Maintaining a beautiful yard free of weeds requires a proactive approach. Some weeds can produce up to 30,000 seeds in one season, making it almost impossible to stop a weed problem once it starts. And when weeds start taking root, they’ll compete with your grass for sunlight, water, and nutrients. Learn how to prevent weeds from growing and keep your lawn in the best condition.
Maintain a Healthy Lawn to Crowd Out Weeds
How do you stop weeds from growing? By keeping your lawn nice and healthy. Preventing weeds from starting is much more effective than trying to get rid of them, and by creating conditions where they can’t grow, you can reduce the need for any weed control measures.
A lawn that is healthy and dense is your best defense. To keep your lawn healthy, follow these expert tips:
- Mow to the proper height. Keep your grass between two and a half to three and a half inches (for most grass types). If your grass is taller, it’ll shade the soil and block any sunlight from reaching any weed seeds that might’ve found a home in your grass. If you mow too short, it weakens the grass and makes it vulnerable.
- Water efficiently. Water your grass once or twice a week so the soil has time to dry out. If you water too much, you can actually promote weed growth since they thrive in moist conditions.
- Set a fertilization schedule. Regular fertilization promotes healthy grass and gives your lawn the nutrients it needs to ward off weeds. Use a slow-release fertilizer during the weed season in your climate zone.
Best Ways to Stop Weeds from Growing in Bare Spots
How do you stop weeds from growing in bare spots? Start by applying a thick layer of mulch or compost to your lawn and garden beds. Covering the bare areas with compost blocks the sunlight, which makes it harder for the weed seeds to sprout. Organic mulch is an even better option because it blocks weeds and also improves soil health for your grass.
Next, plant the grass seed as soon as possible. This will minimize the space that the weeds have to start growing, allowing your grass to absorb all the available nutrients. After planting your grass, treat the bare spot with a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent weed seeds from germinating.
After replanting the grass seed, keep the soil consistently moist until the grass reaches around two inches in height. At that point, you can begin reducing watering gradually and prepare for the first mowing. If you need assistance with lawn care services, contact a professional like Lawn Pride® today!
Improve Soil Health to Prevent Weeds
Improving your soil’s health is essential when learning how to stop weeds from growing. You can start with lawn aeration. This loosens the soil that gets compacted over time, allowing nutrients, water, and air to reach the grass roots again.
Improve the soil structure by adding organic matter. Add matter like grass clippings and compost to enrich the soil. Once you’ve done that, conduct some soil testing to understand the nutrient levels and the pH for your grass to grow best. Make the needed adjustments to reach a pH of around 6.0 to 7.0.
Weed Prevention Through Proper Lawn Care Practices
Following a seasonal lawn care schedule is the best way to control weeds in your lawn. In the spring, focus on applying a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent the weeds from germinating.
In the summer, keep up with routine mowing while maintaining a consistent watering schedule and monitor your yard for early weed sprouts.
In the fall, aerate and overseed your grass. Apply a slow-release fertilizer to prepare it for the winter months. Since grass might not be growing in the winter, clear leaves and debris and ensure the weeds are not given a favorable environment to grow in.
Why Lawn Pride for Weed Prevention Services?
Homeowners who want to learn more about how to prevent weeds from growing can turn to Lawn Pride. We offer expert weed prevention services tailored to meet your specific needs. Each lawn and weed is unique, and we offer customized plans to keep your lawn looking its best year around.
When choosing Lawn Pride, you can rest assured all our work is backed by our Neighborly Done Right Promise™, which ensures your satisfaction.
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This article is intended for general guidance only and may not apply to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and your situation. Lawn Pride is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of any advice or guidance derived from blog content. For the most accurate guidance, contact an independently owned and operated Lawn Pride for more information and a professional on-site assessment.