Here we go again! So far this year in Kansas City Winter in Kansas City was spring and spring was summer. If that’s not confusing enough try to figure out what that means summer will bring. What does all that mean for weeds?
Last year in Kansas City we had a very wet spring followed by a very dry summer. Weeds were terrible to say the least. This year we have had a very dry winter and spring and no cold weather during the winter. The bottom line answer to the above question is, “the weeds will once again be bad this year”.
Weeds will grow in almost any environment but they will grow best in environments under stress. That means whenever there isn’t enough water for turf or when there is too much water for turf, any conditions that cause stress to your turf. Think about your grass being in a constant struggle with weeds above the surface and below the surface. The conditions below need to be just right for your turf so they can crowd weeds out. The water must be consistent and reach the roots to promote deep root growth. Above the surface the grass needs the right amount of sun. Too little or too much sun are guaranteed to be conditions better suited for some type of weeds than your grass.
We can’t control the sun, although sometimes we can control the shade by adding or thinning trees. What we can at times control is the amount and frequency of water. Your turf will do best if you water more frequently for shorter periods of time. Your landscape, and specifically trees, on the other hand has deeper roots and likes more water but less frequently. The other variables you can control are proper use of fertilizers and herbicides. It is essential that any chemical applications are timed correctly especially during years like this year where the weather is abnormal. Rosehill chemical applicators pay close attention to weather trends and moisture in determining when to put down chemical applications. With Spring here 3 plus weeks early you can bet the weeds were here that early also.
For your part make sure you properly mow at the correct frequencies and lengths depending on the conditions. Water and fertilize your lawn to encourage healthy turf growth and minimize thin turf. Make sure you catch weeds as early as possible with a post-emergent application or by pulling them roots and all. Remember Rosehill has a complete turf application program that includes weed control both before and after. Good luck in pushing the grass up and the weeds down.