Weed-free lawns are a homeowners dream. In fact, when you contemplate the persistence of weeds, it’s a wonder any of us win the wars we experience with these bothersome invaders. Just one dandelion plant can make up 15,000 seeds, each of which can survive six years in the soil creating 15,000 more seeds when it grows and develops.
The best way to control weeds is to figure out which common weeds are growing in your yard and take the appropriate action.
Russo’s Landscaping has come up with a list of common weeds and actions to get rid of these pesky invaders.
Crabgrass: is an annual weed with branching and spreading stems. The crabgrass contains coarse, blue-green to purplish leaf blades that are smooth or hairy, depending on the species. Moreover, flower heads with numerous finger-like spikes come up from narrow stems. The Crabgrass weed flourishes in lawns mowed less than 2 inches, underfed lawns, and those watered repeatedly and lightly. Dense and irrigated turf is the best control. Be sure to dig crabgrass before it seeds. Preemergence crabgrass herbicides are obtainable; apply in spring before soil temperature reaches a stable 60 degrees.
Dandelion: is a broadleaf perennial distinguished by bright-yellow flowers and a big, flat rosette of leaves growing from a lengthy, fleshy taproot. Dandelions thrive in thin turf. Pull or dig out plants that are young before they go to seed. The next step is to cut any regrowth from the remaining root pieces. You can also spot-treat weeds with a broadleaf weed killer.
White Clover: is a broadleaf perennial that used to be in grass seed mixes. Also called white Dutch clover, it’s distinguished by three-lobed leaves with a crescent-shaped white band. The plant evolves by creeping stems and prospers in scarce, malnourished turf with extreme moisture. Control it by watering the lawn well, applying nitrogen fertilizer and avoiding unnecessary applications of phosphorus.
Ground ivy: is a broadleaf perennial with square stems and bright- green rounded leaves with scalloped edges. The Ground ivy breeds by seed and creeping stems that grow as they touch the ground. Ground Ivy also favors damp soil and shade. Increase drainage and water less. Pull stems and roots of young plants. Spot-treat with a broadleaf postemergence herbicide.
Yellow woodsorrel: is a broadleaf perennial, even though it might act as an annual in some regions. Also identified as oxalis, it has clover-like leaves and yellow flowers, each with five petals. This weed is tough to control and grows better in thin turf watered repeatedly and lightly. Dig out small plants or spot treat secluded plants with a postemergence weed killer. Avoid new weeds with a premergence herbicide with oxalis on the label.