How to Prevent Winter Weeds in Raleigh
Winter in Raleigh might seem like a time when lawn care can be pushed to the side because most lawns go into winter dormancy. But pesky weeds can still find a way to sneak into your lawn. Winter annual weeds will still pop up, even if your grass is not actively growing and they can make spring weed control much more difficult. But don’t worry! We’re breaking down how to prevent winter weeds from taking over your Raleigh lawn this season.
The Best Way to Get Rid of Weeds in the Winter
The best way to get rid of weeds in your lawn is with weed prevention. Pre-emergent weed control is used to prevent weeds and acts as a shield that stops weed seeds from germinating. It’s like putting up a fence to prevent anything from sneaking into your backyard. However, pre-emergent weed control isn’t an end-all solution. Not all weeds can be prevented, and some may still break through. That’s where post-emergent herbicides come into play. Post-emergent weed control is used to control weeds that are actively growing and have already sprouted. It’s like hand-plucking weeds after they’ve already grown. Both weed control methods are useful, but preventing weeds from sprouting in the first place is often easier than getting rid of them after they appear. Weed prevention should always be the first step, followed up with post-emergent weed control for any difficult-to-control weeds.
Annual Weeds vs. Perennial Weeds
Getting rid of winter weeds starts with understanding how they grow and spread. Annual weeds complete their life cycle in just one year. They grow and spread from seeds, and then, luckily for us, die off at the end of the growing season. Some common annual weeds include crabgrass or chickweed, and they can be prevented with pre-emergent weed control.
Perennial weeds are more difficult. They can live for multiple years in the soil and come back year after year from their root systems or other parts of the plant. These weeds can be tough to get rid of because even if you pull them out, their roots might stay behind, ready to pop up again. Some examples of perennial weeds are dandelions, clover, and dallisgrass. Perennial weeds can’t be prevented with pre-emergents, so the best way to get rid of them is to use post-emergent weed control when they’re actively growing, or near the end of their season.
When to Apply Winter Weed Control
The best time to apply pre-emergent weed control in Raleigh is during late summer or early fall. The right timing will determine the effectiveness of your pre-emergent because they are designed to stop seed germination in the soil. However, not all weeds germinate at the same time. If you missed the ideal window, applying pre-emergent weed control in early winter can still help. Any weeds that sprout can be treated with post-emergent herbicides.
Common Winter Weeds in North Carolina Lawns
In Raleigh, some common winter annual weeds include hairy bittercress, burrweed, henbit, chickweed, and annual bluegrass. These winter annual troublemakers can be an eyesore in a dormant lawn so it’s essential to prevent them.
Chickweed
Chickweed is a low-lying weed that grows in mats. It has longer, thin stems with round leaves that produce small white flowers. Chickweed grows during winter months, eventually dying out in spring, and can be prevented with fall pre-emergents. It has shallow root systems making post-emergent weed control an effective option as well.
Annual Bluegrass (Poa Annua)
Annual bluegrass, also referred to as Poa Annua or simply “Poa”, is a very common winter annual. It’s light green in color and grows upright in bunches. Poa can be identified by the number of light-colored seed heads that come with it, making it easy to get out of control.
Control Winter Weeds in Raleigh with Eastern Turf Maintenance
Successful weed control and weed prevention can be a daunting task for homeowners in the Triangle area. Since North Carolina is in the transition zone, many different weeds and grass types can thrive. For professional weed control services in the Triangle area, Eastern Turf Maintenance is here to help. Our skilled lawn care technicians have the knowledge and tools to keep your lawn healthy all year round. We provide lawn care services, mosquito control, lawn aeration and overseeding, and tree and shrub care in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. Contact us today for a free quote.