Forgive me for the corny title, but we get a lot of questions about lime this time of year. When we say [Read More...]
Weed Control FAQ:
Why does it take so many applications for weed control?
Even the most beautiful lawn is likely to have weeds appear at some point. Keeping a lawn weed-free takes more than just a couple of treatments each year. The goal of our program is weed prevention, and the first step to accomplishing that goal is healthy grass. We promote the healthy growth of grass by using balanced fertilizers. The second step is keeping an effective pre-emerge in the soil at all times throughout the year. The third step is making sure the pH in the soil is near 7 (this is essential for healthy grass). We do this by applying lime. The final step is to identify and eliminate weeds that come up in your lawn early, so they don’t have a chance to get established and seed out.
What types of weeds are most prominent?
There are two major weed groups that grow in your lawn throughout the year: broadleaf weeds (onions, clovers, henbit, and dandelions) that grow in cooler temperatures, and grassy weeds (crabgrass and dallisgrass) that grow during warmer temperatures.
Each weed group has specific chemicals that are used for post-emergent control. These chemicals can only work on these weeds within a certain temperature range. For example, broadleaf weeds can be controlled as long as temperatures stay above 32 degrees Fahrenheit; the colder the temperatures, the slower the results, usually 2-3 weeks. On the other hand, grassy weeds require 80 degree days and 70 degree nights for control. If it does not reach this range, the results will not be as good.
Why do I still have nutsedge (nutgrass) and/or dallisgrass?
Dallisgrass, nutsedge (nutgrass, yellow and purple), and crabgrass are the most common summer grassy weeds in our area. The pre-emergent that we put on your lawn is designed to control crabgrass, not nutsedge or dallisgrass. (There is not an effective cost-efficient pre-emergent on the market yet) Summer grassy weeds must be sprayed after they emerge when the temperature is consistently above 8 degrees, usually after June 1st. Please be patient with summer weed control. Sometimes summer weeds need an extra application (see our re-spray policy) during the summer months.
What can I do to help prevent weeds?
- Mow often – Never remove more than 1/3 of the grass at any one mowing. If you like to keep your grass shorter (closer to 2”) be prepared to mow at least twice a week. If you like to keep your lawn higher (3-4”), you can typically get by mowing once a week. *But remember, the more you mow, the thicker your lawn will be.
- Water – Bermuda and Zoysia grass need about 1-2” of water each week. It’s best if this is done in 2 separate waterings.
- Seed or Sod –Bare areas (especially shade areas) so weeds have more competition. In shaded areas remember that Bermuda needs 8 hours of direct sunlight, El Toro and Meyers Zoysia need 6 hours of filtered light, and Palisades Zoysia can survive on 4 hours of filtered light.
Working together, we can keep your lawn beautiful, healthy and most of the weeds out too. For weed control in western TN, call Southern Lawn and Pest at 901-476-8188.
Is there an extra charge for treating poison ivy?
Poison ivy is not controlled under our lawn care program. Please give us a call for information and pricing to control poison ivy.
For Educational Purpose Only
This page is for educational purpose only. Southern Lawn & Pest. is not responsible for damages or death to plants due to usage of this information. It is to be used as a general guideline which vary depending on the geographic region you live in, so results will vary from region to region. Remember, the best way to protect your investment is to seek professional advice for your lawn.