Learn more about common spring weeds, including dandelions, and how you can manage them.
Even the best-maintained lawns may sprout some weeds every once in a while. Weed control is a critical part of lawn care and Scientific Plant Service is here to recommend the best solutions. As the weather turns warmer and the rainy and warm conditions of spring combine to create excellent growing conditions, you may spot these common spring weeds in your lawn. If you want to know how to spot them and what might cause weeds to sprout, keep reading and then stay in touch with the lawn care experts at Scientific Plant Service.
Why Do Weeds Appear?
The following conditions can create the ideal environment for common spring weeds to flourish on your property:
- Warmer temperatures
- Improper lawn mowing
- Thin or bare spots on the turf
- Over- or underwatering your lawn
- Poor soil conditions
- Improper fertilization
Scientific Plant Service can offer guidance for proper mowing and fertilization and provide soil tests that help you create ideal conditions for healthy turf that pushes weeds out.
Dandelions
Dandelions are some of the most recognizable and common spring weeds. These bright yellow flowers pop up across your lawn, or the puffy white seed head is plucked by kids “making a wish,” who blow and spread the seeds across the lawn. This perennial broadleaf weed has a deep root, making it hard to control by hand. Since dandelions are so common, many weed control products are available to help you control their presence on your lawn.
Ground Ivy
Also known as “Creeping Charlie,” ground ivy is a perennial broadleaf weed that thrives in moist, shaded areas but can tolerate full sun. You may spot its minty aroma when freshly cut or crushed, and it flowers for a short time with orchid-like purple flowers. This weed can be hard to control. It spread fast in all directions, making it hard to remove by hand.
Hairy Bittercress
This early spring germinating weed is common in our area. While it is a short-lived annual weed, most homeowners find it objectionable since it grows quickly before the lawn starts to grow.
Wild Violets
Wild violets are another perennial broadleaf weed that prefers moist and shady areas. These weeds have heart-shaped leaves, with flowers ranging from blue to purple to white. The waxy leaves help protect the weed from herbicides, making it difficult to control. It may take several seasons to eliminate violets from your landscape.
Weed Control Methods
In addition to mowing correctly and fertilizing with the appropriate nutrients, you can manage weed control with the following:
- Manual removal. If you spot weeds, you can remove them by hand, but you must remove the entire root, or it will grow back. Refill holes with soil and grass seed to prevent more weeds from establishing.
- Apply pre-emergent weed control products before you see weeds. If you have had problems in the past, these will be worth it.
- Apply post-emergent weed control after weeds have germinated.
Contact Scientific Plant Service if unsure of the most effective method for treating common spring weeds.
Scientific Plant Service Is Your Go-To Source In Landscape Healthcare
Scientific Plant Service, located in Baltimore, is a privately owned corporation, chartered in Maryland in 1957 by Frank J. Burke. We started as a full-service Arborists specializing in the care of shade trees and ornamental shrubs, but today we are a Lawn Care company that is a huge part of the community. From aquatic environments and snow management to deer and mole control, SPS has services tailored specifically for your lawn and landscape.
We offer services in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia, including: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Howard, Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Prince Georges, Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Calvert counties in MD, as well as Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church in VA. For more information, contact us online, or call us at 410-321-0970. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Pinterest.