Marathon Lawn Care is ready to help Leander, Cedar Park, and North Austin take control of those annoying weeds!
Have you ever heard the phrase Texas pride? Well, it’s more than just a phrase; it’s a way of life, and anyone living in Texas knows that taking pride in your home is the foundation of this great state. This is why so many homeowners spend countless hours maintaining the exterior of their homes and trying to have the best curb appeal in the neighborhood.
Keeping a beautiful yard takes specific steps like trimming, mowing, aeration, fertilization, overseeding, mulching, and, yes, trying to stay ahead of those annoying weeds. Doesn’t it drive you crazy that one minute your yard is looking clean and fresh, and the next minute you have a field of weeds? That’s why we are ready to cut to the chase and give you some great tips on conquering that never-ending battle with weeds. Our reliable team can help you take the guesswork out of what will bring you the fastest results when controlling weeds.
What are the different types of weeds in Texas?
Weeds come in two categories; perennial weeds with underground roots that spread throughout the soil, taking away nutrients from your lawn and plants, or annual weeds that can be self-seed or transported into your yard by birds and rodents. Perennial weeds are the most difficult to control as they spread by both seed and root. Regardless of the weed, trying to keep up with maintaining them could be a full-time job if you don’t strategically plan out how to control them before they start to control you!
The most common annual weeds in Texas are the Hairy Crabgrass and the Smooth Crabgrass. You usually will find them in mid-spring, and they can produce up to 150,000 seeds. This weed needs sunlight and spreads quickly, especially if you have a thin lawn and cut the grass too short. The best way to control Crabgrass is to keep your lawn healthy by consistently mowing, watering, and fertilizing your lawn. You also may want to use a pre-emergent herbicide in late fall and early spring.
Another common annual weed is the Poa Annua which usually shows up late summer and stays around until fall. The seeds will germinate through spring, fall, and winter, making this weed hard to control. The best line of defense for this weed is both a pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicide. Something to consider is you will get weeds regardless of what treatment, so make sure you consistently maintain your yard.
Now, if you really want to define ANNOYING, then it’s time to talk about perennial weeds. These weeds show up year after year, and as much as you try to control them, it never fails; they make their way somewhere in your yard. We are sure all of you are familiar with one perennial weed, and that is the dandelion. This is one of the most challenging weeds to control as it has a 10-inch taproot that continuously spreads every year. One way to control them is with a broadleaf herbicide that won’t hurt the surrounding area.
Another perennial weed is a Nutsedge which seems to show up out of nowhere every summer. It is challenging to get rid of and can usually outgrow the grass within days. You don’t want to pull these weeds by hand as it causes stress, which makes them spread even quicker. There aren’t any pre-emergent herbicides for this nasty weed, so you need to find a post-emergent herbicide. When applying any herbicides, you always want to cover the surrounding area as you don’t want to cause damage to any other plants or your lawn.
How do you choose the right herbicides?
Let’s start with the essential part of choosing herbicides, and that is to always read the label before applying any treatment. You want to make sure you are not using any herbicide that may damage other plants that surround it.
If you are looking to catch weeds before they start to germinate, using a pre-emergent herbicide is the best way to keep your yard looking healthy. The key to any weed control is timing, so be sure to apply when temperatures are 50-55 degrees. If you are using grass seed, then be sure to wait six to eight weeks before applying herbicide so the seeds can take root.
When trying to control weeds that suddenly have taken over your yard, you need to apply a post-emergent herbicide. This type of herbicide will kill weeds on contact and usually have good results. There are two different types of post-emergent herbicides. One is systemic that absorbs the weed and destroys the root. Or contacts post-emergent that kills the stems and leaves. When applying systemic herbicides, make sure you saturate the ground all around the weed to get to the weed’s root.
Another thing to watch out for is whether the herbicide is a selective or nonselective weed killer. An advantage of a selective herbicide is that it can handle certain weeds without killing other plant life around it. In contrast, a nonselective herbicide will kill on contact along with possibly damaging your lawn. Once again, always read those labels!
Like with anything you do in your yard, always keep safety first. Be sure to wear goggles and gloves as you are handling chemicals. You also want to be aware of any children or pets as these products are dangerous and should be applied when no one is around.
Now, you probably are thinking, how can I possibly take control of my weeds and still have some time for myself? That’s easy; let our knowledgeable team take control of your yard and get rid of those annoying weeds. Our premium services include lawn maintenance, lawn care, trimming, pruning, mulch installation, seasonal clean-ups, and spectacular holiday lighting. We are committed to giving you the best curb appeal along with adding valuable time back into your day.