Spring Weed Control Tips
As the weather in Charlotte starts warming up, spring lawn care is making its way to the top of most ‘to-do’ lists. In just a few weeks, bermuda and zoysia lawns will be waking up and so will the weeds. Knowing how to prevent and combat weeds in your lawn will be the key to a successful spring. But when should spring weed control be applied? And what are the best ways to control weeds in your lawn? We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know.
The #1 Weed Control Tip: Pre-emergents
The most important tool for lawn weed control is pre-emergent. Pre-emergents are preventative herbicides that attack weed seeds before they germinate beneath the soil. Simply put, preventative weed control stops weeds before they can even sprout! Our pre-emergent prevents the most infamous weed of them all — Crabgrass! Crabgrass is a deeper rooted, difficult to control weed that can take over a lawn through spring and summer. If a lawn doesn’t receive proper preventative weed control, you’ll be facing an uphill battle against crabgrass and various other invasive weeds all summer.
When to Apply Spring Pre-Emergents
Timing is everything when it comes to preventative weed control. Pre-emergents must be applied before weeds germinate to be the most effective. Weed seed germination typically occurs when soil temperatures reach 50-55 degrees. Specialists from the NC State Extension office recommend applying spring pre-emergents by mid-february to March. For Charlotte and the surrounding areas, quickly rising soil temperatures suggest even sooner, the better. As a general rule of thumb, it’s always better to be early rather than late with pre-emergent applications.
Other Spring Weed Control Factors
A successful start to spring doesn’t stop at pre-emergents. You may already be dealing with winter annual weeds in your lawn like burweed, henbit, and various others. That’s where post-emergent herbicides come in. Post-emergent weed control is applied to address any active weeds currently growing in your lawn. When applying any kind of weed control, it’s important to know what type of grass you have and the kinds of weeds you’re dealing with. Make sure to always read and follow the product label regarding rates and methods of application. Additionally, newly sodded or seeded lawns should not receive any kind of herbicide until fully established. Weed control products are designed to halt or stunt growth and that’s the last thing you want for your newly sodded lawn!
Weed control and lawn maintenance in general can be quite the chore. From the different products, to the different types of weeds and grasses, it can be overwhelming! If you’re looking for assistance with your lawn in Charlotte and surrounding areas, contact us at Turf Brothers Lawn Care. We offer a comprehensive lawn care program including all the pre-emergents, weed control and fertilization your lawn needs to stay healthy in any season. Whether you need a quote for our lawn care services or need advice on where to start, we’re here to help!
