Proper weed control is one of the keys to growing a healthy and thriving lawn. In this article, we will take a closer look at some effective strategies and solutions for achieving a weed-free lawn in Toronto.
How to Achieve a Weed-Free Lawn in Toronto
Ontario weeds will harm your lawn in many ways. They often stick out like a sore thumb, ruining the beauty of uniformed lawns. Weeds also compete fiercely with grass for resources, leaving the grass weak or dead because of a lack of nutrients. Some types of weeds spread too fast, wreaking havoc on other areas of your property. Lastly, weeds draw in and harbor pests that could harm the grass and even people around the property.
Whether you’re dealing with a weed problem or want to ensure no unwanted plants will grow in your lawn, below are a few strategies to help you solve the problem and achieve your lawn goals.
Identify the Main Types of Weeds Found in Toronto Lawns
Technically, weeds are plants growing in the wrong place, meaning any plant can be a weed. However, there are widely accepted groups of plants that are considered weeds in a Toronto lawn. It is crucial to identify what type is growing in your lawn. Knowing what weed you’re dealing with will help you determine the most effective control method and the right time to apply weed-killer products.
Many weed types grow in Toronto. The most common include crabgrass, clover, and dandelion. Some of them even look the same, which makes differentiating more challenging. You can use weed identification handbooks and online galleries or download helpful mobile apps to help with identification. You can also hire experts from trustworthy weed control companies near you. These professionals are equipped with the know-how and resources to identify the weeds in your lawn and determine the best ways to get rid of them.
Weeds can be classified by their gross morphological features (form and structure) and life cycle. In terms of morphology, weeds can be either broadleaf, sedges, or grass. When it comes to life cycle, weeds can be annual, biennial, or perennial. Pay attention to the plant’s life cycle because that will influence the weed control strategy.
Annual weeds only live for one season, so removing the plants before they flower will prevent them from multiplying. Biennial seeds only yield seeds in their second year of life despite surviving for two growing seasons. Perennial weeds are the most difficult to eradicate once they become established due to their long lifespan and vegetative reproduction.
Assess the Damage and Develop a Weed Control Plan
Once you’ve identified the unwanted plants, the next step is assessing the amount of weeds growing in your lawn. You’ll need this information when formulating a plan for how to get rid of weeds in your lawn. If you have a low population of certain annual weeds, hand pulling may be enough to get rid of them. But if weeds have taken over your lawn, you may have no other choice but to start over.
There are various strategies for controlling lawn weeds. Manual weeding is the simplest lawn weed control solution, and you can do it on the spot with the right tools. It’s also the greenest method if you don’t want to introduce chemicals to your lawn. On the downside, manual weeding takes a lot of time.
If weeds have already spread to many areas of your lawn, you will likely need to use weed killer. Weed-killer products come in different types, and some even target specific weeds. So, you must choose a product carefully. For better results, you can use a combination of various methods, also referred to as an integrated weed management program.
In instances where weeds have completely taken over a small part of the yard, a partial renovation may be the best solution to achieve a weed-free lawn. Although digging out the affected area and removing and destroying weeds requires more work and effort, it will give you a chance to start over and do it right.
You also need to include the optimum time frame for weed control in your plan. You may start weed control immediately if weeds have already invaded your lawn. You may also apply weed killers early in the weed’s life cycle or before the weed sprouts.
Choose Organic Weed Control Solutions
When pondering how to get rid of weeds in your lawn in Ontario, try choosing organic methods. Organic solutions are safer for the environment, wildlife, and people. You won’t have to worry about harming your lawn when eliminating weed infestation. Additionally, organic methods help promote healthier lawns, which is a natural deterrent for weed growth.
Take Preventative Measures to Stop Future Weed Growth
Now that you know how to remove weeds from your lawn, prevention is the next step.
The presence of weeds in your lawn may indicate an underlying problem. After all, weeds don’t usually grow in a healthy, well-kept lawn. If you don’t figure out and correct the underlying issue, weeds will continue to sprout and grow in your lawn despite your weed control efforts. So, finding out what causes weed invasion in your lawn is necessary to stop future weed growth.
The chances of weed invasion usually increase when you don’t water your lawn correctly, fail to follow specific mowing height requirements, and apply fertilizer at the wrong time. Aside from that, soil compaction, insect infestation, and plant diseases can make the lawn susceptible to weed invasion.
More often than not, proper lawn care is all it takes to prevent weeds from invading your lawn. Ensure your turfgrass receives enough water and nutrients, is cut to the right height, and is aerated when necessary. Overseed to fill in bare or thin spots and remove thatch buildup. A dense, healthy lawn will choke out weeds and prevent weed seeds from coming in contact with the soil and sprouting.
Improve Soil Quality for Optimal Lawn Health
Healthy soil will help your turfgrass grow stronger and more resistant to unwanted plants. Unfortunately, erosion, contamination, and many other factors cause soil degradation. But you can do a few things to improve soil quality, one of which is switching to organic lawn care.
The best way to improve soil quality is by adding organic materials, such as compost or manure. Consider performing a soil test to ensure the soil can support healthy grass growth. You can get a soil sample and send it to the nearest lab. Some universities test soil samples for free.
The soil test will tell you what the soil contains and lacks. The results also usually include the soil’s pH level and recommended amendments. Adding amendments indicated in your soil test result will help improve soil quality.
We Can Help Keep Your Lawn Weed-Free
Depending on the severity of the invasion, keeping your lawn weed-free might be too much of a task to handle on your own. It can be challenging, especially since many weed-control methods require repeated application. In that case, you can rely on the LawnMart team for expert assistance in maintaining a weed-free lawn.
Weed control is part of our six-step lawn care process. Our professionals can keep weeds under control so your lawn stays healthy and beautiful. Contact us today for a weed-free lawn.