Learn the 101 On Weed Control and Prevention
Weeds. These are the bushy, creeping, or sprawling (and usually ugly) plants that are just waiting for a chance to invade your beautiful lawn. Officially, a "weed" is any plant that is growing where it's not wanted. With our weed control services, we usually figure any plant that isn't the same grass type as the lawn is a weed. Weeds fall into two main categories: broadleaf weeds (dicots) and grassy weeds (monocots). Another important aspect of weed control is distinguishing between annual weeds (live and die in one season) and perennial weeds (live for several years).
Combining Weed Prevention And Cure
Every lawn contains seeds of a virtual weed army. Seeds blow in, are carried on the soles of shoes, and are dropped by birds. For effective lawn weed control, it's important to have both a defense and offense planned. This means combining both good cultural and weed prevention practices with properly timed treatments. The best method of weed prevention is always a properly mowed and healthy stand of grass. Mowed high, your turf shades the soil, keeping sun and heat from reaching the weed seeds. Thick turf, also, helps with weed control by denying weeds the water and sunshine they need to gain a foothold.
How Weed Control Works
Most broadleaf weed controls are systemic. This means they have to be absorbed into the weed, moved through the leaves, and into the roots. This is called translocation. Depending on the type of weed and how actively it's growing, this can happen in a few hours or may take several days. Once fully absorbed, weed control systems actually cause the cells of the weed to grow so fast they burst. That's why weeds curl into strange shapes after a lawn treatment. Remember that broadleaf weed controls can only work on weeds that are present and actively growing at the time of a treatment. Because new weeds blow in and sprout, regular lawn weed control treatments are required.
What To Do And What To Expect
Because there is a delay in weed control while the material is absorbed, mowing and watering should be avoided immediately after a lawn treatment. Wait 2 hours before watering and 24 hours before mowing after weed control applications. These practices will actually speed up the level of weed control you get. At Spring Green, our focus is on weed prevention and control - not permanent eradication. There is no herbicide that eliminates weeds from a lawn immediately — or forever. But working together to build your lawn and control the weeds will give you the kind of turf you'll always enjoy coming home to.
Questions on good weed control? Contact your neighborhood Spring Green. We're your neighborhood lawn care professional!
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