Understanding and Managing the Problem
Spring is here, and with it comes the inevitable arrival of weeds. Understanding the root cause of weeds is essential to managing them effectively. Weeds don’t just appear by chance; their presence often indicates specific soil conditions or maintenance practices that need attention. It’s important to ask “Why is this weed here?”. By identifying the type of weeds growing, you can better understand the underlying issues and take targeted steps to address them.
Chickweed: growth cycle, identification, & preferred conditions.
Chickweed (Stellaria media) is a winter annual that germinates from seed in late fall and overwinters typically emerging in April, flourishing in areas with less dense turf. It has a prostrate growth habit with opposite leaves. Leaves have an oval shaped base with a pointed tip. Chickweed is easy to identify when its white flowers show up in early spring. Its small clusters have 5 petals. It has a dense, mat-like growth and can easily infest an area during early spring before turf grass and come out fully out of dormancy.
It does well in moist – poorly drained and compacted soils. Thrives in part shade and shady conditions. Chickweed will disseminate throughout the entire lawn and can do so quickly – it is an opportunistic spreader that persists well so it can be perceived as a short-lived perennial. It dies off as temperatures rise, leaving bare spots vulnerable to new weeds like crabgrass.
Managing Chickweed All-Naturally
Managing chickweed involves using seed-slicing techniques to disrupt its shallow root system and establish new turf grass. Manualy pulling when populatins are small has proven effective, but chickweek can quickly infest areas so be sure to act quickly. Increasing turf density through over seeding is important, as is frequent mowing to prevent flowering and seed production. Higher mowing heights encourages dense turf growth that shades out chickweed later in the growing season. Avoid excess watering.
Henbit: growth cycle, identification, & preferred conditions.
Henbit, (Lamium amplexicaule), is a winter annual that germinates in the fall, grows during warm winter weather and returns to dormancy during cold spells in the winter time. Each plant can produce up to 2,000 seeds, making it a prolific spreader. Can have a prostrate or upright growth habit – you’re more likely to observe the prostrate habit during winter and early spring. Hairy leaves that are deeply lobed. Four-sided stem which is an indication of it being a part of the mint family. Purplish, pink flowers that are tube shaped. It prefers nutrient-rich soils but does not necessarily indicate overly moist or compacted conditions.
Managing Henbit All-naturally
To manage henbit, maintain dense turf by mowing higher. Overseeding in the fall or early spring improves turf density. Hand-pulling small infestations and cleaning equipment between locations can help prevent spread. PJC Organic ProHealthy Turf Boost+S3 applications early spring and fall contain chelated iron which aids in turf green-up and photosynthetic production. Chelated iron supplementation in the fall helps turf harden-off and enter winter weather healthy and robust. Chelated iron applications in early spring can help grass become more active in early spring which may help in competing against henbit.
Summary
Creating lush, healthy turf requires consistent attention to soil health and cultural practices. Maintaining optimal soil pH through regular liming ensures nutrient availability and healthy soil structure. All-Natural organic fertilizers provide a food source for the soil biology. Proper mowing practices, such as maintaining high mowing heights of 3-4 inches, shade out low-growing weeds and limit weed seeds’ access to the soil. Keeping mower blades sharp reduces turfgrass stress. Deep watering encourages strong turf root growth and discourages shallow-rooted weeds. Incorporating diverse turfgrass species enhances resilience and competitiveness, reducing weed invasions.
By addressing the underlying soil conditions and following these best practices, you can not only manage weeds effectively but also improve the overall health and appearance of the lawns and fields you care for. For additional guidance, reach out to PJC. We’re here to help you achieve the best results for your clients.
