Weed Facts
Weeds are an unwelcome sight for any homeowner. As they spread, they are also competing for the same sunlight and nutrients that your grass needs causing your lawn to become stressed. The overpowering, nutrient-depleting nature of weeds is what makes them an enemy of any lawn. We prevent the initial growth of weeds with pre-emergent treatments and manage existing problems with targeted, customized control.
Our lawn care programs not only help rid your lawn of weeds but helps to prevent future problems. Improper mowing and watering practices, not fertilizing correctly and poor soil conditions all contribute to the decline of healthy grass allowing weeds to thrive. With our fertilization and weed control services, you’ll be able to get rid of the most common weeds in Maryland and Northern Virginia.
Crabgrass
Crabgrass is an annual weed that germinates during spring and summer. A single crabgrass plant can produce 150,000 seeds during the growing season so it can be very difficult to control. Left untreated, crabgrass will take over an entire lawn killing off the existing turf and causing issues with erosion in the winter when it dies off. Although this pesky weed is very difficult to control once it has germinated, specialized products can be used to help eliminate it.
Nutsedge
Nutsedge is known for sticking out like a sore thumb by growing very quickly and much taller than the average grass. Nutsedge is easy to identify by its triangular-shaped blades that are often bright green. This weed is difficult to control because it is a type of grass and common weed control products may not work. It cannot be prevented with pre-emergent and has to be treated once emerged with a specialized product.
Dandelions
These little yellow weeds are very common and seem to be present in nearly every lawn in Maryland and Northern Virginia. Dandelions are a perennial weed that spreads seeds prolifically. The flowers of the dandelion are bright yellow and later dry to become the familiar white balls of fluff that easily blow in the wind. A single plant can spread seeds over hundreds of yards. Pre-emergents used in late winter or early spring will prevent dandelions from emerging. The best way to eliminate dandelions by maintaining a thick, lush lawn.
Clover
Most lawns have clover present in them. Although there are many varieties of clover, all have three round leaflets sitting on the end of a long stalk. The weeds will also have round white or pink flowers on them. The presence of this weed is a good indicator that your soil is lacking in nitrogen…since it produces its own nitrogen will thrive in lawns that are under-nourished.
Chickweed
Chickweed is a very common weed and is fairly easy to recognize…if you look very closely you will discover that there are five petals on each of the flowers. Each petal has a very deep lobe and it makes it look like the chickweed flower has ten petals. It has a very shallow root system and will pull up rather easily. This is considered a winter weed and will die on its own when temperatures warm up in the spring. Since traditional weed control products do not work as well in cold months, it is best to let this weed die on its own and will disappear after the first few mowings of the year.
Thistle
Thistle is a perennial weed that has sharp, prickly leaves (sometimes with lilac-pink flowers). This weed spreads rapidly through its aggressive root system and ability to scatter thousands of seeds during a short period of time.
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