How To Get Rid Of Lawn Weeds?

Property owners are constantly searching for answers in the continuing battle to have a lawn that looks good. Nearly every homeowner wants to eliminate the weeds. There are dozens of varieties we may need to focus on, from the common dandelion to some of the rare but equally pesky vines and thistles.

For example, the dandelion alone can become the “star” of our lawn simply because one flower that goes to seed can spread thousands of seeds. These light seeds are carried on the wind. When they drop to the soil they may “hibernate” for several seasons and still take root. This same survival instinct applies to many other weeds and lawn pests.

Chemical Weapons
If you can start with a relatively clean lawn and maintain a thick, healthy stand of grass you have a better shot at eliminating future weed problems. Thick lawns don’t allow weeds and unwanted growth to get started because the grass blocks sunlight and dominates the nutrition cycle.

Most property owners turn to herbicides as a first choice when they want to get rid of lawn weeds. This method can work wonders in getting rid of weeds. But chemical treatments should be used with care because of the potential harm to family members, pets and other vegetation. In addition, herbicides might kill existing weeds and leave seeds and plant remnants for future growth. This means continued applications of the chemicals, increasing potential for problems with animals and good plants.

Hand Work
Before you jump on the first weed-elimination idea that comes to mind, stop for a minute or two and get a plan in place. You may want to combine two or three methods for getting rid of lawn weeds. In fact, you will have more success with a combination program. First and foremost, consider pulling as many noxious weeds as possible. This obviously involves some physical labor but pulling dandelions and large-leaf weeds in your lawn may be the most effective way to get results.

You should also consider that there are different kinds of weeds that might not be affected by one treatment but might be eliminated by another method. Pulling or cutting out dandelions, puncture vine and some other large-stem/large leaf weeds can be very effective.

Small, spreading types of plants might have to be attacked with select herbicides and careful treatment of the soil. You may have to pull some plants, till the area and pre-treat it before putting on new grass seed.

As you plan your methods for getting rid of lawn weeds, give some thought to how you fertilize the lawn and how you water the lawn. Many property owners feel that a lot of water and a lot of fertilizing is best, going by the theory that if a little works then a lot will work better. In most cases, this is not true!

You should fertilize according to strict product instructions and use only the recommended types of fertilizer. In addition, you should water occasionally and make sure the soil gets a good soaking. Get the water to the deep, thick root system of the grass. Finally, if you mow your lawn, set the mower a bit higher to allow grass to grow thickly. This will help crowd out weeds.

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