If you have thistles in your lawn, then you know what a painful subject they can be. That’s because thistles are covered with prickly protrusions that hurt when they come into contact with your skin. You won’t want to walk barefoot on your lawn, and your kids certainly won’t want to play out there if there’s a danger of being pricked by this invader. Unfortunately, thistles are difficult to get rid of. The news only gets worse from here. Some varieties of thistles release noxious chemicals into the soil that can curb the growth of other plants. This reserves more sunlight, water, and nutrients for them.
The roots of the thistle are notoriously tough. Sometimes, they can establish an elaborate root network that makes them virtually impossible to control. The good news is that lawn maintenance professionals have the tools to stop thistles in their tracks. A well-established, mature thistle may be controlled by being repeatedly cut to the ground. This has to be done several times, but eventually, the plant gives up because it just can’t get the sun it needs.
Applying an herbicide may also be helpful. This is most effectively done late in the summer or the first few weeks of the fall. The herbicide is applied directly to the rosettes on the weed, which may ensure that it doesn’t return the following year. If you are dealing with a serious thistle infestation, such as several plants in a section of your yard, we may recommend cutting back and then heavily mulching the area. After several months to one year, the area can be covered with new turf. This method takes time, but it produces great results. Some homeowners even leave the mulch in place, putting some soil over it to create a new garden.
Once a thistle is dead or dying, it’s necessary to address the issues that allowed the weed to take root in the first place. The best way to keep thistles out of your grass is by ensuring that your lawn is thick, luxurious, and vigorous. The healthier your lawn is, the less likely you are to be bothered by thistles in the future. If you are having trouble with thistles, call and sign up for our Fertilization and Weed Control services. We service homes and businesses throughout Southlake, Bedford, Grapevine, and beyond.
