Stopping Weeds in Lawns

Weeds are the bane of property owners the world over. A weed by true definition is any plant that is growing where the beholder feels is out of place. There are practical things that can be done in any yard to keep the lawn virtually free of weeds. I said virtually because having totally weed-free landscape is impractical and unreasonable. The ecosystem of the earth is designed to fill barren land with plants. It is a natural way that the soil, heat, light, wind, and water produces an environment for life. Plants provide habitat, oxygen, reduce soil erosion, and much more beneficial things for animal and human life on earth. But as caretakers of the earth it is our responsibility to give the planet some order and balance. Preventing and stopping weeds in lawns from running amuck is part beautifying the planet. The ideal thing is for plants that are weeds in one situation to grow elsewhere in more ideal circumstances for the particular plant.

The very best way to keep a lawn free of weeds is to practice weed prevention methods. As we know prevention is worth a pound of cure. Preventing weeds from settling into the lawn does not require toxic synthetic herbicides. Stopping weeds in lawns requires that you plant the appropriate lawn grass seed for the area where the lawn will be installed. The very best grass to plant is native grass that grows naturally in the land where the lawn will be established and that can be used as turfgrass. The more ideal grass you grow in the area, especially the most ideal native grass, the more the lawn will naturally crowd out an invasion of weeds. In warm climates you need to plant warm-season grass and in cool climates allow cool-season grass to grow best. Make sure that the main grass type of the lawn is a perennial grass and not an annual grass. Annual grass grows only for one season while perennial grass grows for years. Very important, make sure that the soil pH and consistency (clayey, loamy, sandy, or silty) is the type that can sustain the grass seed you intend to plant or else you will loose the struggle against the weeds. Soil fertilization should be adequate for the grass type. Too little and too much soil fertility will invite weeds also. If you intend on planting sod make sure that the soil is properly prepared by removing all weed remnants.