When it comes to a healthy and thriving lawn, weeds are the #1 enemy. They are one of the biggest frustrations that homeowners can face and they can sometimes feel almost impossible to get rid of. The fact is, some weeds are more aggressive and troublesome than others and if you’ve got some of them, it might feel as though nothing you’re doing is working.
Video: How to Get Rid of Lawn Weeds
We understand your frustrations and you’re not alone. A lot of homeowners in Allentown and Lansdale, PA are plagued with weeds and don’t know how to best address them. That’s why we’ve rounded up a list of the worst weeds in lawns in Allentown and Lansdale, PA, and how to get rid of them.
1. Crabgrass
Crabgrass is a grassy weed that grows in clumps and can begin to crowd out your healthy turf. It’s highly aggressive and can spread quickly. In fact, one crabgrass plant can produce up to 75,000 seeds which lay dormant in the soil until the ideal conditions for germination roll around in the spring. Then, it spreads like crazy!
Crabgrass is often considered one of the worst weeds to get rid of and can seem almost impossible to control. But that’s because the best approach to dealing with it is actually preventing it in the first place. By taking preventative action and using pre-emergent controls, you can prevent the majority of crabgrass from germinating.
Of course, even with preventative controls, you might see some breakthroughs occur. Crabgrass post-emergent can also be used to address any of this persistent weed that still pops up.
2. Nutsedge
Another of the worst weeds in grass is nutsedge, which is also difficult to control. This pesky perennial generally pops up in moist areas of the lawn and can grow rapidly in warm weather. One thing that makes nutsedge so difficult is the fact that it reproduces via underground tubers, called “nutlets.” It can be spreading swiftly underground without you noticing.
Nutsedge also requires specialty controls which is why it’s sometimes considered one of the worst weeds to get rid of. If you’re not applying the right product, you’re not going to see any difference. It’s also worth noting that nutsedge can sometimes require repeated applications since it is so aggressive.
3. White Clover
Due to its fast-spreading nature, in little to no time, you could have an entire lawn of clover if you haven’t done anything to address it. White Clover is incredibly common here in Allentown and Lansdale, PA. It tends to perform best in soil with a low pH or of areas of the lawn that are thinned out and not performing well.
That’s why getting rid of white clover takes a weed control approach that goes deeper than just spraying product. You also want to make sure that you get a lawn soil test and correct the soil pH problem that your lawn is likely experiencing. Additional lawn care services, such as lawn aeration and overseeding, will also help get rid of those thinned out areas where clover is filling in.
4. Oxalis
This low-growing summer lawn weed is quite often mistaken for clover as they have similarly shaped leaves. This perennial produces yellow flowers and it can perform well in both shade or sun. Thanks to being a prolific seeder, it can take over lawns swiftly and is considered one of the worst weeds in grass.
Although it’s a broadleaf weed, control may mean a repeated effort. In fact, it can sometimes take years to get rid of oxalis with broadleaf weed controls.
5. Ground Ivy
Have you seen this unwanted weed “creeping” across your lawn? Ground ivy is characterized by the way it grows in a creeping manner. It has square stems and leaf clusters with purple flowers that emerge in late spring. Unfortunately, ground ivy can spread rapidly, making it an incredibly frustrating weed to deal with.
The best way to deal with ground ivy is with broadleaf weed control. But you should know that it may take multiple applications, and possibly a number of years, to get under control.
6. Violets
Violets are another major source of frustration for Allentown and Lansdale, PA homeowners. Though they may look delicate with their bright purple flowers, these weeds are difficult to get rid of. Violets are highly shade-tolerant but can still survive in sunny areas. They are also fast-spreading and have really strong roots. Even if you try to hand-pull these weeds, you’re highly likely to leave some of the roots underground and it will just come right back.
The key to addressing violets is professional-grade broadleaf weed control. But it’s important to know up front that it can take repeated applications from spring through fall. You’ll also want to ensure that you’re practicing great lawn care to promote healthy grass growth and choke out these unwanted weeds.
Choosing Weed Spraying Companies in Allentown and Lansdale, PA
When you spend time outdoors, you shouldn’t have to worry about weeds. You should be able to enjoy your time outside rather than being stressed or burdened by the site of unwanted weeds.
That’s why making the best control choices is so important. Weed spraying companies should be able to help.
The key is to find a company that will take a multi-faceted approach to weed control. Using the same products to address everything on the lawn is simply not going to work. But you’d be surprised that even some “pros” will do this.
But when you’re talking about the worst weeds to get rid of it’s clear that you need a customized effort that addresses exactly what’s going on with your lawn. After all, while we’ve mentioned 5 of the worst weeds in lawns, there are so many others that you might also be dealing with. That’s why you want a weed control company that will address your specific problems and implement an array of weed control solutions.
Plus, as we’ve mentioned, that approach should not only include product but also lawn care services. A full-program that promotes a thick and healthy lawn will make a big difference in beginning to naturally choke out weeds. Many of the weeds that we’ve mentioned (as well as others) perform best in conditions where healthy turf struggles to grow. You also want to start turning your lawn around so that it can begin to perform better and naturally keep weeds away!
While weeds can be a major nuisance, with the right approach to weed control, you can be on your way to getting rid of them and getting back to enjoying your lawn to the fullest!
If you’re considering hiring a professional for your Lansdale or Allentown, PA area lawn care needs, and have more questions, we’re here for you! Get in touch with us to get some free expert advice and learn more about our lawn care program options.
Image Source: Nutsedge, Ground Ivy, Wild Violets
