Are Weeds Creeping their Way into Your Lawn?

March 9, 2017 | By webadmin

We've seen them all before: chickweed, henbit, annual bluegrass and dandelion, to name a few of the classic spring invaders. If you do an internet search for images of these common weeds, you will likely be familiar with the plants that the inquiry turns up. These uninvited springtime guests can sneak into your lawn making unsightly patches of scraggly plants that can slowly weaken your lawn over time if left unchecked.

Ways to reduce weeds in your landscape.

What can you do to minimize these annoying, unwanted greens in your lawn and garden? The easiest step is to mow them down to ensure that their flowers are not allowed to go to seed, spreading more plants for next year. The weather has been warm, so if you’ve been mowing, you are on the right track. If not, then now is the time to mow off flowers heads to reduce spring weeds.

To prevent other weed seeds from coming up, apply a pre-emergent. This forms a barrier over the soil to prevent seed germination. Remember that products that also have a post-emergent component will make a impact on only the smallest, newly sprouted weeds. 

In many cases, eliminating weeds can be accomplished by using a broadleaf herbicide. Once they die, break up the soil underneath to make it more inviting for grass runners.  Or, skipping the herbicide altogether and simply digging out the weeds with a spade or hoe breaks up the soil in the process. If you keep an organic garden and want to use a weed treatment, then look for organic top-kill herbicides made of vinegar. Be prepared to re-apply to the weeds several times

Why, why, why are the weeds invading?

Weeds tend to be an indicator of poor soil quality. Healthy, desirable plants need nutrients found in better quality soils. Consider working in some compost into these areas as well to further entice grass to recolonize. Keep in mind that digging to loosen soil will break a barrier formed by pre-emergents so you will need to reapply in those areas.

Maintenance is key: Keeping your lawn as healthy as possible by fertilizing, mowing at the proper height at the right times, and boosting soil quality by adding compost ensures that your grass will eventually outcompete weeds, minimizing the effort needed to eradicate these spring creepers from your lawn.