Weed Control By Season
Posted on: 14 January 2022
Weeds can be the bane of an otherwise perfect home lawn. Weeds come in two main categories: the leafy broadleafs and the unwanted grasses. You can have many weeds treated before they emerge, which cuts down on most weed problems, although some weeds can't be destroyed until after germination. Seasonal strategies are the surest way to beat weeds successfully.
Spring
Spring is the time of year to get on top of weed control, as many weeds are just emerging. A weed control service will use a combination of a pre-emergent and a post-emergent broadleaf herbicide. The pre-emergent herbicide will destroy the developing root system of weeds that have yet to sprout above ground, so it is applied broadly over the entire yard. A post-emergent broadkiller may also be applied directly to any weeds that have already appeared in the lawn so that they don't continue to grow over summer.
Summer
Extensive weed treatments aren't usually necessary in summer if you are on top of things the rest of the year. Periodic target treatments with a post-emergent herbicide may be needed for any weeds that do pop up. Summer is also a time when grasses can turn weedy and invade flower beds, or weed grasses may begin to encroach onto your lawn. Post-emergent grass herbicides can be applied directly to the problem grasses. Your weed control service may also recommend edging the lawn and flower beds to help cut down on weed incursion from neighboring areas.
Fall
A few cool season weeds may begin to take over in fall as the grass begins to go dormant. You can sometimes prevent them from growing in with a pre-emergent application in late summer, just before the cool season begins. Post-emergent spot treatments will also work. Fall is also the time to cover any empty garden beds or bare soil around trees with a thick layer of mulch. Mulch will help reduce weed growth over the winter months.
Winter
Weed treatments in winter don't begin until the end of the season when the buds begin to swell on trees and the snow melts, which is when the first pre-emergent weed treatment of the year is typically applied. In mild winter climates, it may also be necessary to spot treat any broadleaf weeds that were able to overwinter successfully. Mulch should be raked and replenished as needed to ensure a thick enough layer to continue to suppress weeds as the growing season approaches.
Contact a weed control service if you would like more help in the battle against a weedy lawn.
Share