Most folks do not understand or believe that lawn weeds can be effectively reduced with organic products and methods. There are several effective sprays which will specifically reduce broadleaf weeds while leaving surrounding turf grass unharmed. Your lawn can be treated with organic products in the spring and or fall and generally two sprays do just as good a job as conventional treatments.
If you have dandelions, clover, hawkweed, or even ground ivy and violets, organic sprays can significantly reduce these weeds and many more in your lawn. A cautionary note on weeds they are a sign of a bigger problem in your lawn. Weak lawns with poor soil quality, low soil pH, compaction, and thin turf create the ideal environment for promoting more weeds than grass. So while you may want to attack the known, visible issue – broadleaf weeds, the big picture issue is generally more complex and should be dealt with first or in conjunction with organic weed reduction.
Many weeds indicate a sour soil or compaction. Plantain and Pineapple weeds (pictured below) are classic indicator weeds growing in compacted soil. You can see plantain on playgrounds, ball fields, or even paths along roads where traffic causes compaction in the soil. The solution is core aeration in combination with spraying for the weeds. Once the weeds are gone, you need to replace the empty space with hybrid turf grasses better suited for the location. Appropriate timing is critical along with the proper sequence of events for successful results.
Organic weed control should and can be used in conjunction with lime, aeration, compost tea, and a variety of slow release fertilizers for substantial visual results most folks look for when spending money on their lawn. If you are considering a longer-term approach and want to be environmentally conscious, look for a licensed lawn care company.
As I have said before, even organic products can cause harm in the hands of untrained or unlicensed workers. If an organic product is designed to attack a pest, be it a weed, insect, or disease, you must be licensed to legally use these materials. This makes sense doesn’t it? After all, why would you want to hire a company not truly prepared to do the job right – ethically, legally, and morally when it comes to your family, pets, and the environment?
Don’t let weeds get you down this year, now you know you have choices and knowledge is the power for success.
