Springtime is a time for new growth and rebirth but that also includes new weeds popping up in your yard. At Turf Tenders we have spent a lot of time fighting Michigan weeds and we want to share with you what it takes to achieve a weed-free yard. We have put together this list of tips to help you control weeds in your yard this spring.
Use Pre-Emergent Control
The key to taking control of your yard back is to eliminate as many spring weeds as possible. The best way to do that is to use pre-emergent herbicides. Applied early enough in the spring, pre-emergents can prevent weed seeds from germinating, making weed control in the summer a lot easier. Applying pre-emergent should always be on your spring to-do list.
Follow Proper Irrigation Techniques
Now that you have eliminated spring weeds it’s time to get your grass growing as thick as possible in order to prevent new weeds from gaining a foothold. Following proper irrigation techniques is essential for grass health but don’t water too much. Your grass only needs 1”-1 ½” of water per week and that includes rain. If the weather has been dry, water 2-3 times per week. Water early because letting your grass stay wet over night could open the door to lawn diseases.
Target Stray Weeds
It’s inevitable that a few weeds will sneak into your yard throughout the summer. When you see them you need to get rid of them. The easiest and most effective way is to spot spray with post-emergent herbicide. This kills the plant down to the root but does not kill your grass. This prevents weeds from spreading their seeds in the fall.
Set Your Mower To The Proper Height
Another part to achieving a thick and weed-free lawn is to set your mower height high.
For cool-season grass the optimal height is about 2 1/2 inches. You should only be removing about the top 1/3 of the grass blade. Taller grass prevents new weed seeds from growing and 
encourages a thicker lawn.
Letting your grass grow a little taller in the spring is a good thing. The proper mower height for cool-season grasses is about 2 ½ inches. A thick lawn can prevent annoying weed seeds from germinating by blocking sunlight and filling in areas where weeds can grow.
Apply Mulch
Mulch can work as an effective weed barrier as well as beautifying your landscape. Mulch prevents sunlight from reaching weed seeds and prevents them from growing. It also prevents new seeds from germinating. Keep in mind that mulch does decompose over time and weeds will eventually take hold which is why it is important to replace your mulch every few years.
Turf-Tenders Has All the Spring Lawn Care Services You Need
If you want to make sure your Michigan lawn is weed-free this year, then invest in lawn care services near you. Turf Tenders offers a wide range of lawn care and pest control options.
To get started today, call us at (248) 541-5296 or you can leave us a message here. Follow our helpful blog so you can learn all the latest tips and tricks for Michigan lawn care. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter, where you can stay up to date on our latest news and deals.