Lawncare Tips to Maximize Weed Control


Weed control can be one of the prevalent and frustrating aspects of lawncare maintenance.  Follow these tips to minimize the presence of dandelions and other perennial broadleaf weeds in your yard:

Mowing

  • Maintain a lawn height of 3-4 inches.

  • Avoid trimming more than one-third of the grass blade in a single session.

Irrigation

  • Water deeply and infrequently.

  • Irrigate at the first sign of drought stress, but avoid overwatering.

    • Ensure roots are kept moist, not soggy or dry.

Fertilization

  • Apply fertilizer in April-May for cool season turf.

  • Proper timing and application rates can help prevent excessive weed growth.

Herbicide Timing

  • To control dandelions and other perennial broadleaf weeds, herbicides should be applied in September and October.

    • Fall treatments are typically more effective than spring applications.

    • There's less risk to the desired plant species during the fall months.

    • Fall treatments allow turfgrass to “fill in” bare spots left by weed control.

  • If applying herbicides in the spring, ensure temperatures are below 70°F and apply before peak dandelion blooming.

 

For more information, visit the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s NebGuide on managing perennial weeds in turfgrass here. 

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