As rising temperatures foreshadow the return of spring, dormant grass begins to awaken and we start to look forward to spending more time outside, both relaxing and tending to our yards. Unfortunately, just as the plants you’ve chosen and cultivated are stretching and yawning, so are the invasive weeds that threaten to crowd them out. After all, a weed is just a plant whose company you don’t enjoy. You may decide to tackle them on your own, but a lawn care company can be a big help.
Here’s a quick overview of the weeds most likely to try to crash your garden party this spring.
Crabgrass
The most common weed in Georgia is also one of the most aggressive. Above ground it can grow up to two feet in height. t’s on our list because it emerges in early spring, but it actually germinates a little earlier. That’s why, like most items on this list, it requires early intervention.
Chickweed
This flowering weed doesn’t look as threatening as it actually is. In just one year, a single plant can produce 800 seeds, far more than the number that could take over your lawn. Effective control requires killing its roots.
Annual Bluegrass
Contrary to its name, this perennial weed flowers in spring right alongside your grass, but it sneakily starts germinating as soon as temperatures fall below 70°F in the fall. It’s especially hard to get rid of in Fescue lawns because that grass variety is also susceptible to the herbicides most effective against bluegrass.
HOW TO FIGHT BACK
Your best defense against weeds is a well-maintained, thick, healthy lawn. Weeds look for unoccupied ground, so you should minimize it by seeding bare spots and mulching around plants and trees.
Step two is the application of a pre-emergent weed control by lawn care professionals. The magic number to keep in mind is 52. When the soil (not the air) reaches 52°F, many of our local weeds will start to germinate. Be sure to have your lawn appropriately treated before that point.
Hiring an experienced lawn service company like Arbor-Nomics can significantly reduce the amount of hands-on time you’ll spend battling invasive plants. In addition to weed control, we provide lawn fertilization, outdoor pest control, and much more. Our Certified Landscape Specialists are ready to help with all of your lawn service needs.