Knowing & Eliminating Weeds

There are generally two main categories of weeds. Broadleaf weeds have wide leaves with veins that radiate out in different directions. Some examples are yarrow, knotweed, and the dandelion. Narrowleaf weeds are very much like grass and have narrow leaves with parallel veins. Some examples include crabgrass, bentgrass and foxtail. The two categories are subdivided into groups like perennial, biennial, and winter and summer annuals.

The truth is, it is nearly impossible to totally eliminate weeds from your lawn, but you can control them so that they are “invisible” to your naked eyes. The key is to consistently improve your lawn maintenance tasks. Focus on making your lawn healthier, as a healthy lawn that is not maintained will eventually become an unhealthy habitat for weeds.

To help combat weed growth, try experimenting with different mowing heights to find the one that inhibits weed growth, and increase the mowing frequency. Make sure that you apply enough water to your lawn – too wet or too dry will make the weeds prosper. Also, aerate your lawn at least once a year. All of these tasks will help keep your lawn green and control weed growth.

Another way to eliminate weed and their reproduction is the use of herbicides. There are two main types of herbicides – pre-emergent and post-emergent. Pre-emergent herbicides are used to kill germinating seeds before they reach the soil surface. Post-emergent herbicides are used to kill weeds that are already growing. Post-emergent herbicides can be further broken down to selective and non-selective. Selective post-emergent herbicides are usually used to control annual, biennial and perennial broadleaf weeds, and are generally not a threat to your lawn grass. However, they can be harmful to trees and flowers. The non-selective herbicides will kill any plants they touch, and thus you must be very careful when using the non-selective type. Always read the labels for proper usage instructions when you purchase any herbicides from the nursery or hardware store shelves.

Your best bet against weeds is to cultivate a healthy lawn. Proper watering, sufficient nutrients and regular aeration are the keys to a strong and healthy lawn. When your lawn is strong, it will be able to fight off weeds as well as pests and diseases.

Paramount can help! Call us today to schedule all of your lawn maintenance needs. We will eliminate your weeds and help to make your lawn healthy! (513) 984-5200