Beware a ‘beautiful’ weed that can cause extensive damage to your lawn – prevention is key, how to stop them growing
SPRING is here and that means it’s time to start tending to your lawn again.
Gardening experts have shared the top tricks for preventing weeds from popping up across your yard.
According to The Grounds Guys, broadleaf weeds may be hindering your grass growth.
Broadleaf weeds include dandelions, thistles, ground ivy, burdock, and purslane.
Tell-tale signs of the weeds include broad leaves, long stems, and flowers.
“A field of gently swaying dandelions can be beautiful, but they aren’t necessarily a welcome addition to your lawn,” the experts said.
“Dandelions can slowly and perniciously cause extensive damage to your lawn.”
The green-thumbed pros explained that weeds take away resources from the soil.
“Weeds compete with your grass for water, oxygen, and nutrition,” they said.
Broadleaf weeds can suck moisture and nutrition out of your lawn’s soil, in effect starving your grass.
To combat the pesky plants, you can use a homemade weed killer or post-emergent herbicides.
Hand-pulling from the root can also be an effective action against the weeds.
However, the best measure to take is to prevent the weeds from growing in the first place.
You can apply a pre-emergent herbicide to your garden, this works best in early spring before seeds germinate.
“When broadleaf seeds begin to germinate, their roots will absorb the herbicide from the soil,” the experts said.
“The herbicide contains ingredients that stop seeds from growing, so they’ll never fully emerge.”
Weed prevention steps
- Apply pre-emergent herbicide every spring
- Mow your lawn regularly
- Practice deep watering
- Fertilize and aerate your lawn seasonally
They recommend carrying out the action annually to stay ahead of the weeds.
Maintaining a healthy and tended lawn can also help prevent the growth of weeds.
“Broadleaf weeds tend to proliferate when the existing grass is weak,” the gardening enthusiasts explained.
“A healthy lawn will fight and outcompete weeds for sunlight, moisture, and soil nutrition.”
To practice good lawn care, you should mow your grass regularly and practice deep watering to promote root growth.
You should also fertilize and aerate your lawn seasonally.