A Three Prong Plan For Effective Weed Control

An effective weed control program is critical to achieve a beautiful lawn.  There are three basic methods of controlling lawn weeds – keeping the lawn healthy, mechanical weed removal, and chemical weed control.  Each of these methods helps control weeds, but the best results are achieved by consistently using all three methods.

A healthy lawn is the primary defense against weeds.  Fertilizing properly and following good watering and mowing techniques will help keep your lawn healthy and discourage weeds from moving in.  Weeds tend to start growing in bare or thin patches of the lawn so over seeding appropriately when necessary can also discourage weed growth.  Bare patches should be filled by seeding, planting sprigs, or laying sod.

Mechanical removal of weeds includes keeping the lawn mowed to the proper height and removing weeds by hand.  Many types of weeds cannot tolerate frequent mowing.  Mowing the lawn regularly and cutting it to the appropriate height discourages these weeds from growing or spreading.  Mechanical removal also includes removing weeds by hand, but this can be very time consuming.  Unless you enjoy pulling weeds, the most effective use of hand pulling weeds is to pull a new type of weed when you first notice it.  This will help keep it from spreading throughout the yard.

Finally, chemical weed control is an important part of any weed control program.   To be effective, weed control herbicides need to be properly applied at the right time of year, on the right type of lawn and made for the type of weed in your yard.  Some herbicides are pre emergent and control weeds by preventing them from germinating.  Others kill or inhibit the growth of existing weeds.  Your lawn care professional can help you by  formulating an effective chemical weed control program for your type of lawn and weeds common in your area.