During the summer, there are many broadleaf weeds in home lawns. Some look similar to each other and often times these weeds are confused with each other. What are broadleaf weeds? Broadleaf weeds are dicots characterized by their broad leaves and network of veins. Whichever weed your lawn has, broadleaf weed control can help get the results you desire.
Black Medic
Black medic is found in mostly dry and compacted soils, it will grow along the edges of walkways, patios, driveways, etc., or in thin areas of the lawn. It germinates from seeds in the spring and grows throughout June, July and August. This weed can tolerate low mowing heights because of its (low, flat, stretched out) growing pattern, and it is able to grow out to 2 feet in length. While this weed does not fully root into the ground, it does have a very deep taproot that anchors it into the soil. Also, black medic weeds have the ability to make their own nitrogen, which is why they can outcompete turf in low nitrogen soils.
White Clover
White clover begins to grow in the fall when the soil temperatures are between 50 and 60 degrees and remains present annually. Similarly to black medic, white clover is able to tolerate low mowing heights and can produce its own nitrogen making it thrive in low nitrogen soils and therefore out compete turf. White clover forms into a mat-like pattern, meaning the leaves are arranged in threes and occasionally fours (four leaf clover or the classic shamrock shape). Further, the leaves have a white ring towards the bottom of the leaf, which distinguishes it from black medic and oxalis. The root system is similar to
Further, the leaves have a white ring towards the bottom of the leaf, which distinguishes it from black medic and oxalis. The root system is similar to black medic in that it has a deep taproot and spreads by stolons. The flowers that are produced are white with a pink hue formed into a rounded head.
Oxalis
Broadleaf Weed Control
There is a type of preventative treatment for broadleaf weeds; however it is cost prohibited in a residential lawn setting. To control these types of broadleaf weeds, a post-emergent herbicide is used, and there are many different herbicides to choose from. Be sure to follow the directions provided on the label about application.
Other ways to help control broadleaf weeds is through cultural practices. Proper watering, mowing and fertilizating helps keep the lawn vigorously growing and outcompeting the weeds.
Water deeply and infrequently to improve growth of the lawn. To start (underground irrigation systems) water your lawn 1 hour per zone twice per week. For hose-end sprinklers water 2 hours per zone twice per week. Water your lawn between midnight and 6 am. Avoid early evening watering. For a more in-depth description of watering properly, check out this blog article.
Mowing your lawn regularly at a reasonable height is another important practice. We recommend keeping the grass at 3-3 ½ inches in length and only taking 1/3 of the grass blade off at a time. Mowing below recommended grass height aids in depleting the grass of its energy reserves, and also thins the lawn’s canopy and encourages weed growth.
Regularly fertilizing your lawn helps stimulate the growth of the grass plants and outcompete the broadleaf weeds.
Also, regularly seeding bare or thin spots in the lawn will help keep those sections thick and dense to reduce weeds.
Conclusion
Even the best manicured and professionally maintained lawns eventually get some type of weeds. At the end of the day, all three of these weeds can be controlled with good cultural practices and herbicides. If you are unsure on how to treat these types of weeds on your own with a herbicide, choose a professional lawn care company to help. A professional lawn care company like Fairway Green Inc. has access to state-of-the-art tools, techniques and the best products available to produce the highest quality results.
If you are in our service area or have any questions about controlling broadleaf weeds, feel free to contact us at 908-281-7888 or visit our website at www.fairwaygreeninc.com