They are annoying, unsightly, and persistent, (insert joke here) and chances are weeds are hiding beneath the surface of your lawn waiting for the right moment to make their spring appearance. Weed seeds can lie dormant in the ground for years, untouchable by drought, fire, and herbicide and there is no sure fire way to eliminate them completely from your yard. The truth is weed control is a delicate dance that requires timing, knowledge, and hard work to keep weeds at bay and at a minimum this season. Highlands Landscape is here to help you figure out what to do about weeds in your lawn and garden.

Pre-Emergent Herbicide

Pre-emergent herbicide, as the name suggests, can be the first line of defense against weeds. The pre-emergent is mixed with water and sprayed evenly and thoroughly to lawns creating a blanket barrier that will prevent weed seeds from germinating and spreading. The weed is only killed when the seed begins to sprout, so it is possible for the seed to remain dormant and thus unaffected. For the best results pre-emergent should be applied each year and only before weeds begin to sprout, if weeds are visible it’s too late for a pre-emergent to be successful. Generally late winter/early spring is the best time of year to apply pre-emergent for summer annuals. After application, the pre-emergent will need to be watered in within 21 days to activate the herbicide. Be sure to check the labels on your pre-emergent as they can have adverse affects on plants and turf as well.

When Weeds Sprout

If weeds have already started sprouting hand-weeding is the next best defense. The best time to pull weeds is when the soil is moist and the weed itself is still young. When pulling the weed be sure to do so slowly and carefully getting as much of the root as possible. Some weeds can have deep roots that make them difficult to dull, a spade or dandelion digger will help you effectively get to the weed roots. Angle the tool down and toward the center of the plant to loosen the soil around the roots. Once the weeds are out fill any patches with compost and weed seed and keep the areas moist until new grass growth has established.

Post-emergent herbicides can be used as a last resort when mature weeds just won’t quit. Keep in mind these are harmful chemicals that can injure desirable plants and turf also. Two forms of post-emergents are available: contact and systemic. Contact herbicides will kill whatever part of the plant it touches which is generally just the leaves and work best on broadleaf annuals. Systemic herbicides get inside the plant and will kill all parts including the roots, these types of herbicides work best on perennials.

We are Only a Phone Call Away!

If you would like some help keeping your yard weed free this year we would love to help! Our team of landscapers is very capable, and we strive to exceed the expectations of all our customers both in delivery as well as with regard to overall lawn maintenance of your property.

Please give us a call at (781) 431-2338, or you can reach us direct through our website. As always, we can provide you with a free estimate for any of your landscaping needs.

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