As the name would suggest, broadleaf weeds are the ones you can really see because, well, their leaves are bigger than grassier weed varieties.  The size and shape make them the bane of lawn owners, standing out rather than blending in with the turf.  And thus, they become the focus of our efforts to eradicate noxious weeds in our landscapes.

Here in Santa Barbara, there are plenty of broadleaf weeds to look out for.  Some of the most common include:

• Clovers
• Purlane
• Nettleleaf
• Knotweed
• Crabgrass
• Bindweed
• Spurge
• Mustards
• Nightshades
• Oxalis

…and many more.  Just seeing one of these weeds may bring out the warrior in you, eager to start spraying them directly with whatever herbicide you found on sale at the local garden center.  But a more targeted approach—as in, working with its lifecycle, not you aim with the nozzle—can go a long way in winning the battle with broadleaf weeds over the long term.

LANDSCAPE COMPANY NEAR ME

There are 2 reasons most clients contact us: to bring drive-up appeal to their home or to replace their current gardener. We take these two reasons to heart. We understand how important your landscape is to you. We are experts on drive-up appeal, water conservation landscaping, seasonal and climate planting, irrigation, and much more.

The first thing to consider is whether you’ll need a preemergent or post-emergent herbicide, each which do their duty according to the weeds’ lifecycle.

Preemergent herbicides should be applied before broadleaf weed seeds have a chance to germinate.  This leaves a tight timeframe for application, but can be very effective.  Apply preemergent herbicides in the spring or at the beginning of the lifecycle of your most problematic weeds.  A little research ahead of time can go a long way.

Post-emergent herbicides are applied directly to weeds already growing.  While it’s satisfying to attack the problematic weeds, it’s best to get them when they’re young.  As they grow, more herbicide is required to take them down and therefore might damage turf and surrounding plants in so doing.  Apply post-emergent herbicide between fall and spring, in temperatures below 85-degrees Fahrenheit.  Very hot weather leaves your surrounding lawn less able to recover should it come in contact with the herbicide.

A few more tips

In fighting all weeds in your garden, nothing puts up a good offense like a great defense.  Make sure your lawn is healthy and vigorous and able to crowd out areas of bare soil where weed seeds might make contact.  Fertilize and water regularly, mow when appropriate, and don’t be afraid to reach out for help.  A landscape contractor such as SB Evolution Landscape can work with you to create a lawn care program that fits your budget and stands strong in the fight against broadleaf weeds.