For North Texas homeowners, weeds are a persistent threat that can quickly take over lawns during the growing season. Professional lawn care services are a dependable option, whether you’re staying ahead of the problem or trying to restore an overrun yard. But if you’re tackling weeds alone without much experience, you can quickly run into problems. So what are the common DIY weed control mistakes you need to avoid?
Common DIY Weed Control Mistakes to Avoid
As many do-it-yourself lawn care enthusiasts know, small mistakes with application or treatment timing can do more harm than good. By avoiding these mistakes you can prevent long-term damage, and allow your turf to thrive.
Not Removing the Weed’s Roots
When attempting to manage weeds, a common mistake is to cut or tear out the plant above the soil line. While this approach does remove the visible weed, it won’t do anything about the roots below the surface! Dandelions and other common weeds will quickly regrow when a small amount of the root is left behind.
Using the Wrong Type of Weed Control Products
Lawn care beginners are often unaware of the different types of weed control products required to maintain healthy, resilient turf. For example, pre-emergent herbicides prevent seeds from sprouting, post-emergents will eliminate existing weeds, and non-selective products will kill healthy grass and flowers. A top benefit of hiring a weed control professional is their experience in properly using commercial weed control products.
Applying Products at the Wrong Time
Timing is an often-overlooked aspect of weed control herbicide application. To prevent annual weed outbreaks, pre-emergent herbicides must be applied before seeds germinate. However, potential DIY weed control mistakes don’t end there. For example, using products before heavy rainfall can wash away herbicides before they can be absorbed. Hiring professionals will also ensure that you don’t overuse products and unintentionally prevent healthy growth.
Not Identifying Weed Types
Treating all weed types the same can lead to ineffective treatments and even damage the healthy lawn. To effectively control the weeds that emerge across your lawn, you will need to identify the type of plant (such as recognizing the difference between nutsedge and grassy weeds). Treatments used to tackle these weeds will vary—adjusting the treatment approach for annual and perennial weeds, for instance.
Not Committing to Long-Term Weed Prevention
Unfortunately, one-time treatments are often not enough to control weeds over the long term. Eliminating weeds with lasting results typically requires an ongoing plan that combines a weed control treatment and prevention service, aeration, and lawn fertilization. Such a comprehensive approach leads to a healthy, dense lawn that is resilient to weed growth, pests and other common issues.
Contact Us for Professional Weed Control Services in North Texas
If you’re constantly dealing with unwanted plants on your lawn, Green Top Lawn Care is here to help. We provide reliable weed control, lawn fertilization and other vital services to maintain your turf’s health. Call (817) 684-4044, or request a free weed control quote now.
