Spring Time In Arizona… Weeds, Weeds and More Weeds

One thing about springtime in Arizona is the weeds that seem to be everywhere.  This is really for many good reasons you have breezes to scatter the seeds, good moisture and plenty of sunshine for growth.  That wonderful weather is what brings folks to our Valley of the Sun.

As a commercial property owner or manager you will be looking for ways to control those weeds.  Today let’s talk about pre-emergent weed control.

Weed seeds exist in almost all lawns and gardens, and can be spread in a number of ways. They can be dispersed by wind, water, animals, soil amendments, poor quality grass seed and lawn and garden equipment. Many weed seeds remain dormant for years before they begin to grow since they must reach the soil's surface and receive the proper amount of sunlight and moisture before they germinate.

In the early Spring inspect your lawn area as the warm weather approaches, then decide on the treatment. Apply a pre-emergent shortly before annual weeds, such as crabgrass, begin to grow in the spring. A good rule is to apply the pre-emergent before the weeds begin to grow and bloom. You may decide to use a pre-emergent combined with fertilizer as an early lawn treatment.

Pre-emergent herbicides are applied before the targeted weed germinates, and are an effective preventative method for controlling weeds. Crabgrass preventer is a good example. Pre-emergents establish a chemical barrier that will not kill established plants, but will prevent weeds from successfully growing. The protective barrier breaks down in six to eight weeks. Use of a pre-emergent, therefore, requires proper timing to be effective. Be aware that pre-emergents can harm some desirable ornamental plants and turf grasses. As always, read and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

This time of year try to use selective herbicides.  When they are applied as directed by the manufacturer, they kill only certain plants. 

A good example of a selective herbicide is a lawn weed killer designed specifically for the removal of broadleaf plants. These products will remove the weeds without killing the established lawn in which the weeds grow. Young, freshly sewn grass would still be susceptible to the herbicide, however, since it would not have had an opportunity to fully establish itself.

If you aren’t looking for another DIY project then give us a call at 623-848-8277. It doesn’t matter to us whether you want lush lawns, desert landscaping or some type of landscaping in between, we can help.

Presented by:
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC
623-848-8277
http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
greenskeeperllc@cox.net