Controlling weeds is an important part of lawn care. Your lawn is the first thing people see when they approach your home. It is a green oasis that provides a happy setting for summer afternoons and relaxing moments outdoors. Having a beautifully groomed lawn is a great source of pride. Don’t let weeds interrupt your grassy expanse of bliss!
Contents
1. Crabgrass
Crabgrass has spiny legs, like a crab. You will see it growing low to the ground, where it evades the blades of your mower. You will start to see this hearty annual plant early in the summer.
As the autumn frost sets in, crabgrass is often the last green thing in your lawn to die off before the next generation of seeds sprouts the following year. You can evict crabgrass from your property by using a combination of post-emergent herbicides and pre-emergent herbicides.
2. Dallisgrass
In the southern United States, Dallisgrass is a grayish-green perennial with smooth, rolled leaves along a mid-rib. Like all perennials, it establishes strong roots and comes back every season.
The longer it has been in your lawn, the harder it is to get rid of. Sometimes it takes two seasons to oust it truly. However, with persistent efforts and consistent use of herbicide, you can be victorious.
3. Quackgrass
Quackgrass is a green intruder that commonly sneaks into lawns in the northern United States. It is a kind of grass, but not the kind you want. You can identify it by looking for broad, coarse leaves and white roots that break easily.
When it comes to getting rid of quackgrass, constant vigilance is key. You can’t rely on herbicide alone because it can withstand any formulas that won’t harm your lawn. Check your property frequently for quackgrass and physically pull it up when you find it. Make sure to get all the roots.
4. Dandelions
It’s a little too bad these sunny bursts of yellow are damaging to your lawn, but they are. These broadleaf plants are tough to kill because they have taproots that can grow two or three feet deep. The best way to get rid of them is to use a broad application of an herbicide followed by spot-treatment, as needed. Simultaneously, fertilize your grass and aim for a thick cover that will choke out future dandelions.
5. Wild Garlic
Wild garlic and its cousin, wild onion, are common nuisances in the southeastern United States. They thrive in cooler months, creating a stench that no home-owner finds pleasant. A combination of hoeing dormant bulbs, hand-pulling plants that have grown in, and using chemical herbicides can get them under control.
6. Spurge
Spurge is a plant with broad green leaves and red stems. Killing it off requires both pre and post-emergent herbicides. When possible, use the post-emergent herbicide on young plants, as they become more difficult to treat as they mature.
For those of us who love our lawns, weeds are a troublesome site to see. Fortunately, there is always a way to get rid of them. The process starts with identifying the kinds of unwanted plants you have. Keep your eye out for these 6 species, treat them when needed, and feel the pride of maintaining a healthy lawn.
Amazon Affiliate Disclosure Statement HouseLifeToday.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links.
