Terra-Green follows the principles of Integrated Pest Management when dealing with weed infestations. The foundation of this approach is to create a healthy and competitive of turfgrass that can out-compete weeds and tolerating minor insect feeding. Focus is placed on the environmental conditions that the turfgrass grows in. - Your soil needs to have the proper amount of fertility, an aeration program, and proper soil pH.
- Without good soil your lawn will not compete well with weeds. Our programs are designed to encourage healthy soil for your grass enviroment.
- Also a critical point if you hope to maintain a thick, beautiful lawn is to water your lawn properly. Over watering or under watering of a lawn can lead to weak turf and weed infestation.
- Mow at the right height. your mowing height should be up at 2.5” to 3.5” and try to mow once per week.
- Mowing too short can encourage weed infestations so try to only remove no more than 1/3 of the leaf blade.
- Scalping your lawn by cutting too short or waiting too long between cuts can set back a lawn for weeks.
Consider hand-pulling the weeds. Two people and a couple good weed pullers can go a long way to aiding the overall health of your lawn. After hand-pulling, it is strongly recommended to overseed the bare soil areas left from pulling the weeds and apply a starter fertilizer. This will help stop weed seeds from getting re-established in these spots. This type of weed control will only address the present weed problem, but will not address the source of the problem. Simply hand weeding does not prevent new weeds from getting established. Hand-pulling is considered simply one part of the whole approach, which includes regular feedings and core aeration. Regarding Weed Control With Herbicides A broadleaf weed herbicide application, if done properly, is very effective, fast acting, and affordable. We follow the principals of IPM and use technology that allows us to spot treat weeds efficiently. This means a significant reduction in the amount of pesticides used. The need for follow-up applications will be determined by weed type (more tenacious weeds will require multiple applications), and the general condition and health of the turf. We discourage the "weed control only" applications because weeds are often a symptom of poor soil conditions, and if the soil compaction, fertility, or watering are not being managed properly, then the weeds will simply return. Applying a "pre-emergent" control will not control existing weeds. They inhibit future weed germination. Pre-emergent herbicides are often used to control crabgrass. The pre-emergent herbicides must be applied before the weed seeds germinate. They only work for a limited time period of approximately 45 to 60 days, with variable results, based on environmental conditions. | 