Weed Control
Preemergent Herbicides
The thaw of
spring begins the growing season for grass and weeds
alike. Weeds severely diminish both the health and
the appearance of your lawn. Although weeds do not
directly kill off grass, they do cause a battle for
water, nutrients, sunlight, and growing space.
Typically, weeds are overtly aggressive plants with an exceptionally high reproduction rate. Some aspects of regular lawn maintenance, although necessary for a healthy lawn, also create new opportunities for weeds to invade your turf. Dethatching and aerating your can create small patches of open soil that are readily overtaken by weeds. Aerating should be postponed until fall when weed seed germination is at a minimum, but excessive thatch (over 1/2 inch thick) causes a poor growing environment for grass roots and a favorable environment for pests and disease; therefore it must removed each spring to ensure a healthy environment for your grass. The best way to combat weeds after dethatching in the spring is to apply an organic based fertilizer and a preemergent herbicide.
Preemergent herbicides fight off those unsightly weeds before they have a chance to take over your lawn by forming a protective barrier in the top inch of soil which helps prevent crabgrass and other weeds from sprouting and continues to protect your lawn throughout the season. The most common weeds found in Michigan are dandelions, ground ivy, knotweed, buckhorn, and crabgrass. One crabgrass plant is capable of producing thousands of seeds, which are tracked from yard to yard by the wind, animals, and even people so annual Preemergent applications are the best way to ensure a beautiful, weed free lawn year after year.
Common Weed Photo Gallery
Click an image below to see larger view.
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Dandelions