Weeds are the gardener’s and homeowner’s worst enemy. They are strong, stubborn, and just don’t seem to go away. If only the plants we were trying to cultivate could grow as fast and be as hardy as these annoying weeds. We can spend countless hours trying to defend our yards and gardens from these intruders, but it’s a seemingly never-ending battle.
Weeds aren’t just ugly, they can reduce crop yields on farms and in gardens by competing for light, water, nutrients, and space. Usually these weeds are stronger than the plants and grass in your lawn and can easily crowd them out. Thankfully we have found a few weed control tips for Massachusetts lawns to help you combat weeds this year.
Pre-Emergent Control
If you are lucky enough to get a head start on weed control, then you can prevent them from germinating in the spring. Weeds are annuals and will die at the end of each season, dropping their seeds into your lawn to overwinter until the next year. When the spring temperatures warm them up, they germinate. Using a pre-emergent herbicide, you can prevent these seeds from sprouting and lessen the headache they will give you later on in the season.
Keep Your Grass Healthy
Weeds are everywhere and sometimes you can’t even see the threat that’s right under your nose. Each year weeds release thousands of seeds. These seeds bed down into the soil of your lawn where they can remain dormant for years. When the conditions are right, they will spring up and quickly establish itself.
Following proper watering and fertilization schedules, along with regular mowing, will greatly reduce the chances of weeds growing in your yard. How? Weed seeds need light and warm soil to germinate. If your lawn is thick and healthy, it prevents sunlight from reaching the seeds and prevents weeds from germinating. On the other hand, if you mow too short or have dead patches, this sends an open invitation for weeds to fill in the spot. Keep your lawn healthy and you will see a noticeable difference in the weed population in your yard.
Mulch
Applying a few inches of mulch to your gardens or flower beds can prevent weeds from growing, at least for that season. Other methods of weed suppression include laying down landscape fabric or plastic barriers. These barriers block sunlight and prevent germination.
Spot Treating
Spot treating weeds is the method of spraying herbicides on visible weeds. Even if you follow proper watering and fertilization methods weeds can still find their way into your yard. By targeting the individual weeds, you can kill them without harming your lawn and prevent them from going to seed, which is the ultimate goal.
Hire a Professional Lawn Care Company
Sometimes battling weeds is too much work. That’s where the professionals at Barefoot Lawns come in. With our lawn care program we can keep your lawn looking thick and healthy all year long.
Call 508-281-1441 today and ask about our organic lawn care program or leave a message on our site.
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