Few things ruin your yard as quickly as out of control weeds. No matter the variety, they are unsightly and can quickly overwhelm you as a homeowner. Eventually, weeds can get so bad that they will start to steal valuable nutrients that your other plants need. The best way to handle weeds is to get rid of them immediately. If the problem gets too bad, CGreens is here to help you take care of it, but sometimes you might just want to take care of it yourself. However, before you start going after those weeds, you need to figure out if they are broadleaf weeds or grassy weeds. Knowing this is important because each requires a different strategy to get rid of them.
What Are Broadleaf Weeds?
Broadleaf weeds are the most unsightly and frustrating weed to deal with because they stick out like a sore thumb. Broadleaf weeds have broad leaves with a single vein in the center. Other than their leaves, they tend to vary quite a bit. Some have a single flower, some are tall, some are short, but they all look TERRIBLE. Broadleaf seeds can end up in your yard for various reasons, and they can lay dormant for over 30 years! Here are a few examples of broadleaf weeds:
- Chickweed
- Clover
- Dandelion
- Thistle
- Violets
How to Get Rid of Broadleaf Weeds
If there are just a couple of weeds, we recommend pulling those up by hand before breaking out the big guns. However, if that does not work, it is probably time to bring out some weed killer.
As far as weed killers go, you will need to use a selective herbicide. Selective herbicides ensure that the weeds will get killed off, but your grass will survive. However, it is essential to remember that while selective herbicides are supposed to your other plants safe, this does not work 100% of the time. Be sure to avoid any decorative plants like flowers, shrubs, or even trees. Adding a surfactant recommended as well. The surfactant will help the herbicide stick to the weeds and be better absorbed.
Another critical aspect to remember is the timing or your application. If the weeds have not sprouted yet, make sure to use a pre-emergent. It is best to apply pre-emergent in the springtime. Whereas if the weeds have already emerged, make sure you use a post-emergent weed killer. After application sure to check on your yard over the next two weeks. If the weeds start returning, you will have to try again.
Remember, the better condition you keep your grass in, the less likely your yard will be taken over by weeds. Make sure you keep your lawn thick, watered, and fertilized. A full, lush lawn will make it more difficult for plants to find spaces to take hold of.
If you are having trouble getting rid of the weeds in your Dallas, TX yard, or if they seem to come back no matter how hard you try, CGreens is here! CGreens Landscape Management has been helping keep Dallas, TX homeowners’ yards weed-free for 40 years. Please give us a call to schedule a service, or find out more about all of the services that we offer to make your yard, the yard of your dreams.