Lawn Repair & Weeds

Weed Identification

• There are three main categories of weeds that grow in the spring and fall months: sedges, broadleaf weeds and grassy weeds. Sedges are frequently confused with grass; however, unlike grass, they have rounded tips. Broadleaf weeds are typically more colorful than grasses or sedges. Grassy weeds have triangular tips. The type of weed growing in the yard will influence what type of weed control to use, because selective herbicides are specifically formulated to kill off particular types of weeds.

Weed Treatment

• Selective herbicides can be used within the yard without harming grass. These are herbicides that are applied after the weed seeds have germinated and are growing within the lawn. By looking on your herbicide's label, you can find out if it is safe to use around your grass type and if it will kill the type of weed in the lawn. You can use a broad-spectrum herbicide to kill anything growing away from lawn grass such as weeds growing from cracks in the driveways. If you use a broad-spectrum herbicide in the yard, plan to replant those areas with your preferred grass seed.

Seeding

• Selective herbicide may need to be applied a couple times to kill off the weeds, and this can leave areas bare where weeds used to grow. You want to reseed these areas to prevent weed seeds from germinating and growing back. Weeds will take advantage of any bare areas in the yard or thinning grass. Broadcast the grass type you are growing the weed's former location. Water these areas everyday to promote grass seed germination and spreading.

Weed Prevention

• Weeds can be prevented when pre-emergent herbicides are used in the spring and fall. By spraying both times of year, you prevent cool and warm season weed growth. Pre-emergent herbicide isn't effective on weeds already growing and only stops weed seeds from germinating. Apply enough nutrients to help your lawn develop healthy root systems. You can apply fertilizer in the fall to reduce weed growth during the winter and early spring. Grass roots continue to grow even when the lawn has gone dormant.