Weeds are like those uninvited guests who show up; before you know it, they’re everywhere. Weeds can sneak up on you; without the right approach, they’ll turn your lawn into their playground. Here’s the thing – controlling weeds isn’t something you do once and forget about. It’s an ongoing effort all year, with unique challenges each season.
That’s why it’s crucial to switch up your strategy depending on the time of year. In this guide, we’ll cover how to adjust your weed control near me efforts from spring through winter so your lawn stays lush and weed-free.
Understanding the Different Types of Weeds
Before the seasonal breakdown, let’s start with the basics: not all weeds are the same. You’ve got your annual weeds, which grow, drop seeds, and die all in one season. Think crabgrass or chickweed. Then there are the perennials, like dandelions and clover, that hang around year after year [1]. Knowing which type of weeds are in your yard is the first step to figuring out how to get rid of them.
Spring: Stopping Weeds Before They Even Start
Spring is prime time for weed control. This is when weeds are just waking up and getting ready to spread. They’ll take over quickly if you’re not proactive, especially the annual weeds like crabgrass. Here’s what you need to do.
The best offense is a good defense. Pre-emergent herbicides work by stopping weed seeds from growing before they have a chance. Timing is key here—apply them when soil temperatures hit around 55°F, usually in early to mid-spring.
Some weeds might slip through the cracks even with the best pre-emergent plan. Hand-pulling or spot-treating with a post-emergent herbicide will do the trick for those. Just don’t wait too long—act as soon as you see them.
A healthy lawn is your best weapon against weeds. Thick, well-fed grass can choke out most weeds [2]. Fertilize and mow your lawn regularly, and make sure to mow high, leaving your grass around 3 inches tall to block sunlight from reaching weed seeds.
Summer: Keep Fighting
Summer is tough on lawns. The heat stresses grass, and weeds like spurge and nutsedge thrive in these conditions. But don’t let them win—there’s plenty you can do to keep your lawn looking its best.
Weeds love a stressed-out lawn, so ensure you water deeply but only a few times. This will encourage deep-root growth in your grass.
Broad applications of herbicides in the summer can sometimes do more harm than good, especially in extreme heat. Instead, stay vigilant and spot-treat any weeds that pop up [3]. This targeted approach protects your lawn while keeping weeds under control.
Keep mowing your lawn regularly, but don’t scalp it! Cutting your grass too short can stress it, giving weeds more room to move in. Stick to the 3-inch rule to keep your grass healthy and keep weeds out.
Fall: The Secret Weapon Season
Fall is often overlooked in weed control near me, but it’s one of the best times to make a real impact. Weeds like dandelions and clover are storing energy for winter, which means they’re more vulnerable to treatments.
Don’t pack away your pre-emergent herbicides just yet. Applying them in the fall helps prevent cool-season weeds like chickweed from sprouting over the winter. Get it done before the first frost hits.
Perennial weeds are at their weakest in the fall. A good post-emergent herbicide applied now will hit them where it hurts—deep in the roots—so they won’t return next spring.
If your lawn has some bare spots, fall is the perfect time to oversee.
Winter: Don’t Let Your Guard Down
It can be natural to think that winter is a good time for weed germination; therefore, weed control near me must be done during the warmer months, but in some cases, weeds do not ‘sleep.’ Some of the weeds that may grow include those that develop during the cool season and may do so if your grass dies.
Although the ground may seem barren, some weeds can still grow, especially if you live in a warmer region. These weeds include chickweed and annual bluegrass. Use a post-emergent herbicide to control them, although it is effective when applied to a few emerging weeds.
It is also beneficial to begin thinking of the strategies you will use for spring weed control near me during the winter season [4]. Make a list of potential issues that may arise, ensure that there is enough stock, and be prepared to work immediately once the hot season comes.
Healthy Lawns Are the Best Defense Against Weeds
At the end of the day, the healthier your lawn is, the harder it is for weeds to take over. Focus on keeping your grass strong and thick by following these tips year-round:
Fertilize Regularly: Feeding your lawn helps it grow thicker and stronger, which makes it harder for weeds to take root.
Aerate the Soil: Over time, your lawn can get compacted. Lawn aeration will help lose the soil, helping water, air, and nutrients reach the roots.
Mow Smart: Stick to the one-third rule when mowing—don’t cut off more than a third of the grass blade at a time. Cutting too short weakens the lawn and opens the door for weeds.
Water Correctly: Water deeply but less often. Shallow watering encourages weak grassroots and makes it easier for weeds to spread.
Conclusion
Non-seasonal weed control, therefore, is not about the idea of doing one big thing when we desire the best results. It is all about daily and weekly planned and deliberate efforts made all year round. Using different tactics, during the spring, one has to apply a lot of pressure during summer, go on the attack during the fall, and simply observe during the winter. One can effectively prevent the growth of weeds in one’s lawn.
At Real Green Turf , we are following up by offering you our professional services if you ever require help maintaining your lawn throughout the year. Whether it is for weed control services fertilization , or even lawn aeration services, we have the remedy for your lawn all year round.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you enjoy a weed-free, healthy lawn!
FAQs
- When is the best time to apply pre-emergent herbicide?
Pre-emergent herbicide is most effective in early spring, just as soil temperatures reach 55°F. In some cases, it’s also helpful to apply it in the fall to prevent cool-season weeds.
- Should I water my lawn before or after applying herbicides?
It depends on the type of herbicide. For pre-emergent herbicides, watering after application helps the product seep into the soil and prevent weeds from sprouting. For post-emergent herbicides, avoid watering immediately after, as this can wash away the product before it takes effect.
- How often should I mow my lawn to prevent weeds?
Mowing once a week during the growing season is typically enough. Keep your grass at about 3 inches tall to provide shade for the soil, which helps prevent weed seeds from germinating.
- What can I do if weeds have already taken over my lawn?
If weeds have already taken over, combining post-emergent herbicides and lawn repair techniques, such as overseeding and aeration, can help restore your lawn.
- Is it necessary to control weeds in the winter?
Yes, especially if you live in a warmer climate where cool-season weeds can still grow. While your lawn may be dormant, weeds like chickweed and annual bluegrass can thrive during the colder months.
References
[2] https://www.lawnandreticulation.com.au/blog/seasonal-lawn-care-guide/
[3] https://fastercapital.com/topics/seasonal-weed-management.html
[4] https://trimmingedge.com/practices-for-effective-weed-control-in-lawn/