Are weeds widespread in your lawn? While you’re ready to win the war by spraying them into oblivion, an infestation could actually signal a bigger-picture problem with your maintenance practices. For instance, if you’re watering or mowing improperly, you’re setting your turf up for a takeover by unwanted invaders. But with the right lawn weed control plan in place, Altoona, PA and area homeowners like you can block them out and beautify your yards. Here are five areas to focus on in your treatment plan:
- Testing your soil. Problems with stubborn weeds can sometimes be rooted in issues with soil quality. That’s why testing your soil is a good first step, providing insight into factors like pH, nutrient content, and more. Once you have the results, you’ll know precisely where your soil stands, so you’re able to deliver treatments, like lime applications, that create optimal growing conditions. We take a pH test for all our customers every season but a VERY detailed test from the PSU Soil Lab can be done for a small fee.
- Mowing your grass to the proper length. Don’t mow your lawn too short. Instead, put the 1/3 rule into practice, never cutting off more than that. When it’s taller, grass blades will shade out weed seedlings before they sprout up and spread. 3″ is the best finished height of cut for this area. Be sure to begin the mowing season with a sharp blade to avoid shredding the tips which causes additional problems.
- Watering to supplement rainfall. Frequent, short watering encourages shallow root growth, putting your turf at risk for weeds. Instead, water deeply, once a week, aiming for about an inch.
- Fertilizing to feed your lawn. A high weed population can also be the result of a nutrient deficiency. Fertilization should therefore be a part of your control plan, fueling thicker grass with stronger defenses against weeds.
- Targeting weeds at the right time of year. Broadleaf varieties, like dandelion, are best suppressed through direct contact with either a liquid or granular herbicide. In the Altoona area, you can apply this lawn weed control product in early spring, but fall is a better time since weeds are storing energy for winter and will better absorb the product. If, however, you’re noticing grassy species, such as crabgrass, apply a granular pre-emergent in early spring. We also offer an optional ‘Difficult Weed’ Program for lawns with weeds like Wild Violets. Call for more info on this Premium Add-On service.
Altoona’s Lawn Weed Control Experts: Leave the Work to Our Team!
Clearly, getting rid of weeds takes more than just a quick spray. Instead, it’s an ongoing commitment that requires a proper plan. If you’d rather leave the job to local weed control experts, connect with Lawn Doctor of Altoona – Johnstown – Bedford County. We’ll educate you on proper maintenance best practices, as well as put together a custom care plan that will get your turf back on track and growing strong against pesky weeds.
Call Lawn Doctor of Altoona – Johnstown – Bedford County at 943.2430 or 1.800.345.LAWN (5296) to schedule a free consultation. Our lawn weed control services are offered across Altoona, Hollidaysburg, Duncansville, Johnstown, Bedford County, Port Matilda, Stormstown, Huntingdon, and other nearby Central PA communities.
