Warmer weather presents optimal opportunities for weeds to grow on your lawn. As the temperatures rise this summer, weed control should be a top priority for your lawn care plan. For the best summer weed control in Iowa, it’s imperative you are aware of what weeds to look out for in your Iowan yard.
Common Lawn Weeds in Iowa
1. Broadleaf Plantain
Broadleaf Plantain grows along roadsides, in fields and lawns, and other areas subjected to human disturbance. The weed also grows in compacted soils.
Broadleaf Plantain is low-growing and has egg-shaped, dark green leaves. The leaves have three or more tough, clearly defined veins and are usually smooth with wavy margins.
Controlling Broadleaf Plantain: Reduce soil compaction by aerating your lawn to make conditions less favorable for Broadleaf Plantain and help the surrounding turf grow sufficiently and overcome the weeds. Additionally, allow your soil to dry out between watering to discourage the growth of Broadleaf Plantain. Seek the help of a reliable lawn care company, like All American Turf Beauty, for effective summer broadleaf weed control.
2. Dandelion
A broadleaf perennial weed that grows in all types of soil, dandelions grow in huge numbers in full sunlight. New sprouts of the weed emerge from the taproot in early spring, which are 2 to 3 feet deep within the soil. Dandelions have yellow flowers that become white puffballs when they mature. These puffballs have seeds that spread to other lawns with the wind.
Controlling Dandelions: The best way to control dandelions is to kill the whole plant, the taproot and all, to prevent new weeds from germinating. Avoid hand-pulling these weeds as they will reemerge unless you remove the taproot completely. A thick lawn can effectively help you prevent dandelions and other types of pf broadleaf weeds. Keep your mower’s setting high while mowing your lawn and fertilize and control weeds at regular intervals to attain a thick lawn that prevents dandelions from germinating in your lawn.
3. Creeping Charlie
Also known as ground ivy due to its growth patterns and appearance, Creeping Charlie has round leaves with scalloped edges and the weed produces small purple flowers. Creeping Charlie covers the lawn like a mat, continuing to spread over the lawn surface through leaf nodes that generate roots when in contact with the soil.
Controlling Creeping Charlie: Early fall is the time this weed grows most actively. So, it is best to apply a herbicide during early fall. Doing this will weaken the weed, making it difficult for it to survive in the winter. Weed treatment in the spring can also help prevent its growth. If your lawn is being taken over by this weed in these warmer months, seek the help of a reputed lawn care company in Iowa for the best summer weed control.
4. White Clover
White clover, a perennial, herbaceous plant, is another common weed in Iowa lawns. The weed is low-growing and has heads of white flowers that often have a tinge of cream or pink color, which may appear with the aging of the weed.
Controlling White Clover: The first step to free your lawn from white clover is having a healthy lawn. The weed tends to germinate in regions with low nitrogen and where there is minimal competition from other plants. So, have a weed control and fertilization schedule for your lawn. A well-fertilized lawn will support the growth of desirable plants and grass and make the soil less favorable for white clover, helping you with the best weed control for lawns.
5. Clover
Clover is a perennial weed commonly found in the Iowa region. AATB has long years of experience in controlling clover in lawns.
Controlling Clover: The application of post-emergent herbicides in the fall can help to eliminate clover from the roots. It will also help to reduce the number of these weeds in the spring.
Get the Best Summer Weed Control in Iowa with AATB!
Effective weed control in your lawn calls for skills and know-how. All American Turf Beauty (AATB) has expert weed control professionals who can treat various weeds in Iowa lawns. Our professionals use the best tools and best products to remove weeds from lawns. We will be happy to help you get a healthy, weed-free lawn this summer. If you are thinking about what is the best weed control for lawns, we have the answer. Let us talk today about the most effective weed control in your lawn!