Broadleaf weeds – such as dandelions, clovers, and chickweeds – are some of the most pervasive and persistent lawn weeds that pop up in your lawn and can be difficult to control. If given the opportunity, broadleaf weeds will seize the moment to germinate like wildfire, damaging even the healthiest of lawns!
Various conditions encourage these weeds to populate your lawn. Some of them include, but are not limited to: traffic through your turf (which can be reduced simply by integrating a hardscape into your landscape design), fertilizing too much or not enough, mowing your grass too short or not enough, and even over-or under-watering. Given the variety of ways weeds can gain hold of your lawn, the best way to minimize weed problems and promote a healthy lawn is through the use of good cultural practices!
Fertilizing:
Having a well-fertilized lawn is one of the best methods of broadleaf control. This program involves a pre-emergent treatment application that is fed to your lawn during peak germination periods in the spring. However, because
there are various types, each has its own personality making them difficult to control. This may require a post-emergent application during the summer to help keep those pesky weeds in check – once they flower they become more difficult to control! If they have already produced seed heads in your lawn, repeated, timely applications may be necessary over several growing seasons to completely deplete their food source. By fertilizing your lawn, you provide it with the nutrients it needs to produce strong roots and grass to keep the weeds at bay!
Mowing:
Another important weed-fighting method is proper mowing practices for your turf! Having proper mowing practices is like going to the barber to get that perfect trim and keep
your hair looking healthy. Mowing at a three inch minimum, having the correct mowing frequency, and alternating mowing patterns is imperative to maintaining a healthy lawn.
Irrigation:
Much like when a sponge dries and becomes brittle without water, your turf is the same way without adequate water intake. Over and under-watering your turf can be detrimental to its health and creates a gateway for broadleaf weeds to develop. Watering your grass for longer periods of time allows for the water to penetrate deep into the roots, creating the need for less frequent watering. More frequent, lighter watering, will cause the roots to grow too close to the surface making them more prone to dying off.
Weeds are ready to take advantage of an opportunity to grow at the most inopportune times and even to the most immaculate of lawns! Though most broadleaf weeds can be cured with a little lawn TLC, we would love to tell you that you will never have a lawn issue again, but that’s not reality. You will. Your lawn has its own identity. There will always be pressure from hard-to-control weeds, disease, pests and heat stress, as your lawn is a living ecosystem with specific needs unique to your property! Rest assured knowing that we promise you a lush, healthy lawn! We won’t stop until it is just right! Contact a Bluegrass Account Manager today to schedule an integrated pest management schedule that best fits your lawn.
References
Enger, H. (n.d.). Broadleaf Weed Control – Lawn Talk Podcast. (T. Kauffold, Interviewer) Retrieved from Spring-Green: https://www.spring-green.com/lawn-care-guide/broadleaf-weed-control-lawn-talk-podcast-transcript/
Safe Control of Broadleaf Weeds. (n.d.). Retrieved from WeedMan USA: http://stlouis.weedmanusa.com/resources/safe-control-of-broadleaf-weeds.html
Tony Koski. (2010, December). Broadleaf Weed Control in Lawns. Retrieved from Colorado State University Extension: http://www.ext.colostate.edu/mg/Gardennotes/552.pdf
