How to Get Rid of Weeds in Your Grass

You've probably seen a lawn in your neighborhood and wondered why their grass looks so good. It looks like a perfect green carpet across the yard. If you look close you'll probably find there are little to no weeds in their grass. They are using some type of weed control to get rid of weeds in their grass.

​Weed control is one of the most important parts of getting your lawn to look that good. Why does weed control matter and how can you get rid of weeds in your grass? Keep reading to find out.

Controlling Weeds in Your Grass Areas

​Weed control is a vital part of growing healthy grass and a lush lawn. It can also be one of the most difficult and time-consuming parts as well.

One thing you need to understand before you start any weed control efforts is that weed control is a long game. Controlling weeds in your grass is an ongoing battle and it takes time. It's important to stick with the process, you aren't going to see results overnight. It often takes years to reach the point of having that green-carpet grass you want, especially if you are starting out with a yard that's never been treated.
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Many homeowners get frustrated and give up after only a couple of treatments. This is a mistake and a waste of money. If you are going to invest in controlling weeds in your grass, you need to stick with it, or save your money and don't do it at all. It will take months or years to get your grass to look like those perfect yards. Once you do get it to that point though, it is simply a matter of maintaining it.

Weed control is an ongoing process. The battle will never be completely over and there's no such thing as 100% weed-free. Even in those perfect lawns, if you look through them, you'll find one or two tiny weeds that managed to pop. This is why ongoing weed control is important. You prevent as many weeds as possible and then address the few weeds that do pop up as needed.

Now that you understand the things to be aware of before you start, lets discuss briefly why controlling weeds in your grass is important.

Why Weed Control Matters

Spraying treatment for lawn weeds

Weeds in your grass cause a number of issues for the turf. These issues can be both aesthetic and health related. Here are some of the reasons weeds make your lawn look bad. 

Weeds Look Bad

Lawns that are made up mainly of one type of grass have a uniform appearance across the yard. The grass will grow at the same rate and it all looks the same. This is how you get that green carpet look.

Weeds in the grass disrupt this uniformity. Weeds grow faster than turf. They also have very different appearances. This is what makes weeds such a visual pest. They break the uniform surface of the turf.

​Having different types of grass in the lawn will also cause this issue. Different types of turf grass look different and grow at different rates.

Weeds Choke the Grass

Many weeds have large, broad leaves, and they grow faster than the grass. This leads to the grass being robbed of sunlight and water. As the weeds spread, they steadily take over an increasingly large area.

The grass is weakened by lack of sunlight and water, making it easier for weeds to spread. Turf grasses thin out when under stress and the thinner the grass layer gets, the easier it is for weeds to grow. This leads to a cycle of the turf getting thinner and the weeds getting stronger.

Weeds Deplete the Soil

Weeds in your lawn compete with the roots of your grass. They steal the nutrients from the soil and can survive in depleted soil easier than turf grass. The weeds can prevent your grass from establishing a strong, deep root system.

Winter Weeds Stand Out Significantly

Grass goes dormant in the winter and turns brown. Meanwhile, a whole new set of winter weeds crop up. The winter weeds are as green as ever in your lawn. They stand out significantly against the brown, dormant turf. This makes winter weeds even more unsightly than the summertime weeds.

How to Control Weeds in Your Grass

​Lawn weeds can be controlled, but you have to invest the time, money, and effort required to do so. Getting rid of weeds in your grass doesn't happen overnight. Weed control is an ongoing process and there isn't a finish line. You have to stick with it to see results and it isn't finished, even when you get results. You have to continue to maintain your lawn at that standard, or the weeds will be right back in your grass.

​There are two general options for how you can go about controlling weeds in your grass. You can hire a professional company that provides turf and weed control services, or you can do your own weed control.

DIY Weed Control

You can do it yourself if you have the time. You will also need to educate yourself in turf grass care, chemicals, and types of weeds too.

If you choose to do your own weed control, be sure to carefully follow label rates on all products you apply. You will also need to know what to apply and when it should be applied. Pre-emergent herbicides need to be applied well before the weeds start to pop. For example, pre-emergent for spring weeds needs to be applied in the winter.

Be sure you know what type of grass you have. This is important when selecting chemicals and fertilizer. Some chemicals will kill certain types of grass while not effecting others. Applying the wrong chemical to your lawn can kill it.

Soil tests are important to determine your lawn's needs. You should do a soil test before you start treating your lawn so you understand what is going on in the soil. Contact your local cooperative extension office for information and instructions on soil testing in your area.

Professional Weed Control

​Trying to handle weed control yourself can be very complicated and time consuming. You need to know what treatments to apply, the right time of year to apply them, which products can and cannot be used on your turf  The easiest option is to hire a professional weed control and lawn treatment service. 

​Professional weed control companies are licensed and experienced in chemical application and turf management. They also have all the equipment and supplies to treat your lawn, plus they can purchase products which aren't available to most homeowners. These products are more effective than what you can get at the local hardware store.

​Professional weed control companies know how to develop a plan for your lawn. They test your lawn to determine it's specific needs before treatment begins. We provide soil tests to all of our weed control clients.

Companies like ours also handle diseases, fungal issues, and lawn pests if they occur. Professional spray technicians know what to watch for in your lawn. They can spot issues and address them before they become a major problem.

Get Started with Weed Control

Our turf and weed control division offers expert treatment plans

Real Turf Solutions provides professional weed control treatment services in Macon, Warner Robins, Perry, and surrounding Middle Georgia areas. We have three weed control service plan options to provide the care you want for your lawn.

​If you are interested in learning more about weed control services, please feel free to reach out to us. Our turf expert can provide you with additional information and a free estimate.

Learn More About Weed Control Services

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