Three Things You Need To Know About Keeping Your Lawn Weed-Free
If you're like most homeowners, you place a high value on having a lush, green lawn to enjoy — after all, lawns serve a variety of purposes. Not only do they increase the curb appeal of your home by providing a lovely foundation for your yard and garden, but they also create an ideal surface for children and pets to romp and for lawn games such as croquet, volleyball, and badminton. However, few things detract from the overall beauty of a home more than a ragged, unkempt lawn where weeds run rampant. Unfortunately, superior strains of weeds are starting to develop that are highly resistant to traditional fertilizers, and the results are showing up in lawns all across the country.
Even though this throws a loop into winning the war on weeds, it can still be done — homeowners just have to practice vigilance. Following are three steps you can take to keep your lawn as weed-free as possible.
Never Allow a Weed to Set Seed
Weed seeds are durable and highly prolific. Most have evolved to germinate even in the most adverse conditions, and they're capable of traveling great distances by hitching rides on the wind, on animals, and even on clothing and shoes. However, the majority end up germinating fairly close to their parent plant, which means that just one weed flower that's been allowed to set seed can ruin your lawn. Whenever you see a weed that's begun to flower, pick it immediately. If you have children in your home, enlist their help by making a game out of it.
Avoid Overwatering Your Lawn
The average lawn requires about one inch of water per week, which should be delivered in one watering rather than interspersed throughout the week — the point is to promote deep roots among your individual lawn plants. Overwatering in itself won't cause weeds to sprout, but it causes lawns to become weak and susceptible to fungal disease, which can create bare patches of ground that provide weeds with a foothold. Strong, healthy lawns are far less susceptible to weed invasions.
Use the Right Amount of Fertilizer
Always fertilize according to the directions on the package — otherwise, you run the risk of making your lawn vulnerable to conditions that invite weed invasions. For instance, if you don't apply enough fertilizer, your lawn may not get the nutrients it needs in order to thrive, resulting in a weak, scraggly lawn with bare patches just waiting for weeds to set up shop. Too much fertilizer can actually kill your grass — but it won't kill weeds.
If you need help with the weeds in your yard, contact a company like Texas Green Turf that offers weed control services.