Turf, Grass & Weeds

Removing Weeds

• The weed removal method you choose depends greatly on what type of weeds are growing from the lawn and their amount. If a few dandelions are popping up over the lawn, pull them out during the growing season to prevent their growth. For a high population of weeds, use a selective herbicide that will not harm your grass. Wait two days before spraying herbicide and after to mow, as suggested by "Grounds Maintenance" magazine. Apply the herbicide on a dry day. Wait a few days and reapply.

Weed Prevention

• Apply a pre-emergent herbicide right after the last frost. Pre-emergent herbicide only works if it is applied before weed seeds germinate. Therefore, gardeners who are trying to remove a weedy grass such as crabgrass must apply a pre-emergent herbicide before soil temperatures favor crabgrass germination or when the rise to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Water the pre-emergent spray into the lawn. Reapply pre-emergent herbicide in the fall to keep cool season broad leaf weeds, sedges and grass from appearing.

Fixing Bare Areas

• After removing a high population of weeds, you may notice bare areas in the lawn. Fix these areas with sod or sprigs. You can fix these areas with grass seed as long as your pre-emergent herbicide doesn't prevent your own grass seed from growing. You can check the label to find out when you can reseed after using the herbicide. If you find yourself constantly fighting weeds growing in the shade, plant a shade-tolerant grass in shady locations.

Encouraging Dense Grass Growth

• The denser the grass, the fewer weed problems. Fertilize your lawn in the fall. Fall fertilizing will decease your weed population and encourage strong grass root systems, according to Pennsylvania State University. Apply your fertilizer sometime around Thanksgiving or in the late fall. Use 1 to 0.5 pounds of slow-release nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn area. Water the fertilizer into the soil. Fertilize again in the late spring after your grass greens up.