How to Control Lawn Weeds

​A properly kept lawn is not just a view to admire, but a lively habitat for your grass. However, coping with weeds is probably the most arduous task in lawn care. It’s because these uninvited guests ruin the lovely picture, and they also compete for vital resources with your grass. Let’s dive into the issue and see what strategies and methods are best in ensuring your lawn remains weed-free and beautiful.

Weeds are the number-one enemy to a perfectly groomed lawn, and to defeat them, it is necessary to know them.

Generally, such species as dandelions, crabgrass or clover are widespread, and they will take over the small territory of your land within hours if there is no way to resist them. This work is focused on three approaches to identify the weeds as the first step towards their removal.

• Avoid improper care management: to keep the grass thick and suppress weeds by shading the land, mow it to the right height on a regular basis, water it properly, and fertilize in a well-balanced way.
• Apply mulch where necessary: around plants and in garden beds to discourage weed appearance by blocking light and preventing seed germination.
• Check up soil: conduct tests on soil to determine whether there are enough nutrients and the right pH level for grass to grow strong and out-compete with weeds.

Active Weed Removal Techniques

• Manual weeding: In small yards, it is sometimes necessary to take matters into your own hands. Use a weed puller or a special manual knife to pull out as many plants as possible, retaining the roots. The most optimal time for weeding is early spring and fall. In the summer period, mowing the lawn will be enough. 
• Strategic mowing: Regular mowing at the correct height will remove unnecessary seeds and prevent the spread. Targeted chemical weeding. If the above options did not help stop the growth of grass, use the following selective treatments. 
• Pre-emergent herbicides: Before the seed from the weed sprouts, apply a small preventive dose to prevent further growing. 
• Post Emergent herbicides: To reduce harm to desired plants, pre-treat the weed over them. It is very important to carefully read the instructions before using the chemical to prevent overuse and pollution within the yard politic.

For Environmentally Conscious Homeowners:

• Natural Weed Killers: Vinegar, hot water, or salt solutions can be effective spot treatments for weeds.
• Competitive Planting: Introduce dense ground covers or vigorous grass species to outcompete weeds for resources.

Maximize effectiveness with a holistic approach:

• Combining Strategies: Integrated weed management involves using a mix of cultural, mechanical, and chemical methods tailored to your lawn's specific needs.
• Ongoing Plan: Regularly assess your lawn's health, implement preventive measures, and intervene with targeted treatments as needed.

It is critical that lawn weeds be controlled with a degree of perpetuation, and therefore, you must remain vigilant. With a greater understanding of the types that exist, the measures for keeping the problem from escalating, and likely the usual preventive and control methods, you can elect to take necessary efforts to guard your lawn. 

It follows, then, that you will see the benefits provided by a well-maintained lawn that complements your landscape design. Contact us or drop by at our main Eugene, Oregon office for more tips on yard care, lawn care, and weed control, and receive a landscape maintenance plan or a free estimate of the service. You can reach us at 541-729-8029. We look forward to talking to you!