When it comes to having the nicest, greenest lawn in the neighborhood, homeowners know that weeds are often the biggest roadblock. Combatting common lawn issues goes beyond pulling weeds – it often requires consideration of the climate, understanding irrigation needs, purchasing quality products, and performing regular maintenance. Though each yard is unique and has individual needs, the approach our technicians take when caring for clients' lawns includes several tips that anyone can adapt and apply to their unique situation.
Here is our best advice for a weedy, struggling lawn:
Consider the future health of the entire lawn
Spot treat weeds
Use a high-quality, weed-specific product
Fertilize healthy grass
Apply new seed as necessary
Consult experts when in doubt
Holistic Approach
When tackling your lawn's weed issues, we suggest considering the health of the grass as a whole. Although it can be tempting to apply weed-killer to the entire yard, this method does not take into account the future health of the lawn. Some gardeners may apply pre-emergent everywhere, but this only considers the existing condition of the landscape and doesn't allow for seed to be successfully applied later in the season. If you use a layer of weed-killer or pre-emergent, not only will the weeds disappear, but the healthy grass will, too. This practice can also be wasteful, as herbicide spread over the entire yard is rarely necessary.
At Renew, we strive for complete lawn health with a reverse approach – encouraging the lawn to grow naturally thick and healthy by supporting it with the nutrients it needs so there is no room for weeds to grow. By understanding circumstances in which weeds thrive (such as nutrient-lacking or compacted soil, too much or too little water, etc), our techs can avoid those situations and encourage new grass growth. When viewed from this holistic approach, green, lush grass is well worth the labor for sustainable, long-lasting outcomes.
High-Quality Product Choice
Though we don't suggest spreading herbicide over your entire lawn, there are plenty of times when weeds need to be removed. In these situations, spot-treating the areas to kill those weeds is most effective. For best results, use a high-quality product. Be sure to choose one that addresses the specific weeds in your yard. Applying the proper weed killer or herbicide not only gives you the best chance of eliminating the weeds but also improves the odds of successful seed growth. For this reason, we custom-mix our applications on site so each yard gets the individual treatment it needs.
To reduce the appearance of weeds by improving grass health, apply fertilizer regularly throughout the season. Again, use a high-quality product that is meant for your soil and lawn's condition. At times, performing a simple soil test may be helpful to identify which nutrients the soil is deficient in.
When it is time for seed application, use a high-quality seed that is optimal for your area. Be sure weeds have already been treated and the weather is still mild. It will be more difficult for the seed to take in the heat of the summer, so you can wait until fall if necessary. (Be sure to follow seed guidelines and watering recommendations for best results!)
Note: Some lawns may require such intense, complete repair that a full lawn renovation (with all new soil) is best. Tearing out and re-doing may seem like a lot of work, but for certain yards, this is the best route to an ideal landscape. One of the best ways to figure out which method is right for your lawn is to have a professional take a look at it for you. Although it may seem like a lot of work initially, it will get you greener grass sooner in the long run!
Controlling weed issues in your lawn is best accomplished when taking a holistic approach to encourage healthy grass so there is no room for weeds to grow!
Just remember these tips:
Spot treat weeds
Use a high-quality, weed-specific product
Fertilize healthy grass
Apply new seed as necessary
Consult experts when in doubt
Looking for a local expert to handle your lawn for you? Contact us here!