“Why won’t these weeds die?!” Have you had your share of frustration with weeds in your lawn? Whether you choose D-I-Y lawn care or hire one of the many professional lawn care services in your area, you may at some point reach some frustration with weeds that just won’t go away in your grass. We meet with many property owners each year who are tired of failing themselves or are frustrated with their current lawn care company and are looking for some help. Here are some of the top reasons we see people struggle with weed control efforts:

1) Wrong Weed Control: 

There are several main types of weed controls used in our line of work. Most lawn care weed controls are selective, meaning they will control certain types of weeds and not damage turf grasses. These are then divided up on what types of weeds they control. Many of the weeds growing in lawns are in a grouping called broadleaf weeds. Some examples of these are:  Dandelion, Clover, Oxalis, Violets, and Chickweed. Another type of weeds growing in lawns are grassy weeds. Some examples of these are:  Crabgrass, Nimblewill, Nutsedge, and Bermudagrass.  Each type of herbicide will control specific varieties. If you choose the wrong one, it won’t work. What makes it even more frustrating that even if the material label states it controls a specific weed, the results can vary for some weeds depending upon multiple factors. It can be hard to know which of the many options will work the best unless you have experience with the products.

2) Improper Mixing: 

Follow directions! Mix at the proper rate on the label. Too much or too little will cause your weed killer to not work properly, losing efficacy and causing weeds to regrow before they die completely. Be sure to not store mixed solutions in a sprayer for too long and agitate them before spraying to make sure the mixture is blended properly in the tank.

3) Species of Weeds: 

Some varieties of weeds are just down-right tough to kill. These varieties can have features such as waxy leaves, hairs, or extensive root systems when compared to other weeds, making them more difficult to control. Successful weed control of these lawn weeds often combines approaches like repeat applications, additives to spray mixtures, and rotating herbicide products throughout the year. Be sure to read material labels for instructions.

4) Poor Timing: 

If it’s too cold, hot, or dry weed control results will be diminished. Most products are absorbed by weeds and translocated throughout the plant for best control. When plants aren’t moving water and sugars around inside, neither is the herbicide. Be careful to pay attention to how long after your application it rains. Most materials will be okay if left on the leaf tissue for 30-60 minutes prior to rainfall but an excessive downpour could wash off some herbicides in some instances. The timing of mowing and weed control treatments is also important. Be sure to read your product label about these instructions which usually include waiting for 24-48 hours to mow after treatment depending upon the product.

5) Soil Condition: 

There are a lot of weeds that grow very well in soil that is very compacted, waterlogged, or with a low pH and fertility. Your grass in your lawn doesn’t like those conditions so as the grass fades, the weeds will take off. When possible, core aerate these areas and also take a soil test and take the proper measures to correct soil pH with limestone and correct other nutrient levels.

6) Poor Lawn Density: 

If your lawn is thin you may be able to kill weeds but they will come right back. The best defense against lawn weeds is to have nice, thick stand of turfgrass. Be sure to have a lawn care company perform a lawn care program that provides fertilizer and addresses other lawn issues like insects so that your thick lawn can prevent weed growth.

We hope you win your battle against weeds. If you would like to find out how our lawn care services can help we’d love the chance to talk with you further.