Every homeowner dreams of a lush, green lawn—one that feels like a soft carpet underfoot and boosts curb appeal. But weeds? They have other plans. These unwelcome guests compete with your grass for nutrients, sunlight, and water, often leaving your lawn looking patchy and unhealthy. The good news? With the right approach, you weed control doesn’t have to be that complicated.
Why Weeds Take Over
Weeds are opportunists. They thrive in thin, weak, or neglected lawns, taking advantage of bare patches and poor soil conditions. If your grass is stressed due to drought, compacted soil, or improper mowing and watering habits, weeds will happily move in and take over.
Common Lawn Weeds & Their Tactics
Weeds come in different shapes and sizes, but they typically fall into three main categories:
- Broadleaf Weeds: Dandelions, clover, and plantain are easy to spot due to their wider leaves. They spread quickly, often through seeds carried by wind or animals. These weeds are easily treatable with a variety of methods.
- Grassy Weeds: Crabgrass and foxtail blend in with your lawn but grow aggressively, competing for space. This type is extremely difficult to control and often require physical removal of the roots before aggressively taking over your lawn.
- Creeping Weeds: Creeping weeds, like creeping Charlie, wild violet, and clover are a particularly stubborn variety that thrives in overly moist conditions and often requires additional treatments to gain full control of. Often these weeds stem from gardens that use them as ground cover. Always remember, if you choose to do this in your own garden, be sure to provide a barrier between your garden and your lawn otherwise they will spread.
How to Keep Weeds at Bay
A healthy lawn is your best defense against the war on weeds. Here’s how you can fight back and maintain a thick, weed-free turf:
- Mow Smart
- Mowing too short weakens your grass and allows weeds to get the upper hand. Instead, keep your grass at a height of about 2.5 to 3 inches. Taller grass shades the soil, making it harder for weeds to sprout and establish themselves.
- Water Wisely
- Deep, infrequent watering (about 1 inch per week) encourages strong root growth, which helps your lawn outcompete weeds. Watering lightly and frequently promotes shallow roots, making your lawn more susceptible to weed invasion.
- Feed Your Lawn
- A well-fed lawn grows thick and strong, leaving little room for weeds to take hold. Use a balanced fertilizer tailored to your grass type and soil conditions. Feeding your lawn in the spring and fall provides the nutrients it needs to stay resilient year-round.
- Aerate & Overseed
- Compacted soil makes it difficult for grass roots to spread, giving weeds the advantage. Aerating your lawn once a year loosens the soil and improves airflow. Follow up with overseeding to thicken your turf and crowd out potential weed invaders.
- Apply Weed Control Products*
- Pre-emergent Herbicides: These prevent weed seeds from sprouting and are best applied in early spring before weeds start growing.
- Post-emergent Herbicides: Used for spot treatments, these help control weeds that have already taken root.
- Natural Alternatives: a specially formulated iron product can help with minor weed problems, it is important to note they are strictly a topical weed control – meaning they only work on weeds that are present at the time of application.
The Bottom Line
Weed control isn’t a one-time battle—it’s an ongoing commitment to proper lawn care. The key is consistency: mow high, water deeply, feed your lawn, and address problem areas before weeds take hold. With a little effort, you can keep your lawn looking its best and enjoy a weed-free outdoor space all season long.
Looking for expert help? We’re here to take the guesswork out of lawn care so you can sit back and enjoy your green oasis!
*Be sure to adhere to local bylaws for purchase and use of specific products
