Where the Season Stands at Step 2
By mid-May, Step 1 has been down for six to eight weeks. The pre-emergent barrier from that application has been working to prevent crabgrass and annual weeds from germinating, and the early-season nitrogen has pushed a good flush of spring growth. The lawn is actively growing, and so are the weeds.
Dandelions are blooming. Clover is spreading. Chickweed and plantain are filling in thin spots. This is exactly the moment Step 2 is designed for.
Step 2 picks up where Step 1 left off. It continues the crabgrass pre-emergent protection, targets the broadleaf weeds that are now actively growing above ground, and delivers a second feeding to keep the lawn dense and competitive through the transition into summer. Three jobs, one application.
The Mill's Step 2 Product: What Is in the Bag
Step 2 | Turf Fertilizer 19-0-6 with MESA, LockUp, and .17 Dimension
The Mill's Step 2 is a premium Lebanon Turf product that combines three active components in a single granular application.
19-0-6 Fertilizer with MESA delivers 19% nitrogen using Methylene Extended Sulfur Ammonia, a fertilizer technology that provides both a quick green-up response and extended slow-release feeding over several weeks. The 6% potassium supports root strength and stress tolerance as the lawn heads into warmer conditions. Together, these keep the turf thick, green, and competitive through late spring and into early summer.
LockUp (Penoxsulam + 2,4-D) is the broadleaf weed control component. This combination post-emergent herbicide targets actively growing broadleaf weeds including dandelion, clover, wild violet, ground ivy, and chickweed. It works systemically, moving through the plant from leaf to root to kill the whole weed rather than just burning the top growth. For best results, apply to damp grass in the morning so the herbicide granules adhere to the weed foliage and are absorbed effectively.
.17 Dimension (Dithiopyr) provides the continued crabgrass pre-emergent barrier. Because the residual from Step 1's Prodiamine begins to diminish around 6 to 8 weeks after application, Step 2's Dimension extends that protection through the remaining window of crabgrass germination, which can continue into August in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Coverage: 1 bag covers 11,400 sq. ft., or approximately one-quarter acre.
Apply: Mid-May through June 1
How to Apply Step 2 for Best Results
Getting the most out of Step 2 requires a few straightforward application practices that make a meaningful difference in weed control effectiveness.
Apply to damp grass. The LockUp herbicide component is a granular that needs to adhere to weed foliage to be absorbed. Early morning application when grass is damp from dew is ideal. If conditions are dry, a light irrigation pass before applying and then waiting 24 hours before watering again allows the herbicide to be absorbed.
Do not mow immediately before or after application. Mowing before application reduces the leaf surface area available for herbicide absorption. Waiting 2 to 3 days after application before mowing allows the product time to work into the weed system.
Do not water in immediately. Unlike pre-emergent herbicides and fertilizers that benefit from watering in, the LockUp component needs 24 to 48 hours on the leaf surface before rainfall or irrigation. Check the forecast before applying.
Apply at the right temperature. Broadleaf herbicides work best when weeds are actively growing. Applying in cool, overcast conditions or when temperatures are below 50 degrees reduces effectiveness. Mid-May conditions in the Mid-Atlantic are generally ideal.
Alternative Products for Lawns with Different Needs
Not every lawn situation calls for the same product. The Mill carries several alternatives for homeowners whose program differs from the standard Step 2 scenario.
25-0-5 with Trimec Weed 'n Feed For homeowners looking for a higher-nitrogen weed and feed option, the 25-0-5 with Trimec delivers a stronger nitrogen punch alongside a proven three-way broadleaf herbicide containing 2,4-D, MCPP, and Dicamba. It does not include a crabgrass pre-emergent component, making it a better fit for lawns where pre-emergent applications were completed on a different schedule or where continued pre-emergent protection is not a priority.
0-0-7 LockUp For lawns that do not need additional nitrogen at this point in the season but still have active broadleaf weed pressure, the 0-0-7 LockUp delivers post-emergent broadleaf weed control with 7% potassium and no nitrogen. This is a practical option for homeowners who have recently applied a straight fertilizer and want weed control without adding more nitrogen to the program.
Strike 3 Herbicide For homeowners dealing with a specific weed problem in a targeted area rather than a whole-lawn application, Strike 3 is a concentrated liquid three-way broadleaf herbicide that can be mixed and sprayed precisely where it is needed. It is a strong complement to a granular program when spot treatment is more practical than a broadcast application. Please read and follow label instructions.
Common Questions About Step 2
Can Step 2 be applied if Step 1 was skipped?
Yes, but the crabgrass protection window is reduced. Step 1's Prodiamine and Step 2's Dimension work together to cover the full crabgrass germination window from early spring through early summer. Applying Step 2 alone still provides the late-season pre-emergent coverage and broadleaf weed control, but the early-season window will have been missed. If crabgrass is already visible and germinated, neither pre-emergent will provide control at that point.
Can Step 2 be applied over a lawn that was recently seeded?
No. Step 2 contains both a pre-emergent herbicide and post-emergent broadleaf herbicide. Both components will damage or kill newly germinated grass seed. Do not apply Step 2 to areas seeded within the past 3 months, and do not seed into areas treated with Step 2 until at least 3 months have passed.
What if it rains right after application?
Light rain within the first 24 hours can reduce the effectiveness of the LockUp herbicide component, which needs time on the leaf surface to be absorbed. Heavy rain that washes granules off foliage before absorption is the main concern. If significant rain is expected within 24 hours, delay application.
How long before results are visible?
Broadleaf weeds typically begin to show response within 7 to 14 days, exhibiting curling, yellowing, and wilting as the herbicide works through the plant system. Full control may take 3 to 4 weeks depending on the weed species and conditions.
Step 2 in the Context of the Full Program
Step 2 is the second of four applications that make up The Mill's complete lawn care calendar. Understanding where it fits helps homeowners see how each step builds on the last.
- Step 1 (Early Spring): Pre-emergent crabgrass barrier + early-season nitrogen
- Step 2 (Mid-May to June 1): Continued pre-emergent + broadleaf weed control + second nitrogen feeding
- Step 3 (Labor Day): Late summer strength + iron for color + potassium for stress recovery
- Step 4 (Late Fall): Extended-release winterizer to feed roots through dormancy
For homeowners also dealing with grub pressure, a grub control application layered into the late spring and summer program addresses that separately. The Mill's grub control guide covers the Acelepryn-based options that fit alongside this program without interfering with the Step 2 timing.
For a complete overview of the 4-Step program from the beginning, The Mill's Spring Lawn Care guide covers timing, product selection, and application guidance for the full season.
Get Step 2 at The Mill
Step 2 is available online and at all local The Mill store locations. Staff can help confirm the right product for specific lawn conditions and answer questions about timing, application, and what to expect.
- Step 2 | 19-0-6 MESA with LockUp and .17 Dimension - The Mill's standard Step 2
- 25-0-5 with Trimec Weed 'n Feed - higher nitrogen weed and feed alternative
- 0-0-7 LockUp - weed control without added nitrogen
- Strike 3 Herbicide - liquid spot treatment option
- Full Lawn Fertilizer Collection - browse all lawn fertilizer and weed control options
