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Maintaining a lush and weed-free lawn can be challenging and requires continuous attention throughout the year. However, taking a proactive approach during the spring season can help reduce the amount of time and effort needed to maintain your lawn throughout the summer and fall. By implementing proper lawn care practices and staying vigilant in your weed management efforts, you can have a beautiful and healthy lawn with minimal hassle.
Types of Weed Killers
Herbicides the most commonly used chemical solution for controlling weeds on lawns. They formulated to target specific types of weeds such as broadleaf and grass-like weeds. Pre-emergent herbicides applied before the weed seed has germinated, while post-emergent herbicides applied after weeds have already started to appear on the lawn. Selective post-emergent herbicides formulated to kill only certain types of weeds while leaving desirable turf grasses unharmed.
Choosing the correct chemical weed killer that targets the particular weeds in your lawn is crucial. Organic herbicides used as an alternative, which includes household vinegar or commercial preparations containing a blend of vinegar, salts, and soaps.
Targeted Application is Superior to Widespread Application for Weed Management
Treating weeds using the least toxic method possible is recommended, and academic sources suggest spot-treating individual weeds with a targeted spray rather than applying chemicals over the entire lawn. Spot-treating weeds may seem like a lot of work, but it becomes easier over time as most of the weeds are killed.
Avoid Weed-and-Feed Products
The use of weed-and-feed products that contain both fertilizer and herbicide is discouraged, as the optimal time for fertilizing a lawn differs from the optimal time for applying herbicides. Instead, apply fertilizers and herbicides separately at the appropriate times for each.
Non-Chemical Alternatives
Organic and non-chemical methods to deal with lawn weeds include corn gluten meal, which is an organic pre-emergent weed control method. Post-emergent weed management can be achieved by spraying weeds with a solution of household vinegar or dish soap. Commercial preparations containing no synthetic chemicals are also available, usually made of vinegar, soaps, and salts.
Some weed that commonly found
Crabgrass (Digitaria spp)
Crabgrass is a resilient annual plant that has circular, crab-like leaves and commonly found in weak or bare areas of lawns. Over- or under-watering and mowing the lawn too short can favor its growth. To remove crabgrass, pre-emergent herbicides used in the spring to prevent the seeds from sprouting or post-emergent herbicides used to treat the weed as soon as it appears. It’s essential to consult with your local extension office or garden center for the best timing and approach. In cases of small infestations, crabgrass can be removed by hand when the lawn is moist.
Quackgrass (Elymus repens)
Quackgrass is a tough and persistent perennial weed that spreads through rhizomes and looks similar to crabgrass. Pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides can only stunt its growth, but a glyphosate-based herbicide can be used to completely eliminate it, including its roots. Hand removal is not practical because of its strong roots.
Dandelion (Taraxacum spp.)
Dandelions are common late spring plants that some people consider a weed while others see them as wildflowers. They can be a nuisance for those who don’t want them, as one flower head can produce thousands of seeds that spread throughout the area. Pre-emergent herbicides applied to prevent dandelions, but it’s important to do it thoroughly. Post-emergent herbicides or glyphosate-based plant killers applied carefully to get rid of them once they have sprouted. It’s best to remove them before they flower and spread their seeds.
Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea)
Creeping Charlie, also known as “ground ivy,” is a creeping plant with small heart-shaped leaves and blue flowers. While some homeowners like it as a ground cover for shady areas, most consider it a weed. It spreads quickly through self-seeding and creeping stolons and is difficult to remove by hand. A selective herbicide that targets broadleaf weeds is an effective approach, which can be applied as a spot treatment, although it may require multiple applications. For severe infestations, some homeowners choose to kill off the entire lawn with a non-selective herbicide and start over. Although organic gardeners may seek natural ways to combat Creeping Charlie, these methods have not proven to be effective in the long run.
Wild Violets (Viola spp.)
Wild violets are a plant that some gardeners choose to encourage as a ground cover, but others may see them as a weed. To remove them, a spot treatment of broadleaf herbicide is best, especially in the fall. If they appear in the spring, treat them as soon as you spot them. Wild violets can also be removed by hand if the soil is moist. Some people use dish soap to coat the leaves as it may help to get rid of them.
Chickweed (Stellaria media)
Chickweed is an annual weed that is prevalent throughout the United States. It has small egg-shaped leaves and white flowers and grows as low-lying vine-like stems. For severe infestations, pre-emergent herbicides can be applied in the fall. For plants that appear in the spring, a spot treatment with a post-emergent broadleaf herbicide is effective. Another effective method is to spray the weed with white vinegar, which can be found easily in most households. To prevent the plant from flowering and producing seeds, it’s important to keep the lawn mowed short.
Purslane (Portulaca oleracea)
Purslane is an annual weed that grows in low, mat-like formations with reddish stems and small yellow flowers. It’s known for its edible leaves and sometimes cultivated as a vegetable, but it can also considered a weed. Purslane can be removed by hand when the soil is moist, but it’s essential to remove the entire plant, including the roots. For larger infestations, spot treatments with a broadleaf herbicide can be effective. However, it’s essential to take care when using herbicides as they can damage surrounding plants. Another option is to mulch the area, which can smother the weed and prevent it from growing. Additionally, increasing the lawn’s fertility can help prevent the growth of purslane, as it prefers nutrient-deficient soil.
Don’t let weeds take over your lawn. Use these springtime weed management tips to keep your lawn looking beautiful and healthy throughout the year.
