to apply a pre-emergent weed killer that stops weeds from taking root, making maintenance for the rest of the season much easier. Following the initial spring application, a monthly service through the summer and early fall is a good idea for ongoing weed control. These regular treatments, combined with manual removal or spot treatment, should be sufficient to maintain a weed-free yard. Alternatively, you can hire a professional in the fall for the following year, as some companies may offer better rates on contracts signed before the busy spring season.