While most plants go dormant during the winter, some weeds take advantage of the season to grow and spread. Without a proactive lawn care plan, they can crowd out healthy grass and leave bare spots when temperatures rise. So how can you take the necessary steps to keep winter weeds under control? Here are some reliable tips for controlling weeds in your North Texas lawn.
Top Winter Weed Prevention Tips for a Healthy Lawn
The easiest and most reliable way to prevent weeds is to hire a lawn care company for support. Lawn care professionals can develop a plan that’s customized to your lawn and the local conditions, based on the following strategies.
Prepare Your Lawn in Fall Before Winter Weeds Arrive
Weak grass is vulnerable to invasive weeds that compete for sunlight, water and nutrients. Aeration breaks up compacted soil by punching small holes that allow fertilizer and water to reach grass roots more effectively. Aerating in the fall gives your soil a boost before winter weeds try to move in.
Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicide at the Right Time
Before soil temperatures drop too low in winter, you can apply a pre-emergent herbicide suitable for your grass type. In North Texas, the most common grasses are Bermuda, St. Augustine or zoysia. An even application of herbicide is important for preventing winter weeds like chickweed, henbit, rescuegrass and annual bluegrass.
Feed Your Lawn With Winter Fertilizer
Applying lawn fertilizer in late fall strengthens roots and prepares them for the colder temperatures. With a slow-release fertilizer, grass receives vital nutrients throughout the winter dormancy. This type of seasonal lawn care treatment is important for keeping turf healthy and preventing weeds from becoming established.
Keep Up With Regular Lawn Maintenance
Occasional mowing before winter begins ensures that weeds don’t get a head start. You may also need to water occasionally during dry spells to reduce drought stress. Light maintenance at this time keeps your turf healthy and able to outcompete winter weeds. Your lawn care provider can advise on the best maintenance practices for your specific turf.
Remove Winter Weeds Before They Spread
Inspecting your lawn during the winter months can help you spot patches of weeds before they flower. A post-emergent herbicide is an effective treatment for any weeds that do survive the earlier steps. Professionals use high-quality herbicides that won’t harm your healthy grass.
Plan Ahead for Spring Lawn Care
Seasonal weed control and prevention services keep your turf in great shape year-round. As the weather warms up in early spring, you’ll want to be prepared for pre-emergent treatments that prevent warm-season weeds (such as crabgrass), followed by a spring fertilizer application. Your lawn care provider can create a schedule suitable for every threat to your turf’s health.
Trusted Winter Weed Prevention in North Texas
Green Top Lawn Care provides weed control and prevention services for homes in North Texas. Our lawn care specialists use expert treatments and techniques to keep your turf free from weeds. Call (817) 684-4044 or request a free weed control quote.
