Why do weeds thrive

Given the right conditions, weeds will be all too happy to invade your turf. Some of the most common growth areas include:. Anywhere compacted soil can be found. Thinning areas of the lawn. Overly sunny or shady locations. Areas where the lawn meets concrete e.

These areas are particularly vulnerable to infestation because there is simply not enough healthy, nutrient-rich soil or grass present to crowd out aggressive weeds. Since the majority of local properties feature at least one or several of the problem areas listed above, many homeowners struggle with maintaining a weed-free lawn all year round. Homeowners can keep weeds at bay and enjoy a pristine yard by following the tips below:. Invest in weed control.

Weed control works by its ability to mimic natural growth hormones, called auxins, that are found in broadleaf plants. Miller explained that energy helps the shoots grow very quickly. This makes perennial weeds particularly hard to control. Dandelions are one kind of perennial.

Each dandelion fuzz ball has as many as seeds that travel in the wind. How many dandelions do you think you have in your lawn? If there are 50 plants, just think of those 50, new dandelions that can sprout from all those seeds.

While they may be bullies to plants, weeds have also inspired some interesting ideas. You never know what might inspire a great idea or when that idea will strike. Enter your Neighborhood Discount Code. Weeds are opportunistic plants and will grow just about anywhere they can find space to send down roots and send up their top growth.

I am sure you have seen weeds growing in the cracks of sidewalks or along the seam between the street and the gutters. You can even see weeds growing along expressways. The same is true when it comes to weeds growing in your lawn. They will grow best in the places that provide the best conditions for them to germinate.

Turning or tilling soil can bring up weed seeds that can germinate when exposed to sunlight, even after many years. Aerating a weedy lawn without follow-up weed control can make weeds worse. What to do: Follow up any digging with pre-emergent applications in the disturbed areas.

What to do: Try to address changes if possible and use appropriate herbicides for the weeds that grow there. No herbicide can control every weed, and the herbicide must be chosen based on the target weeds. If the wrong herbicide type is used, the weeds just keep growing.

What to do: Every herbicide by law lists weeds controlled, make sure the weeds you want to control are on the list. Also be sure that you select the right type of herbicide: Selective herbicides are designed to kill weeds and hopefully not grass. Non-selective herbicides will kill anything green. Pre-emergent herbicides prevent the germination of seeds. They are non-selective as they can prevent the germination of all seeds, including desirable grass or flower seeds.

Post-emergent herbicides are used on existing weeds.