Weeds! These pesky lawn invaders can surface at different times throughout the year and, if not properly controlled, weeds can ruin the appearance of even the nicest yard. It’s difficult to enjoy your time on your lawn if you have to look at unsightly weeds.
And whether it’s a few weeds or what seems like an army of them, they are more than an eyesore—weeds can choke out the healthy turf you worked so hard to nurture. At that point, you know you need a solution to rid your yard of these unwelcome intruders.
Perhaps your current lawn care company has already been spraying for weeds in your yard, but you are wondering if their timing is wrong, because the weeds keep showing up. So, you might be asking: what is the best time of year to kill weeds in a lawn?
That is a good question; many homeowners worry about the best time to spray weeds, because they want to make the right decision for the health of the lawn. Educating yourself on weed control will help you make the correct choice for maintaining a healthy, beautiful yard.
Identifying Weeds for Better Control
The first step in effective weed control is proper weed identification. Different types of weeds flourish in different climates at different times of the year, although controlling weeds in spring seems to get the most attention. Because people are spending more time outdoors then, issues may simply be more noticeable after a long winter inside.
Homeowners also sometimes think that fall weed control isn’t necessary because many weeds appear to die off in the winter anyway. But autumn is actually a great time to spray weeds. Root development is taking place in the fall, when plants push resources down to the root system to assist with growth, rather than putting energy into flowering and producing leaves.
This means that when you spray weeds in the fall, the material will translocate down to the root zone where it will be most effective in disrupting growth. When you spray weeds in the spring, a good product will still work, but some weeds (like violets and ground ivy) are better controlled at a later time in the year.
The Best Time to Control Weeds
Are you still wondering when to spray for weeds? The best time to control weeds is year-round, as part of a comprehensive program. Spraying weeds once or twice a year when you notice them will never match the effectiveness of regular weed treatment. Different weeds germinate and grow at different times.
That’s why you or your lawn care company should be using season-appropriate weed control products. In fall, wild violets and ground ivy are particularly troublesome in Ohio and Kentucky. In spring, the winter annual weeds are still going strong, as well as other annoying trespassers like dandelions and clover. Summer brings a whole new batch of bothersome plants, including crabgrass and nutsedge.
Another compelling reason to stay on top of weed issues is because there is no doubt that the best natural defense against weeds is a healthy lawn. A lawn care program which focuses on good soil health, by adding enriching micronutrients into the soil, will also aid in the fight against weeds and mean that, in time, you will require less product for the same results.
Other practices to improve weed control:
- Regular Watering: Typically once or twice a week if the lawn isn’t getting at least 1-2” per week in rain
- Mowing: To a recommended height of 3.5 inches, using a sharp blade; mowing frequently enough to remove only ⅓ of the grass blade each time
- Aeration and Overseeding: Services that allow your lawn to receive more water, oxygen, and nutrients in order to thicken the turf
Making Smart Choices for Your Lawn
We know that you want a lawn you can enjoy, without having to look at or deal with weeds. So, you may decide to choose a professional lawn care service to spray weeds in the fall or spring.
We realize that if you hire a professional lawn care service to tackle the weeds for you, you need to feel confident that the company understands the importance of timing, is committed to assisting you in making the best choices for your yard and—most important of all—is worthy of your trust.
At Oasis Turf & Tree, we are always available to answer your questions about getting rid of weeds in your lawn as well as to explain our recommendations for dealing with whatever your yard’s situation may be. We offer a comprehensive lawn care program that will address weeds throughout the year and we customize the program for your lawn, to make sure it targets the right types of weeds at the right times of the year. Our service also includes products that focus on soil health, creating a stronger lawn that is better able to withstand weeds on its own.
You care about your lawn and that’s why you care about the best time to control weeds. Having good information, and finding the right professional lawn care service, will help you spend more time enjoying your lawn and less time working on it.
If you’d like to find out more about weed control for your Cincinnati, Dayton, OH, or Northern Kentucky home, contact us for a free estimate or give us a call at 513-697-9090 so that we can answer your questions.
Image Sources: wild violets