Weeds

EASY-TO-CONTROL WEEDS

There are many types of weeds, some easier to control than others. Most lawns will have “easy” weeds. We’re talking here, for example, about dandelions and violets. Dandelions is an annual weed that reproduces by its many seeds. It’s easy to control if treated at a young age. The same applies to violets. 

WEEDS THAT ARE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL

Some weeds will be more persistent and will probably require special treatment(s). Here are some of the most common examples:  

Ground ivy: Ground ivy is a very invasive perennial weed if left unchecked. It is easily recognized in June by its purple blossoms. 

Oxalis

Oxalis is an annual clover-like weed with a heart-shaped leaf and small yellow flowers that reseed after flowering. A spring treatment can be applied to reduce oxalis germination. You can also pull them out by hand to eliminate these undesirable plants before they produce their little yellow flowers.

Crabgrass

Crabgrass is a problematic grass for many lawns. It tends to grow along curbs, parking lots or in sparse areas of your lawn. Being in the same family as lawns, herbicide treatments have no effect on this undesirable plant. Crabgrass is a competitive annual that dies in the fall. In July, it is a tender green. You’ll notice its reddish-brown appearance in late summer. However, before it dies, it will form seeds to reseed itself in the following spring. 

The best protection against crabgrass is a dense, well-fertilized lawn. It is possible to apply a treatment in spring to reduce crabgrass germination, but with this option it is impossible to seed before fall. Alternatively, you can hand-pull crabgrass after a rain to eliminate this undesirable weed before it sets seed. 

Bentgrass

Bentgrass is a type of perennial lawn that differs in color and texture from Kentucky bluegrass. It is very invasive and particularly competitive when lawns are irrigated too often for short periods (programmed irrigation systems 20 minutes per zone, every other day or people who water lightly on the surface) or lawns cut too short. This grass grows late in the spring, so you can pull it out with a hard rake and sow in these areas. If you have good patches, you can also use peat grass in rolls. No treatment is available for this problem. 

Plantain

Plantain is a perennial weed that grows in compact soils. Annual lawn aeration and proper fertilization will reduce its growth. To eliminate this undesirable weed, you can also pull it out by hand following irrigation. 

Wild strawberry

Wild strawberry is a perennial weed that is very difficult to control. Its growth is a sign of soil acidity. Applying lime will reduce its progress. If this undesirable weed only grows in a limited area of the lawn, a non-selective herbicide can be applied to kill it. Afterwards, you’ll need to seed the lawn, as this type of herbicide kills all vegetation.

FAQs

Weeds grow in sparse areas of your lawn and are favored by poor cultural practices (mowing too short, compacted soil, poor irrigation, lack of seeding, etc.). A well-fertilized lawn, cut at 3″, dense and regularly seeded with the right type of seed will have very few weeds.