Lawn Weed Control
Some Handy Tips for Lawn Weed Control
Lawn weed control is a headache for most homeowners. But weeds are just plants in the wrong place. A weed can be desired in one area and just a weed in a different area. As an example, creeping bentgrass causes spots in a Kentucky bluegrass lawn. But on a golf green, the same plant is very desirable. You don't want weeds in your yard, though. They detract from its beauty because they're a different texture and color and height from your grass. Weeds also take away valuable nutrients and water from your grass.
Lawn weed control may take different forms, depending on what weed is infesting your lawn. You will want to consult your local extension office to make sure you're fighting the right type of weeds.
The easiest way to control lawn weeds is to keep your grass healthy and thick. Weeds can tell you what else is wrong with your lawn, too. For example, a knotweed problem indicates compaction of soil and you need to treat both, by killing the weeds and then aerating your lawn.
Sometimes lawn weed control can require little more than altering the height at which you maintain your grass, or changing the time between waterings or fertilizer applications. You will probably need to utilize a combination of procedures and chemicals to control your weeds effectively. Be sure to follow label directions closely on any chemicals you use – you don't want to kill your grass as well.
Preemergence herbicides work at lawn weed control before you ever see the weeds. These chemicals affect the weed seeds as they germinate, so be sure to apply this herbicide at least two weeks before the time of year you normally spot the first weeds of the season.
Postemergence herbicides are used after the weeds have already sprouted. Liquid varieties are the best, because this type of herbicide needs to be absorbed through the weeds' leaves in order to be effective. Apply this type of herbicide when your weeds are young and vigorously growing.
You can apply postemergence herbicides any time after the weeds have started growing, as long as your air temperatures are between sixty and eighty degrees F. It's best to use them on a calm day without wind, and when there is no rain in the forecast for two days. Early in the autumn or early in the spring are the normal times for these herbicides to be applied.
There are lots of various species of weeds that will infest your lawn. You may want to clip a few and take them to your local extension office or garden center for identification, so you know you have the right herbicide for the job. Lawn weed control can be frustrating, but if you spend some time improving the overall health of your lawn at the same time, you'll see less weeds in the future.