Weed Control 101

Weeds come in all shapes and sizes and they are here to stay. They detract from your lawn and landscape areas and some weeds like crabgrass and bermuda even have the potential to take over. Knowing that weeds are found everywhere and move by wind, birds and mowers plus your next door neighbors’ lawn is a disaster is there really any hope of keeping the weeds at bay? The simple answer is yes. The reality is that one must approach weed control from numerous angles.

First of all, I like to evaluate the current condition of the landscape that I am trying to keep looking nice. Are the desirable grasses and plants healthy and are they receiving appropriate water and fertilizer? Do they receive the right amount of sunlight and are the soils suitable for growing healthy plants? Are lawns mowed at the proper height with sharp blades and trees and shrubs pruned properly? Poor cultural practices can foil good intentions. Secondly, I inventory the existing weeds and properly identify them. Proper identification is crucial as well as knowing their life cycle. Not all weeds are created equal and unfortunately there is not one weed control product that controls all weeds in all situations.

Once I know my site and potential threats I develop a plan. Culturally, I want to be sure the lawn is being mowed regularly at the proper height. Low mowing heights favor weeds as more light can penetrate the canopy favoring weed germination. Sprinklers and timersshould be checked for coverage and adequate timing. Fertilization should be done regularly to supply good nutrition. Good sanitation means that new soils or plants brought in should be from a reputable source and free of visible weeds. You could easily add new weed problems unintentionally. Finally, weeds should not be allowed to go to seed as one plant can reproduce rapidly left unchecked.

Prevention is the preferred approach to weed control as compared to eradication. I would include a pre emergent herbicide program to prevent weed invasion of annual weeds such as crabgrass and spurge. Proper rates and timing are critical to the success when using a pre emergent. They do not stop seeds from germinating, but do keep seeds from becoming a new plant through root or shoot inhibition. They do not control existing weeds so timing must be prior to the seeds germinating. Other weeds may already be established or are perennials. Proper identification of the unwanted weed will be essential and help determine which selective post emergent herbicide to choose. Generally speaking there are broadleaf weed, grassy weed, and sedge control products. The products vary in their effectiveness on specific weeds within each grouping. Like weeds, not all herbicides are equal.

Landscapes using good cultural methods plus an effective herbicide program can really keep lawn and flowerbed weeds reasonably in check. If you have more questions about managing weeds check out our website at Fresno.WeedManUSA.com or call 559-266-1624 or check us on Facebook.