Weeds can wreak havoc on your lush, green lawn. So, you must take measures to keep them under control with the right products and practices.
In this article, we’ll discuss what you need to know about weed control, how weeds affect your lawn’s health, and some tips on selecting the right products for weed removal and prevention.
An Overview of Weed Control – Why It’s Important for Long-Term Lawn Health
It’s normal for weeds to grow on your lawn. A few of them won’t do significant damage, aside from probably making your lawn look less than perfect. But when the weeds increase, it’s time to worry, because those large weed patches will cause several problems.
First, weeds among turfgrass are unsightly. And if you don’t keep weeds under control, they can invade your yard. They will start competing with your turfgrass for nutrients, light, and moisture. When you apply fertilizers, weeds will soak up most of the nutrients that are supposed to fuel your lawn’s growth. Weeds may also attract insects and spread fungal diseases.
In a nutshell, weeds can be detrimental to your lawn’s health. That’s why you should not ignore lawn weed control, a combination of techniques that aims to reduce the growth of unwanted and invasive plants. By keeping weed growth to a minimum, your turfgrass can grow healthier and greener.
The Different Types of Weeds That Could Be Damaging Your Lawn
Now that we’ve answered the question, “Why is weed control important?” let’s proceed to discuss the different types of weeds.
Knowing the type of weed present in your lawn is essential in determining methods for control. Generally, weeds fall into three categories—annual, biennial, and perennial.
- Annual weeds – Weeds under this category can only survive for one season. But they can spread seeds that may sprout the following year.
- Biennial weeds – These weeds can last for two growing seasons.
- Perennial weeds – This type of weed can survive for several years. They are difficult to control once they start growing on your lawn.
The type of weed you have in your lawn will determine the best time to treat the lawn and the products to use.
Here are some specific weeds that typically grow and hurt lawns in Canada.
Wild Violet
Its purple flower can be quite pretty, but the plant itself can be deadly for grasses on your lawn. Wild violets are perennial plants that can kill everything around them. With their deep taproot and ability to produce stolons and rhizomes, roots that grow above ground and below ground, respectively, they are pretty much uncontrollable. They are also one of the weeds that LawnMart can prevent from spreading but not completely eliminate.
Clover
Clover is another perennial plant that could grow on your lawn. They produce pretty flowers favored by numerous bee species. But let’s all agree that they don’t belong in a lawn, although some people have used this plant as lawn “grass.” This weed is also difficult to control, but LawnMart can help you handle it without any hassle.
Canada Thistles
There are several thistle species, but the Canada thistle is probably the most destructive weed that can grow on your property. This weed can survive for many years and produce extensive roots that can quickly take over your lawn.
Dandelions
With yellow flowers that eventually turn into puffs, dandelions may make your yard a little bit bright when in bloom. Dandelions can also help aerate the soil and can be a source of several nutrients once they decompose.
However, dandelions may wreak havoc on your lawn if not managed properly. They are a perennial type of plant germinated by seed. Air spreads their seeds everywhere, and they can live in the soil even when the conditions aren’t the best for germination. This plant may benefit your lawn in some ways but can take over your turfgrass as well.
Crabgrass
Crabgrass resembles grass, so you may need to look closer to spot it in your lawn. It is an annual type of weed that spreads quickly and can produce up to 75,000 seeds in one growing season. It steals valuable moisture and nutrients from your turfgrass. Crabgrass can also be a perfect haven for pests.
Many types of weeds are out there, and this list is only the tip of the iceberg. No matter what unwanted plant species are sprouting in your lawn, keep their population under control so your turfgrass can grow properly.
Pre-Emergent and Post-Emergent Weed Control Explained
Using herbicides is one of the ways to eliminate weeds in a lawn. There are two categories for these products: pre-emergent and post-emergent.
Pre-emergent herbicide, as the name suggests, is applied before the weeds sprout, typically in the spring. It’s like nipping the problem in the bud. It won’t give the germinating seed a chance to establish in the lawn. However, note that pre-emergent herbicide does not kill existing weeds.
For eliminating existing weeds, you’ll use a post-emergent herbicide. Timing is crucial when applying this product, as it is most effective when the unwanted plants are just developing. For mature weeds, you may need to apply the product more than once.
Herbicides are effective in controlling weeds in lawns. But you need to know how to apply them properly. Otherwise, they may cause more harm than good. Pre-emergent herbicides may kill turfgrass seeds. On the other hand, post-emergent herbicide may injure or yellow turfgrasses.
If you want to be on the safe side, choose all-natural products. If you hire a company to take care of your lawn, ask about the products they use to control weeds. Chemical herbicides are not the only effective products for removing unsightly weeds in your area.
How to Select the Right Herbicides and Fertilizers for Weed Removal
You can find many herbicides on the market, and they don’t work for all types of weeds. Therefore, the first step in selecting the right product for your lawn is identifying the weeds you are trying to get rid of. You can find plenty of photos and resources online to help you out.
Herbicides have a label with a list of weeds they eliminate. Read the label to know whether that product can kill the invaders in your lawn. Also, determine the amount your lawn will need. If you’re unsure about the product and amount you need, the pros are there to give you a hand. All you need to do is reach out.
How to Avoid Weeds in the Future
Weeds are not good for your lawn and for your budget. You are probably asking, “How do you prevent weeds long-term?”
The key is keeping the lawn in great condition, recognizing that part of an effective lawn care program is weed control. It’s actually impossible to completely prevent weeds from growing on your lawn. Their seeds can be carried by wind and may reach your yard despite all your efforts for prevention. Thus, using herbicides may still be necessary.
Aside from that, you should also mow the turfgrass on the high side, aerate the soil, and water as needed. If you do not have the time to take care of your lawn, you can leave the task to professionals.
If you’re searching the web for weed control companies near me, consider LawnMart. Our team will help control weeds in your lawn using all-natural yet effective products that are safe for everyone.
For more on lawn care and weed control, please do not hesitate to contact LawnMart today.