Spring doesn’t officially begin until March 20. But now is the perfect time to start pre-weeding your lawn. Most summer annual weeds germinate in spring and before a lawn has completely recovered from winter dormancy. So killing them before they have a chance to get established will mean less maintenance work for you over the summer months.
STEP #1: Apply a pre-emergent herbicide
A pre-emergent herbicide kills weed seeds before they germinate. If you begin to use it when you see actual weed growth, you’ll be out of luck. These types of herbicides do not affect existing weeds.
STEP #2: Get ready to mow
Once the grass reaches 4 inches, you’ll need to mow it. Be sure to remove no more than one-third the height. Afterward, keep the lawn at between 2 ½ and 3 inches tall. This will ensure that individual blades will be long enough to block out sunlight and kill most weed plants.
STEP #3: Fertilize as needed
You can use a lawn fertilizer as the grass begins growing. Experts recommend that you try to choose a time in mid-late spring, right around Memorial Day. Follow product recommendation and resist the temptation to over-fertilize. This can lead to a nutrient build-up in the soil that will encourage the growth of more weeds.
STEP #4: Follow up with a post-emergent herbicide
Later in the spring, be sure to also treat your lawn with a post-emergent herbicide. Doing so will kill the weeds that have germinated and begun to grow.
Following these four easy steps will help ensure that your lawn will be as beautiful and easy-care as it is weed-free. And who doesn’t want extra time to enjoy all the pleasures of spring and summer in Austin?
