Most common lawn weeds that plague yards throughout the country are disguised as harmless, almost beautiful, vegetation. But they’re actually wrecking havoc on your grass and must be dealt with immediately to avoid a takeover.When the soil temperature of your lawn reaches a consistent 55 °F, the conditions are optimal for the emergence of common lawn weeds. Depending on where you live, there are several varieties of weeds that can drink up the rich nutrients your lawn needs to grow properly. Here are some of the more common lawn weeds and how to recognize them.
Pretty, but Deadly
- Clover. This perennial features trifoliate leaves, stems that root at the nodes, and white flowers. The leaves typically have a light green v-shaped marking.
- Dandelion. Look for purple stalks that are leafless and feature a single white-puff flower. It spreads by wind blowing seeds form the flower to other areas.
- Crabgrass. This bunching weed is light in color and has coarse blades. As its nodes touch the ground, it will root and spread. Crabgrass weeds flourish in intense sunlight.
Plan of Attack
Because common lawn weeds do most of their growing in the spring and early fall, these are the ideal times to spray herbicide. Make sure your lawn is well established before the application. Once you've mowed your lawn three times, the grass is secure enough to apply herbicide. Selecting a weed and feed - a mixture that feeds good grass and kills common weeds - will save both time and money.
Kelly Richardson has obsessive compulsive lawn disorder and is
afflicted with the need to share his knowledge with the world. Kelly
writes lawn columns for a variety of home and garden magazines and
e-zines.
