A Hot and Dry Mid-Tenn Summer Brings Grassy Weeds to Many Lawns:  How You Can Prevent Them In the Future

by Nathan Brandon
CEO of Pure Green

As we continue further into the summer months, grassy weeds are beginning to become more of a problem in Middle Tennessee lawns. The most prevalent weeds popping up now are Crabgrass, Johnsongrass and Goosegrass. Grassy weeds can be tough to control, and they thrive in dry lawns. With the lack of rain we have had this season, lawns have become more susceptible. As pre-emergents from the springtime are beginning to break down, homeowners may be experiencing a weed takeover, especially in yards without a dense, healthy turf.

Crabgrass (pictured above) is the most typical grassy weed we see in Middle Tennessee, especially as we head into August. It can grow vigorously in hot, dry conditions. In fact, in any given growing season crabgrass produces thousands of seeds. Fortunately, it is one of the more manageable grassy weeds, and can be treated with herbicides such as Drive, which is a Crabgrass-specific application. Crabgrass can also be effectively controlled using a pre-emergent herbicide. If you’re having issues this year, remember to use a pre-emergent next spring. This helps prevent crabgrass from establishing in the first place. (it’s much easier to prevent weeds than try to get rid of them once they’re actively growing). Herbicides must be applied at the right time of the season, and products vary in potency, so be sure to read product labels for proper application directions. Another tip to help prevent grassy weeds is raising your mowing height. This will not only help create a deeper, thicker lawn, but will also encourage grass to shade and prevent the germination of weed seeds.

Johnsongrass
Johnsongrass

Johnsongrass tends to be found in newer developments that may have previously been reclaimed farmland or vacant fields. Homeowners in these types of developments may often find Johnsongrass in their newly sodded yard. The weed originates in the soil and breaks through the sod easily. Goosegrass is most common on playing fields, playgrounds, or lawns that have had no preventative or current treatment. Herbicides, such as Pylex, are very effective at ridding your yard of Johnsongrass and Goosegrass. However, these products can be very expensive and require multiple treatments. They can also damage certain grasses, such as Bermudagrass. Again, it’s important to check labels, and you can always consult with a local professional.

 

I also suggest deep watering throughout the summer. Lawns need at least one inch of water per week to stay alive, and I typically suggest two inches of water for a more healthy lawn. A healthier lawn can more effectively combat weeds, in general. Spreading your watering routine out to two or three days a week for longer periods of time will allow water to reach deeper into your lawn’s soil. Shallow watering (or watering more frequently for short periods of time) will actually weaken your lawn’s roots and allow grassy weeds to thrive. Side note:  Deep watering will also help to prevent drought stress on your lawn, which is becoming more of an issue with the combination of higher temperatures and less rain.

Goosegrass
Goosegrass

If you’re having issues with any of the above weeds, it’s important to treat your lawn as soon as possible. Ridding your lawn of grassy weeds is crucial to do now in preparation for aeration and seeding, which is best to do in September and October in Middle Tennessee. Having herbicide residuals in your lawn’s soil could interfere with seeding, and it takes four to six weeks for these residuals to break down in the soil. I’ll talk more about fall lawn preparations in my next article.

Nathan Brandon, a Nashville native, is CEO of Pure Green, a Middle Tennessee-based lawn service company focused on using environmentally friendly products and procedures. Pure Green offers fertilization and weed control, aeration and seeding, flea, tick and mosquito suppression, and sports turf care services. For more information about Pure Green and the company’s services, visit http://www.puregreenllc.com/.