Weeds make your lawn unkempt and unattractive. If you don’t eliminate them, they can take over your lawn. Broadleaf weeds are common nuisances, and they require special treatment to eradicate. Learn how to kill your broadleaf weeds safely and effectively.
What are Broadleaf Weeds?
Broadleaves are botanically classified as dicotyledons which simply means that the seeds have two leaves when they germinate. You can identify a broadleaf because it has net-like veins in the leaves, and it usually has showy flowers. Plantain, clover, beggarweed, chickweed, dandelion, and matchweed are a few of the common broadleaf weeds that infiltrate Florida lawns.
Broadleaves are perennials, so they live for 3 or more years if not eradicated. Most reproduce using seeds, but some can reproduce through their roots, rhizomes, tubers, or bulbs.
Prevent Broadleaf-Weed Infestation
There are several facets to controlling broadleaf-weed infestations. Properly managing your lawn is a great first step to prevent the weeds from taking hold. Once they do appear, however, herbicides can eliminate them.
According to the University of Florida, there are several things you can do to prevent weeds from germinating in your lawn. Sod your lawn with the proper turf. If your lawn is shaded, use sod that does well in shade. Trim and thin trees to allow in more sunlight. Otherwise, the grass will be thin and weak, providing a haven for weeds to come in and take over.
If you choose the right turf, however, your lawn will grow thick and dense. This will leave no room for weeds, and it will prevent sunlight from getting to the weed seedlings, thereby stopping their growth from the beginning.
Weeds take advantage of weak spots in your lawn, so it’s important to keep your lawn watered and fertilized. Unsharpened mower blades can damage your lawn which provides the ideal conditions for weeds to move in.
Don’t spread the seeds around. If weeds appear, bag the clippings and dispose of them elsewhere. Wash off mowers and trimmers after you use them to stop seed dispersal. Wash off mowers and other lawn-care equipment when moving from one part of the yard to another.
Broadleaf Herbicides
Herbicides are safe to use as long as you follow the instructions, and they are very effective. Selective herbicides will kill the weeds without harming the turf.
Some herbicides work based on contact while others are systemic. Contact herbicides only harm the plant where it comes into contact with it. They don’t get into the vascular system and kill the entire plant, so the roots will survive. Systemic herbicides, however, enter the vascular system and get transported throughout the plant. They will kill the entire plant. Roundup is an example of a systemic herbicide. Systemic herbicides take longer to work, usually a couple weeks.
The most effective herbicides for broadleaves are those used during cooler weather.They are more effective and less stressful to desirable turf.These products need to be applied every 4 weeks to maintain control of the weeds.
Broadleaf weeds are an unsightly nuisance, but you can easily eradicate them with proper management and regular control. Contact us today to see how we can help you get rid of broadleaf weeds.
