Hot, dry weather can easily wreak havoc on a healthy lawn without the proper precautions and care. Simple mistakes — such as underwatering your lawn, mowing your grass too short, or not paying attention to weed control can transform a beautiful, healthy lawn into a patchy, lackluster yard.  

Let’s face it, weeds are annoying, especially when they take over your yard. But there are ways to keep them under control without resorting to chemicals that could harm your family or pets.  

1. Start with a weed control plan 

First things first, make sure you have a plan before you begin weed control. You need to decide what type of weed control you will use, where you will apply it, and how often you will apply it.  

This will help you avoid making mistakes and wasting money. If you have an idea of what you want to accomplish, then you can make sure you have the tools needed to achieve it.  

2. Choose the right equipment for weed control

There are several different tools available to help you with weed control. If you choose to use herbicides, you should consider using an applicator that has been designed specifically for herbicide application. Best to select one with a broad spectrum so that you kill not only the weeds but also any beneficial plants nearby. This will ensure that the product gets applied evenly across the area you wish to treat.  

3. Know when to apply herbicide 

You can apply the herbicide when the weed has just germinated (when the seedling emerges) or when it has grown into a plant. To determine whether a weed has germinated, check its leaves. If the leaf edges are curled inward, the weed has germinated. If the edge is straight, then the weed hasn’t germinated yet.  This will ensure that you kill the weed before it produces seeds or flowers.  

4. Mow frequently 

If you mow frequently, you won’t need to use as much herbicide. However, if you wait until the plants are actively growing, you might need more than one application.  

If you mow frequently, you can control weeds more effectively. A study published in the Journal of Plant Interactions found that frequent mowing reduced the number of weeds by up to 80%.   

5. Water well 

You should water your lawn regularly throughout the year. In the summer months, it’s ideal to water your lawn at least once every week. This will help keep the grass healthy and prevent weeds from taking root. It will also help prevent the grass from drying out too quickly. 

6. Treat for grubs 

In late June and July, adult grubs start to emerge from the pupal stage. Adult insects can begin feeding on your plants and laying their eggs on your lawn without the proper insecticides. To keep your lawn pest-free, consider applying a granular insecticide to your entire lawn using a spreader. 

7. Aerate your lawn for weed control

Grass requires both water and air to grow and remain healthy throughout a wide range of weather conditions. Aeration involves using a core aerator, which removes small plugs of soil from your yard. These holes act as air vents, allowing the remaining grassroots to gain more access to air, water, and other essential nutrients. You can rent a core aerator and attempt to DIY, or you can contact one of our turf specialists for customized aeration services. 

8. Don’t over-fertilize 

During the hottest weeks of the summer, resist the temptation to fertilize your lawn. Applying fertilizer on top of dry, brittle grass can burn your grass and cause further damage to an already stressed lawn. It’s recommended to wait until early fall to fertilize your grass instead. 

9. Try an affordable lawn weed control program 

Want to spend more time enjoying summer with your family and less time on yard work? All American Turf is here to help with our affordable lawn care programs! For just $29.99, we’ll give your lawn a customized introductory treatment to help it flourish and look its best. If you like what you see, our turf specialists will get you started on a regular lawn care schedule that works for your yard and your budget. 

Connect with us today to learn more about the best lawn care services in Iowa without the hefty price tag!