Tips on Operation - Weeding

Two types of weeds show up in lawns: broadleaf weeds and grassy weeds. Dandelions and thistle are broadleaf weeds. Basically, any plant growing in the lawn that does not resemble grass is a broadleaf weed. Crabgrass and goosegrass are examples of grassy weeds.

If your lawn is full of weeds, the best solution is to use a broadcast herbicide to kill them. This can be accomplished with a product like Ortho Weed-B-Gon MAX Weed Killer for Lawns or a "weed and feed" product like Scotts Turf Builder with Plus 2 Weed Control. Remember to read and follow label directions.

A few weeds can be pulled up by hand, but many will grow right back because of their deep tap root. It may appear that the entire weed was pulled out, but the tap root simply breaks and what is left in the soil sprouts new weed growth above the soil. To kill the entire weed, use a product that will kill broadleaf weeds and not harm the grass, like Ortho Weed-B-Gon.

Grassy weeds are a bit tougher to control. Typically, grassy weeds like crabgrass die in the fall and drop thousands of seeds that germinate the following spring. This is why a crabgrass preventer is recommended in the spring.

The best defense against weeds is a thick lawn that is properly cared for and never scalped by mowing. A thick lawn will choke out weeds and never allow them a place to establish in the lawn.