Summer is the time to spend out in your yard. Between pool parties, BBQs, and catching fireflies, your lawn can see a lot of traffic. Don’t let weeds get in the way. You shouldn’t take a vacation from effective weed control if you want a healthy lawn this season.

Effective Weed Control Tips

The best way to prevent weeds is with a healthy lawn. This means proper mowing, fertilizing, aeration, and irrigation for the type of grass you grow. If you still notice weeds popping up, there are ways to weed them out.

1. Identify the weed. Different types of weeds will require different methods of weed control.

• Grassy weeds. These are harder to spot since they look more like your grass. Use herbicides carefully so that you don’t kill the grass you want to keep.
• Broadleaf weeds. These are easier to identify and control with selective herbicides.

2. Evaluate control options. Once you’ve identified the weed, decide whether you want to use a natural or chemical solution. One of the easiest ways of controlling weeds naturally is simply pulling them out. Be sure you get to the root so it doesn’t grow back. Chemical herbicides are another option, but require more care:

• Selective grassy weed herbicides. Effective for post-emergent crabgrass and other grassy weed control.
• Selective broadleaf herbicides. Follow specific instructions to target certain broadleaf weeds.
• Non-selective herbicides. Controls more grassy weeds. Typically, re-seeding the area will be required after use.

3. Look for any indicator weeds. Certain weeds grow in certain poor conditions, such as low nitrogen soil. Learn about why weeds may be growing in your yard and find ways to prevent it by creating a better growing environment. Remember the six basic requirements for optimal plant growth: air, water, light, nutrients, space, and temperature. Keeping these in check is your best defense against a weed invasion.

For more tips on effective weed control in summer, or any season, contact Cardinal Lawns.