Weeds are the bane of every homeowner’s existence. Some people are concerned about dealing with a weed problem because they fear ruining their lawns Fortunately, there are a few basic things you can take to get rid of weeds on your lawn without hurting your grass.

Many people dream about having a beautiful, green lawn to enjoy all summer. However, weeds growing between the grass blades frequently shatters this dream. Weeds can sometimes get out of hand and take over a yard.

Why Do We Need to Control Weed?

Any plant that grows where it is not wanted is referred to as a weed. The three types of lawn weeds are broadleaf, grassy, and grass-like weeds. A dandelion is a common broadleaf weed, crabgrass is classed as a grassy weed and nutsedge is classified as a grass-like weed.

There are many reasons why people like to have only green grass on their lawn. Weeds on a lawn are unattractive. People don’t want invasive purple eyesores, unpleasant bushes, bunchy short plants, or yellow heads poking everywhere on their lawns.

Another reason to eliminate weeds is that they are invasive by nature, wanting to grow as much as possible at the expense of other plants. There is a fierce fight for every drop of water, every bit of nutrient and every ray of sunlight between weeds and grass to see who receives it. Weed roots are going head-to-head with your grass roots. Unfortunately, if you let nature take its course, the weeds will triumph.

Weed Prevention Tips

Weed thrives in the same conditions as a lush, green lawn because they are plants. When the grass is trimmed short and the soil is compressed, weeds thrive. These are excellent conditions for weed growth and might result in a lawn overrun with weed.

Aeration: One of the best things you can do for your lawn is to aerate it. Weeds thrive in compacted soil and dry environments, thus aerating your soil removes compaction, enhances ventilation, and increases water retention. Your grass should be aerated in the spring and fall, but at least once a season will suffice.

Fertilization: Using a good quality fertiliser will provide your lawn with the nutrients it requires to thrive and fight back.

Watering: Weeds thrive in dry weather because they can grow quickly with little water. Therefore, you give your grass a chance to flourish and fight weeds by watering it as required.

Overseeding: Overseeding your lawn is the process of distributing grass seed around your lawn to guarantee that the soil is continually refreshed with new life. Seed shortly after you aerate your lawn for the best results and use the same variety of grass seed as your current lawn.

Weed Elimination Tips

If you notice some weeds on your lawn or  your lawn has already been overrun by weed, do not panic as there are still ways to save your lawn.  Some of the available methods and products include:

Selective Herbicide: You should select a weed killer that is designed to destroy the weed but not the grass you have. Selective herbicides choose which plants to kill and ignores the rest. Ask your lawn care provider about common selective herbicides. The safety and effectiveness of selective herbicides has been studied for decades.

Weed Pulling: Pulling the weed out of the ground by the root and dumping it in your compost bin is an instant cure. Pulling weeds by the leaves can leave their roots and they can continue to grow. The best approach to remove the complete weed from head to toe is to use specific weed-pulling tools.

Regular and Proper Mowing: During the spring, your lawn should be cut once a week, and at least once every ten days during the summer. Mulching the grass back into the lawn also aids in the distribution of grass seed and the thickening of the turf. Also, you should never cut more than 1/3 of the grass’s entire length.

Re-sodding:  This is a last-resort option for lawns that have been neglected for an extended period of time. If the weeds have totally taken over and there is little grass left to battle them, you may need to hire a landscape professional to break up the sod, regrade the soil, and resod the area. Due to the cost, our professionals at Hunt Club East Lawn Care Services will not advise you to resod your lawn unless all other options have been explored.

How Not to Eliminate Weed

Once you’ve seen one weed on your lawn, there’s a good chance you’ll see more! Weeds proliferate relentlessly until they become a massive, unappealing problem. This is why many homeowners panic and try to eradicate weed using techniques and products that might be harmful to their lawn such as roundup, horticultural vinegar, boiling water, salt water, gasoline etc.

While it is true that these methods will eliminate weeds, do not use them on weeds that are growing in your grass. These tactics will work, but as a result, they will kill EVERYTHING.

Our Professionals at  Hunt Club East Lawn Care Services often get calls from clients  who sprayed weed killers on their lawns and now there are white/yellow patches all over. These should only be used where there is no grass, such as driveways, back alleys, rock patios, or gravel pads.

Working With Professional Lawn Care Providers

Whether you do it yourself or you hire help, the goal of every homeowner is to have a lush green lawn free of weeds. To keep your lawn weed-free, you’ll need a preventive approach as well as a removal technique for when they get through your defences.

For many homeowners, a weed-free lawn means a stress-free summer. When you follow the appropriate techniques and use the right products, you can control weeds in your lawn. However, it is advisable to address weed issues early before they become a disaster.

If weeds continue to grow in your lawn, you may need the assistance of a lawn specialist. For professional lawn weed control and general lawn care in Ottawa, contact Hunt Club East Lawn Care Services.