Dealing with a weed-infested yard can be annoying. Those pesky dandelions, crabgrass, and clover can quickly mess up how your lawn looks and stays healthy. But don't worry! With careful lawn care and targeted removal methods, you can eliminate existing weeds and prevent new ones from sprouting.
The best approach is to grow thick and robust grass to keep weeds away. When your grass is dense, it crowds out the weeds and makes it hard for them to grow. Here's how to make sure your grass stays thick and healthy:
Promote Thick, Vigorous Grass Growth
Robust, thick grass crowds out weed growth and inhibits their germination. To promote dense, healthy grass, focus on building deep roots and avoiding thin, patchy areas that allow weeds to sneak in.
An effective weed control method involves aerating your lawn at least once a year to mitigate soil compaction, helping better air and water circulation around the roots. Fertilize early spring and fall with a weed-free, slow-release formula to fuel growth without contaminating your lawn. It is recommended to water deeply but infrequently. This means you should water your plants until the soil is moistened to a considerable depth.
Use Targeted Weed Control Methods
Even well-maintained lawns get the occasional weed. When you spot them, quickly target weeds with proven removal methods before they spread seeds and cause further infestation:
Hand weeding is effective for large, established weeds like dandelions. Use a sturdy dandelion fork or weed puller to remove the weed, roots, and all else so it does not regrow. For smaller weeds, carefully spray weed-killing herbicides directly on the offending plants. Check herbicide labels or consult lawn experts to ensure the product specifically targets your weed type for the most effective control.
You can also smother emerging weed seedlings by covering small patches with thick organic mulch. This blocks sunlight and often kills young weeds.
Stop Weeds From Returning Long-Term
Sustained prevention is key for a weed-free lawn over the long run. Minimize thin, bare spots in your turf by overseeding patchy areas each spring and fall. Grass thrives best in loose, aerated soil, so dethatch and aerate your lawn at least annually to prevent thatch buildup and compaction. Adapting your lawn care routine to match your grass's seasons and growth patterns is best.
Get Premium Lawn Care at Wingate Pest & Lawn
Make these tried and proper lawn care tips a staple in your seasonal maintenance routine. Follow the tips above and say goodbye to the frustration of weed takeovers. Need help getting your lawn in top shape? Wingate Pest & Lawn in Mid-Missouri is your go-to expert for weed-infested yards. Call us today for a free estimate and let our experts help you reclaim your yard!