Wisconsin has a humid continental climate, meaning its winters are harsh and cold, and summers are warm and humid. That kind of climate is a magnet for multiple types of pesky weeds to sneak into your lawn. Unwanted weeds can infiltrate your once-pristine lawn through a multitude of sneaky pathways. Wind and birds play courier to seeds, dispersing them with every gust or flap. Your seemingly innocent lawn equipment, those bags of grass seed, and even the organic soil enhancements you introduce can unwittingly harbor these pesky invaders. Your shoes, clothes, or furry companions might unwittingly become carriers, bringing in these unwanted guests.
The good news is you're not powerless in this battle. Many ways exist to keep weeds out of your lawn and achieve that lush green lawn of your dreams. One of the best ways to combat lawn weeds is to familiarize yourself with them and take care of them before they really become a problem.
Lawn weeds are simply plants that grow where they are not wanted, specifically in areas intended for turfgrass. They can be broadleaf weeds with wide, flat leaves or grassy weeds that resemble your desired turfgrass. Another type of weed to watch out for is sedges, perennial weeds with thin, grass-like blades but lack the hollow stems characteristic of true grasses. These botanical interlopers compete with your lawn for vital resources like water, sunlight, and nutrients. Left unchecked, they can mar the aesthetic appeal of your lawn and even hinder the growth of your desired grass species.
Examples of common lawn weeds found in Wisconsin include the following:
Broadleaf Plantain: Broadleaf plantain is a perennial weed commonly found in lawns and gardens in Wisconsin. It has broad, oval leaves with a smooth edge.
Creeping Charlie: Creeping Charlie, also known as ground ivy, is a perennial weed common in lawns, gardens, and other areas. It is a mint family member with small, heart-shaped leaves and blue or purple flowers.
Purslane: Purslane is an annual weed that resembles baby jade plants. The weed is best identified by its fleshy, succulent leaves with yellow flowers and its tendency to show up in highly disturbed areas.
Crabgrass: Crabgrass is an annual weed and is the most common weed in Wisconsin. The leaves of crabgrass appear broader than grass blades and grow in clumps close to the ground.
Annual Bluegrass: Annual bluegrass, also known as Poa annua, is an annual grassy lawn weed that is often mistaken for Kentucky bluegrass, but its lighter green shade and patchy growth set it apart.
How Do Weeds Invade Your Lawn
Weeds boast a remarkable arsenal of strategies for establishing themselves in your lawn. Here are some of the most common culprits:
Windblown Seeds: Many weeds, like dandelions and crabgrass, reproduce prolifically via lightweight seeds that can easily travel long distances on the wind. A single gust can deposit hundreds of these tiny invaders onto your lawn, waiting for the right conditions to germinate.
Animal Dispersal: Animals like birds and squirrels can carry weed seeds in their fur or digestive tracts, depositing them throughout your yard as they move around.
Contaminated Mulch or Soil: Low-quality mulch or topsoil can harbor dormant weed seeds, which can then sprout when incorporated into your lawn during planting or landscaping projects.
Controlling Lawn Weeds
Tackling those stubborn weeds in your garden involves a diverse arsenal of strategies tailored to the specific type of weed, the extent of the infestation, and your personal preferences. Here's a rundown of some of the most tried-and-true methods for weed control:
Hand-pulling: Nothing beats the effectiveness of getting your hands dirty for a small-scale weed intervention. Though it demands time and effort, hand-pulling is a potent approach.
Mowing: While mowing won't eradicate weeds entirely, it does a commendable job of reigning them in. This technique is particularly handy for keeping grassy weeds in check, ensuring a neater landscape.
Herbicides: These chemical warriors are engineered to conquer weeds. A plethora of herbicide options exist, so pinpointing the right one for your specific weed adversary is crucial.
Smothering: Envision a blanket of darkness suffocating unwanted growth. Smothering involves employing tarps, cardboard, or similar materials to cut off sunlight, eventually putting an end to weeds. Just note, this method requires a bit of patience as it might take weeks or even months to see full results.
Biocontrol: Nature's own soldiers step onto the battlefield here. Utilizing insects or other organisms to wage war on weeds is a novel yet increasingly popular strategy. It's a biological approach that's gaining traction.
In your quest for a weed-free haven, remember that the ultimate power lies in a strategic combination of these techniques. By harmonizing various methods, you'll eradicate the current weed invasion and craft a defense system that deters future incursions. It's a symphony of control, where different intervention notes unite to orchestrate a triumphant victory against those unwelcome intruders.
Preventing Weeds
The best method of controlling lawn weeds is to prevent them from happening in the first place. By using these methods, you can make your lawn inhabitable to weeds. These methods include:
Aerating your lawn regularly. This method helps improve drainage and reduce the amount of thatch in your lawn. Thatch is a layer of dead and decaying organic matter that can build up over time, creating an ideal environment for weeds. Aeration can be done by renting an aerator from a home improvement store, using liquid aeration, or hiring a professional.
Mowing your lawn regularly. This will help to keep the grass healthy and growing evenly, making it less susceptible to weed invasion. Mow your lawn to the recommended height for your type of grass, usually 2-3 inches height.
Watering your lawn deeply and infrequently. This method helps grass roots grow deep, making them less dependent on surface moisture, which weeds prefer. Watering your lawn deeply once or twice a week rather than shallowly daily keeps turfgrass strong and weeds out.
Fertilize your lawn according to the manufacturer's instructions. This tried and true method is essential in helping the grass grow strong and healthy, making it less susceptible to weed invasion. Fertilizing your lawn in the spring and fall when the grass is actively growing will make it inhabitable to weeds.
Remove weeds as soon as you see them. This method prevents weeds from seeding and spreading. If you see a weed, pull it out by the roots. You may also need to use a herbicide if the weed is large or has a deep taproot.
Consider using a pre-emergent herbicide. This type of herbicide will kill weed seeds before they have a chance to germinate. Using the appropriate pre-emergent herbicides is important to combat the weeds that invade your lawn. Pre-emergent herbicides are typically applied in the spring before weeds start to germinate.
Preventing weeds requires a multi-pronged approach and consistent effort. Implementing these preventive measures and maintaining a healthy lawn can significantly reduce weed problems and create a beautiful, thriving green space. Remember, a healthy lawn is the best defense against unwanted invaders!
