Weed-free lawns are the stuff of dreams and championship golf courses. In fact, when you consider the tenacity of weeds, it’s a wonder any of us win the pitched battles we wage with these pesky invaders. If taking care of your yard is stressing you out, you’re not alone—your lawn feels the same way! A stressed lawn is more susceptible to weeds than a well-maintained lawn, and improper lawn care may be the cause of those pesky, uninvited lawn weeds. Here are some common problems that create the perfect setting for the invaders:
Watering
Lawns are water guzzlers. On average, most lawns need 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week to stay lush and green. That water can come from rainfall or irrigation. How often your lawn needs a drink depends on a host of factors, including soil type, sunlight, grass type and regional climate. Weeds are less likely to pop up where they have to compete. Nourish your lawn with a deep watering to promote the establishment of healthy root systems. An infrequent, deep watering is just what your grass needs and your weeds don’t want.
Mowing
Weeds often get out of control in yards that are not properly properly. To keep the weeds at bay, you must keep your grass healthy and thick. One way to prevent too many weeds is to frequently mow your grass. Follow a plan with your mowing schedule to kill the weeds and get the lawn you always wanted. Weeds thrive on sunlight, air, and nutrients, so when you mow low, you are giving them access to some of the things they crave the most. Set your mower to a higher setting to keep your grass growing high and to limit the amount of sun the weeds can get.
Feeding
Feeding your lawn causes your lawn to be a less hospitable home to weeds. Most experts recommend feeding your lawn every six to eight weeks. There are three main minerals required for lawn growth: Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium. Other minerals are also required but in smaller quantities. Nitrogen is required for leaf growth and is an essential aspect of feeding the lawn. Phosphorus is required for root development. A lawn with a poor root system is far more susceptible to stressful conditions such as drought, disease and pests. Potassium aids the lawn as it helps build resistance against drought and disease .
Mother Nature is Also a Culprit
And some things are out of your control. Weed seeds are brought to lawns by birds, the wind and lawnmowers. When birds and animals eat weeds, berries, and seeds out in the wild, they may transfer them to your lawn through their excrement. Birds’ feet are principle vehicles for the dissemination of weed seeds in lawns. If there are dandelions in your neighborhood, you will sooner or later see dandelions growing in your lawn. Crows and other birds take great delight in hopping on those puffy white globes of dandelion seeds. The seeds stick to their feet and then are rubbed off when the birds alight on other lawns in the neighborhood. Plus, sometimes the wind is at play. Many plants cleverly design their spores to be transportable via even the most gentle breeze, which can carry them a few feet or a few miles. Weed seeds stick to lawnmower blades and are carried from one mowing to the next…
We Can Help
The best way to prevent a lawn full of weeds is to be proactive and vigilant. Call us today for a free consultation and estimate if you want some help with weed control.
Call the pros at A & A Lawn Care & Landscaping! We help our residential and commercial clients with their lawns and landscaping all year ’round!
Contact Us (859-384-0266) for a Free Consultation!
—
About A & A Lawn Care & Landscaping
A & A Lawn Care & Landscaping can beautify your lawn and landscaping using our vast experience in turf grass management. Our complete lawn service is designed for both residential and commercial lawns and we keep your lawn healthy without harming your family, staff, or pets.
>> Learn More