Winning the Battle Against Weeds: A Complete Guide to Effective Weed Control

Guide to Effective Weed Control

Weeds. To the frustration of any homeowner, these plants are quick to root and can instantly take over a lawn. Wishing for weeds to leave won’t chase them away. However, a weed-free lawn is possible with preventive strategies and professional assistance. 

By design, weed control is an intentional process. Weeds are stubborn resource leeches, adapting and surviving to any undedicated attempt to corral them. Here, we’ve laid out what weed control is, common weed types, and steps that can be taken to prevent weed growth.

What is Weed Control?

Weed control is just what it sounds like: the process by which yard and garden weeds are kept from growing out of control. But why do we do it? Why not let these plants grow? Beyond being an eyesore, weeds compete with your grass for nutrients and sunlight. An overgrowth of weeds can result in a lawn with bare spots, pests, and a decreased curb appeal. When weeds are present, your lawn does not have the resources it needs to thrive.

Common Weed Types

For maximum impact, it is important to treat each weed type differently. Some require weedkiller, others can be removed by taking good care of your soil. Here are a few of the most common backyard plant-killers.

• Broadleaf Weeds: Their name refers to wide, flat leaves, which make them easy to spot. Often, these weeds are accompanied by colorful flowers. Broadleaf weeds include dandelions, clover, and chickweed. For most broadleaf weeds, their small nature makes herbicides the only practical solution, as handpicking each plant is tedious and backbreaking work.

• Grassy Weeds: Weeds like crabgrass and foxtail are easy to miss until they become big problems, as they resemble normal grass. To keep these weeds at bay, fertilizer with weed-killing properties is recommended. The fertilizer will promote healthy grass growth and decrease the space for weeds to grow, while the weed killer will further prevent their appearance in your lawn.
• Sedges: More common in wet and humid areas, sedge grass is a desired plant for some homeowners. However, it is a pesky weed to be rid of when unwanted. Pulling up the roots of the grass will remove it, along with targeted herbicides.

Weed Prevention

The best way to implement weed control is weed prevention. It’s much easier to prevent weeds from growing than get rid of them once they’ve taken root. Keeping a healthy lawn is step one.

• Maintain Your Lawn: Don’t mow too short, water deeply, and fertilize regularly. Taller grass creates shade that prevents weeds from taking root, deep watering strengthens roots, and fertilizer promotes the growth of healthy, weed-resistant grasses.

• Improve Soil Health: Maintain soil pH, aerate annually, and keep an eye on the structure of your soil. It’s difficult for grass to grow in unhealthy soil, leaving room for weeds to move in.

• Overseed & Fill Bare Spots: No grass growth signals to weeds to start growing. Stop them before they start. Purchase grass seed and fill bare spots in your lawn.

Types of Weed Control.

Weed control can be done professionally or personally. Of course, we recommend professional care for the knowledge and expertise required not to harm your lawn, but a determined homeowner can utilize some weed-control techniques on their own.

• Pre-Emergent Herbicides: These are early-season preventive treatments to stop weeds before they grow. This strategy is effective for grassy weeds and must be applied before the soil fully warms up in the springtime.

• Post-Emergent Herbicides: After weeds have sprouted, post-emergent herbicides disrupt and end their growth. Selective herbicides target only the weed, while non-selective weeds kill everything they are applied to. The type of herbicide is selected based on need.

• Natural & Organic Options: Natural herbicides can be used, but require more upkeep to be effective. Mowing, watering, and intentional soil improvement are key parts of an all-natural weed removal process.

Bring in the professionals if the weeds are taking over your lawn and are too much to handle. Ehlinger Lawn Service has all the tools and tricks to keep your lawn weed-free. Reach out today.