What is Stymying Your Efforts to Control Weedsn
As homeowners, our lawns are a source of pride. It’s the first thing we and our guests see when we pull up. It’s the surface our kids play on and it might be where we relax with a good book. No matter what we use our lawns for, however, when we look out over them, we expect them to be one shade of green, devoid of crabgrass, clover, and dandelions. And, as such, we put a lot of effort into keeping them looking nice.
So, why do we still sometimes lose the battle with weed control?
The truth is, all the fertilizing, watering, and careful mowing in the world aren’t solely effective when it comes to mitigating the conditions that weeds love and grass doesn’t. There are some hidden factors that need to be brought to light to help your lawn be successful in the fight against weeds.
Possibility 1. Your lawn might not be in its best health to stand up to weeds. A regular fertilizing program is a good start, as are proper watering techniques. Then, consider a weed control treatment plan that targets the specific species of prevalent problem weeds in your yard.
Possibility 2. You might be trying to grow lawn where it won’t be happy. An area that is always wet can invite mold and moisture-loving weeds such as dollar weed and dock species. Grass that doesn’t get enough sun won’t do well, but shade conditions are just perfect for ground ivies such as Creeping Charlie. Consider whether the area is appropriate for grass and if not, what can you put in its place? Groundcover? Decorative gravel?
Possibility 3. Compacted soils could be a culprit. Soil that doesn’t let water and air circulate is likely poor in nutrients as well and therefore not supportive of turfgrass’ needs. Unfortunately, many weed species such as crabgrass are not as finicky about their living conditions. Good, rich soil is best
LANDSCAPE DESIGN – SANTA BARBARA
When it comes to creating a landscape, homeowners generally fall into two categories: those who itch to start putting plants into the ground themselves and those who recognize a need to hire out the work. Just as it wouldn’t be wise to …
for optimal grass growth that can snuff out the competing weeds. Regular aeration and dethatching can help underlying soils be a good host for your grass.
Possibility 4. If your lawn is stressed, it probably needs some TLC. Mowing it too low, for example, exposes the sensitive new shoots that lie below taller blades that would otherwise offer protection from the harsh sun and drying winds. Did you over-fertilize or over-treat for weeds? Your best intentions for your lawn can actually backfire by overdoing it, particularly when it comes to chemical treatments. Anything that impacts the health and vitality of your lawn can cause thinning and bare patches which leave the soil below open to contact with weed seeds for germination.
Possibility 5. You might be in over your head. Lawn care is a pretty involved and can require the trained eye of a professional to diagnose problems, identify weed species, and prescribe a program of restoration and ongoing treatment.
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