How to prevent weeds from growing
Yards that do not get love are a playground for weeds. Weeds spread from seeds of nearby weeds, so if your neighbors have weeds there is a possibility that your lawn can become infested with weeds if it is not cared for.
The first step is to identify the types of weeds that are taking over your lawn.
List of Common types of weeds
Broadleaf Weeds – have broad leaves with veins and grow with stems. They grow from seeds that can lay dormant for decades and pop when the conditions are right. Each weed can produce thousands of seeds.
Dandelions – Are healthy herbs that grow fast. they produce thousands of seeds that are easily blown with the wind. They are can be found growing across the United States because they can survive most temperatures. They have a wide roots, which it makes it hard to get rid of them even if you spray weed killer or pull them up.
Clover – They look beautiful but can choke the existing lawn. They grow quickly and spread fast. When the lawn is mowed low it allows the clover to spread faster.
Grass Weeds – Have long, thin leaves with no apparent flower. It is one of the most common grass weeds
Crabgrass – Has many types some grow in groups and other types crawl through the lawn During the winter the seeds fall into the soil and can remain dormant for years. Grows best in dry neglected lawns. Keeping the lawn damp and fertilized can slow down the spread of Crabgrass. Might be a good idea to spray lawn with herbicides at least once a month to slow down the spread of it.
Chickweed – hard to notice but it can be noticed by its white flowers on the light green stems. The white flowers attach to clothing. Pulling it out of the ground is the best way to control it. Has shallow roots.
How Do You Control Lawn Weeds?
Your lawn can make you home look more appealing, but weeds can infest the best kept lawns because the weeds grow rapidly. The first step in controlling weeds is to have a healthy lawn. Weeds love bad soil and conditions. Dry compacted soil and poor drainage are breeding grounds for weeds. We all have to remember that having a healthy lawn is a job that takes time and patience. You have to pull weeds, walk the lawn at least once or twice a week to catch weeds before they take over. Weed control is an ongoing process. You may have to pick weeds every week and spray weed killer at least 2 times a month.
Can Mowing The Right Way Help Control Weeds?
An Important factor in controlling weeds in your lawn is by cutting your grass at the right height. When grass is cut to low it allows weed growth, it also makes it fragile and vulnerable to diseases. The higher you can cut your lawn the better. Cutting the lawn at higher heights may make you mow more frequently but it will help keep weeds from taking over your lawn. The best height is about 3-4 inches. Remember that the grass needs to be cut on high especially during the summer months because the heat and dryness can stress the lawn which will damage it in the long run.
Do not cut a wet lawn since it can encourage disease and rot. The grass clippings can be left in the grass because it provides nutrients that feed the soil. The clippings are a natural fertilizer.
Watering The Lawn can Help Control weed!
Watering can have a heavy impact on a lawn. You want to water deeply, meaning that you should water your lawn for at least 30 mins to 1 hour each time you water. Watering for longer periods of time allows the roots grow stronger. If you do longer watering periods you should only water once a day or every other day. The watering schedule depends on the area that you live in. If you live in a humid area you may have to water more frequently than if you lived in a area where it is cool or cold majority of the time. When the roots are water and healthy this helps reduce the weeds.
Always monitor your lawn to see if you are over watering. If the lawn stays damp you might be over watering, this means that the watering schedule needs to be adjusted so that a fungus will not develop in your grass. Morning watering is good because it allows the water the opportunity to dry throughout the day. If it rains you should water less.
Fertilizing Can Help Your Lawn Fight Weeds!
Even if you follow these tips, you will still have some weeds. Familiarize your self with the types of weeds before you attack. Broadleaf weeds are on of the most common types of weeds that you should be on the lookout for. If you have broadleaf weeds you should use a Broadleaf herbicide. Do not spray the entire yard, only spray the areas where you see weeds. Grassy weeds need to be sprayed individually. The best way to kill them is to use a glove and rub it on the weeds.
Crabgrass is a common weed that loves to take over a lawn. The best way to control Crabgrass is to spread a Crabgrass preventer in the spring. This stops the weeds from germinating, in some cases it can stop the crabgrass for the year. Overall the best way to prevent weeds is to educate your self on the type of weeds that grow in your area. Remove or kill the weeds before they invade your lawn.