Weed Prevention Tips
Weeds are unsightly. In addition to affecting your lawn’s aesthetics, weeds compete with healthy grass for air, water, and nutrients. When fertilizer is applied, weeds soak up the nutrients before plants and grasses.
A lack of nutrients can lead to stunted plant growth and make your lawn prone to various issues such as insect infestation, drought, and disease. Weeds are intrusive in your garden space. Certain soil conditions can exacerbate weed introduction and growth as well.
Here are some tips for a healthy, weed-free lawn from Gardenworks Inc., Sonoma County landscapers.
Apply Pre-Emergent Treatment
There are two types of weeds: grassy (monocots)and broadleaf. Broadleaf weeds are easier to control using spot treatments containing herbicides that do not negatively impact grass blades. On the other hand, grassy weeds such as crabgrass are more aggressive, making it difficult to get rid of them.
They say that an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Why wait for grassy weeds to take over your lawn and then have to come up with a plan to eliminate them when you could prevent them from growing? To prevent weed seeds from germinating, include regular pre-emergent treatments in your lawn-care program. A pre-emergent is a product designed to halt or disrupt the germination of certain seeds over a certain amount of time. The best time to apply pre-emergent is when weed seeds are present and about to germinate. Be sure to ALWAYS follow label directions and wear personal protective equipment(PPE) as prescribed which will also be on the label.
Fertilize Properly in Spring
As lawns age, they lose their natural shine and thickness. Fertilizing your lawn is the most effective way to replenish essential nutrients and restore grass to its former glory. Weeds cannot grow easily in healthier, thicker lawns.
Popular “weed and feed“ products may be of help in situations where weeds abound in a lawn area. These products are readily available where garden supplies are sold. Again, you must follow label directions and wear appropriate PPE! Never allow a concentrated amount of product to spill as damage to the lawn will likely occur.
Overseed and Aerate in the Spring and or Fall
Aerating and overseeding in mid-Spring and early fall will prevent weeds from growing in the lawn. In our Healdsburg, Sonoma County area, these are known as shoulder seasons. Aeration allows water, nutrients, and air to travel deeper into the soil, promoting lush growth. Overseeding involves adding grass seeds to an existing lawn. It will improve its resistance to disease, weeds, and insect pests.
Overseed your lawn in mid Spring or early fall. During both these times, the soil temperature is perfect; warm enough for seeds to germinate. When soil temperature rises above an optimum threshold, seedlings become susceptible to diseases brought on by high temperatures and humidity levels. If soil temperatures are too low germination will not take place. The ideal range is 52 to 60 degrees.
Seed according to label instructions as planting too many seedlings in a row may encourage fungal growth, increasing your plants’ susceptibility to diseases. If you do not have any prior experience in landscaping and maintenance, hire a professional landscaping service provider to perform the task for you.
Gardenworks is a top-rated landscape contractor in Sonoma County. We provide top-quality landscaping service in Sonoma County and help you turn your outdoor space into an oasis. To schedule an appointment, call us at (707) 857-2050.