Getting rid of weeds in the spring is no easy task. While you may tear them all up by the roots, it usually only takes a few days for them to pop back up all over the lawn. Fortunately, there are a few landscaping tips you can follow to keep these intruders at bay. Take a closer look at the following guide to determine where best to start. 

Why Are Weeds Hard to Control?

1. They’re Perennials

Perennials are a category of plant that blooms every year. They may appear to die off during the winter, but they grow back the moment the outdoor temperatures warm up. Rather than pulling them out year after year, try using a post-emergent herbicide. The product should be applied as the weeds are growing, in order to effectively kill the entire root system.

2. Products Contain the Wrong Proportions

Weed control products that require mixing are sensitive to specific proportions. Combining too little or too much could lower the substance's effectiveness and allow the plants to grow back. 

Pay attention to the amounts you use, and give the bottle a thorough shake to blend the contents before every use. Store any remaining mixture in a tightly sealed jar to prevent particulates from caking up the sprayer nozzle.  We suggest to clean out the sprayer after each use with warm soapy water.  Try to avoid mixing too much, as the shelf life of mixed products are generally significantly less than the concentrate.

3. Neighboring Lawns Aren't Treated

If your neighbors don’t treat their lawns for weeds, then the seeds that develop could easily blow over into your yard. It only takes a few days for these new additions to take root and make an appearance on various points of the property. Applying a pre-emergent herbicide in the spring should preserve the health of your lawn. It will stop the seeds from germinating and keep roots from taking hold.  We suggest using a preemergent on both lawns and in flower beds.  Preemergents will not allow new weeds to root.  They will however, allow already rooted plants (or weeds) to come through.  Scratching the surface will void the protective barrier.

4. Weed Control Products Are Applied at Incorrect Times

Weed control is also sensitive to the current climate. If it’s too cold, the plants go dormant and no longer take in surrounding moisture from the earth. When it's warm, the seeds are likely germinating and continuing to gain strength.  When its too hot or a drought weeds often thrive.  They spend the night growing and the day being dormant.  Often in the heat of the summber the best time to appy herbicides are early in the morning or late in the evening.  Preemergents are suggested a couple times a year.  The earlier in the spring the better.  Carefully monitor when a thaw is projected to begin and spread the product during a more moderate week.

If you need help controlling the weeds on your property, the experts at Ohio Green Works LLC in Waynesville, OH, can help. This locally owned landscaping company has over a decade of experience serving customers throughout South Dayton and offers a wide range of lawn care services. From lawn mowing to snow removal, they maintain a fleet of quality equipment and are committed to creating customized solutions for every property. Call (937) 550-6446 to request a free estimate, or visit their website for additional information on their landscaping services.