We are reaching that time of year again when everyone is eager to get their yards ready for summer, thus starting the season’s battle against weeds and other lawn problems. Common weeds include dandelions, crabgrass, quackgrass, and foxtails. The battle of these weeds can seem never ending but fear not, knowing how to manage them can make the battle manageable. There are two types of weeds common in lawns – broadleaf and grassy weeds; some of which are easily treated with pre-emergent herbicides, while others will need annual treatment.

Broadleaf weeds have veiny leaves and typically produce a flower. These weeds include dandelions, bindweed, prostrate knotweed, and thistle. Because of the distinct leaves and the flowers produced, these weeds are often easily noticed in the yard. Though pretty, broadleaf weeds such as ground ivy, also known as Creeping Charlie, can steal nitrogen from the turfgrass in your yard. Broadleaf weeds also tend to have taproots which are extremely long and can make pulling them a losing battle. These weeds can be prolific spreaders as well, due to the rate at which seeds are produced. Think of dandelions; the seeds produced by the flower are often spread about by the wind or children and pets running through the yard. Another abundant spreader, the Yellow Woodsorrel, has a cannon-like seed dispersal method which shoots seeds out to scatter in multiple directions.

Grassy weeds spread by seeds, creeping above or below ground by spreading root systems. This type of weed looks like grass and has long thin leaves with parallel-running veins. Common grassy weeds include tall fescue, quackgrass, crabgrass, and foxtails. Grassy weeds can be more difficult to control if they are perennials. Perennial weeds grow for two or more years, and annual weeds grow for only one year. In the case of grassy weeds, it can sometimes be easier and more cost effective to just live with them in the yard.

Knowing if the weed you are battling is an annual or a perennial can be helpful with control practices. Annual weeds are easily controlled by a pre-emergent herbicide. This herbicide is applied before the weed seed germinates and prevents the weed from emerging. Most pre-emergents should be applied two weeks before the weed germinates. When it comes to applying these chemicals, always refer to the label and follow the directions. The label will always include how to apply the pre-emergent, when to apply it, and other useful information.

Another form of herbicide control is post-emergent. These herbicides are applied once the weed has germinated and is present in the yard. Post-emergent herbicides have active ingredients such as 2,4-D, which are used against broadleaf weeds, such as dandelions. Always read the label and follow the directions before applying any herbicide, even if you have used it for years, as the chemical formulas could have changed.

Avoid over spraying your yard with any herbicide or pesticide. This is a case where more does not mean better. Herbicides work best when they are applied according to the label. When applying any chemical ensure that you are wearing the proper protective clothing. Do not spray your yard in shorts and flip flops; instead, wear long pants and closed toed shoes, and a long sleeve shirt. Consult the label if you need to wear any other protective equipment such as a mask.

Not wanting to use a chemical in the yard? Try cultural methods of control. This method is often more effective in controlling weeds than chemical applications. Cultural methods often address the root cause of the weeds’ presence rather than fighting them after the problem starts. Practices, such as mowing at three inches and delaying fertilizer applications until Memorial Day, help control weeds such as quackgrass. Prevent weed seeds from being dispersed throughout your yard by not dethatching until grass is actively growing. Dethatching early also exposes dormant weed seeds to sunlight, resulting in germination. Delay lawn watering until the grass is out of dormancy, the ground is warm, and has good drainage. Watering too early can result in shallow root systems. Water the grass deeply and infrequently to encourage strong and deep root systems.

You are now armed and ready to battle the weeds in your lawn, whether it be with herbicides or cultural methods. Though, sometimes the easiest way to battle the weeds is to not battle them at all. No, it does not make a perfect lawn, but who is to say that those dandelions are not just pretty flowers out of place?