Are you frustrated by how weeds seem to pop up faster than the grass you meticulously care for? You’re not alone, it’s a common concern among many homeowners and turf managers. What you may not know is that there’s a real science behind why weeds bolt faster than your turf.
Let’s explore four key reasons why there is a disparity in their growth and what you can do to take back your lawn.
1. Weeds Grow Faster While Grass Grows Slower
Weeds are built to grow fast. They have a short lifespan that allows them to germinate, grow, flower, and release seeds in a matter of weeks.
Most broadleaf weeds will, therefore, grow faster, stronger, and more aggressively than the desirable turfgrass.
Grass, on the other hand, has a longer life cycle and takes months or even an entire season to establish. Due to its steady and slow growth, the turf becomes vulnerable to fast-growing weeds if not properly maintained.
2. The Weeds Are Native to Your Area
When it comes to greenery, the local species may have the home advantage. Many homeowners and turf managers grow grasses that can thrive in the local conditions, but they may not necessarily have the capacity to overcompete the local weeds.
The native weeds are designed to grow in the local soil and climatic conditions. They can easily grow faster than the grass.
3. Improper Lawn Care
Poor lawn care, such as mowing the grass too short or improper watering and fertilizing, weakens the grass, creating the perfect conditions for weeds to spring up.
Weeds don’t need ideal conditions to thrive. They can adapt to harsh settings, including stressed or neglected lawns.
Think of it this way: A healthy lawn is the best defense to choking out weeds as it denies them essential nutrients and sunlight.
4. There May Be Seeds or Roots Underground
If the above reasons still can’t explain why the weeds are overwhelming your lawn, then the enemy may be lurking beneath the soil.
Most of the weeds have a short reproduction cycle and often reproduce aggressively through seeds and underground structures like rhizomes and stolons.
Since many of these weeds are prolific producers, most of the seeds can remain hidden under the soil for a long time, waiting for the right moment to emerge.
Meanwhile, as you are focused on growing a lush lawn, the seeds and rhizomes are waiting to sprout at the first sign of weakness.
What We Recommend
Weeds may have the upper hand in most circumstances, but you shouldn’t allow them to take over your lawn without a fight.
Here are our recommendations:
- Improve Lawn Care — Mow at a higher height (2.5-3.5 inches), fertilize regularly, and water deeply and infrequently to grow a thick and healthy lawn that can compete with weeds.
- Aerate and Overseed — Loosen and fill in the bare patches of soil with seed grass to thicken your lawn and choke out weeds.
- Spot Treat Weeds — Pull out weeds manually from the roots or treat them with selective herbicides to prevent them from spreading and taking over your lawn.
A vigorous, healthy lawn is the best natural weed control strategy. The recommendations above will shift the balance in your favor and help you reclaim control over the weeds in your lawn.
Lead Editor for Insight Weeds.