Nothing’s more frustrating than caring for a vibrant lawn, only to watch doveweed creep in and take over. This weed can quickly compete with your carefully chosen greenery for space and nutrients.
Fortunately, with the right mix of chemical and cultural strategies, you can tackle doveweed effectively. Read on to discover the steps that will help you reclaim your garden and keep it thriving.
Key Takeaways
- Doveweed can overtake lawns if not controlled early, making prompt weed control essential.
- Pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides are effective tools for preventing and killing doveweed.
- Improving lawn drainage and maintaining proper mowing height can discourage doveweed growth.
- Professional lawn care services provide expert solutions for managing doveweed and other invasive species.
1. Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicide in Early Spring
Tracking soil temperatures is important for optimal results. Before doveweed seeds germinate in early spring, apply a pre-emergent herbicide when the temperature reaches approximately 55°F.
Warm-season lawns such as Bermudagrass and St. Augustinegrass are especially vulnerable as they thrive in these environments. A backpack sprayer with weed killers like Specticle allows for even application across the lawn.
2. Use a Post-Emergent Herbicide for Active Growth
When doveweed starts growing during early summer, a post-emergent herbicide becomes necessary. Active ingredients like atrazine or dicamba can target this troublesome weed. These selective herbicides target it, especially in late spring.
Products like Roundup, Celsius WG, or Blindside from Bayer are popular choices among homeowners. Spot treating and ensuring it is applied directly onto the weed are important to lessen damage to turfgrass.
3. Improve Lawn Drainage
Poor lawn drainage creates conditions where doveweed and lawn diseases thrive. Elevating areas prone to pooling water and ensuring proper grading can combat this issue. Focus on improving soil aeration and amending compacted soils.
Using elements like sand or gravel benefits turfgrasses like Zoysiagrass and Tall Fescue. This strategy can also keep other weeds like crabgrass and goosegrass at bay.
4. Mow at the Proper Height
Proper mowing practices help protect against doveweed’s aggressive growth habits. Keeping mower blades sharp ensures clean cuts, reducing stress on your lawn. Different grass types need varied mowing heights.
For instance, Bermuda should be mowed at around 1.5 inches, whereas St. Augustine grass benefits from a height of 2.5 to 4 inches. Adjusting mowing height can also reduce light penetration to the soil.
5. Overseed Your Lawn to Prevent Bare Spots
Bare spots in a lawn provide room for doveweed stolons to spread. Overseeding helps by introducing dense turfgrass that competes with invasive weeds. Use a quality seed mix suited for your specific lawn type.
Timely seeding, ideally in early autumn, enhances lawn density. Selecting robust grasses adds resilience. They can also create a thick cover that prevents weeds from establishing themselves.
6. Practice Proper Watering Techniques
Doveweed thrives in moist environments, making proper watering techniques vital. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth in turfgrass. Avoid creating soggy conditions.
Early morning watering reduces excess moisture that lingers overnight. Tracking water needs, especially for in-season grasses, can sustain an ideal balance that supports the lawn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Doveweed can be a persistent problem for gardeners. Below are some answers to frequently asked questions.
Can I get rid of doveweed using home remedies like vinegar?
Vinegar can sometimes work on young doveweed shoots. It is a natural herbicide that may help in small, localized areas. However, results may vary, and larger infestations might not respond as effectively to vinegar alone.
Is there a way to spot doveweed before it takes over?
Doveweed can be identified by its bright green foliage and sprawling growth pattern. Spotting it early is crucial for control. Familiarity with these characteristics can help you recognize small patches before they expand.
Is doveweed considered an invasive plant species?
Yes, doveweed is typically categorized as invasive, especially in regions with warm climates. It competes with native plants and can quickly spread through lawns and garden beds. Knowing its invasive nature helps emphasize the importance of timely management.
