Weeds are troublesome plants to deal with. Many property owners deal with the same frustration of spending hours pulling weeds, only for them to grow back tenfold. However, just simply letting them be is detrimental to not only your curb appeal but your lawn health as well. So, what do you do? Get informed! Our team has put together a list of weed control FAQs and their answers to help you tackle the stubborn weeds in your yard. Continue reading to find out more about the difference between annual and perennial weeds, why you shouldn't be pulling weeds from your lawn, information about pet safety around weed control treatments, and more.

What are the hardest weeds to control?

The toughest weeds to control are perennial weeds because of their persistent reproduction through an underground root system of rhizomes and tubers. Crabgrass and nutsedge are examples of perennial weeds with this kind of root system. Pulling perennial weeds by hand without removing the whole taproot will only result in more plant growth.

When dealing with perennial weeds, turf care and prevention treatments are critical. Services like aeration and overseeding will give your lawn long-term strength to fight off perennial weeds. However, pre and post-emergent weed control treatments will be the best bet for eradicating your weed problem for good.

What is a perennial weed?

Chickweed overgrown in a yard near Alpharetta, Georgia.

Perennial weeds are weeds that can stay alive and regrow for more than one season. Preventing and controlling their growth is tricky because most perennials reproduce through seeds and a stubborn root system. Their root system consists of rhizomes and tubers that will replicate when pulled, growing more plants unless you pull out the whole root system. The root system also stores nutrients so that the weed can survive throughout the winter season.

Here are some examples of perennial weeds you may have encountered on your lawn:

  • Dandelion
  • Crabgrass
  • Chickweed
  • Clover
  • Spotted spurge

What is an annual weed?

Annual weeds complete their life cycle from germinating to setting seed in a year or within a season. Annuals spread through seeds that can remain dormant for several years and then surprise you by sprouting in your landscape after a year or so. Most annual weeds, like the lambsquarter, produce thousands of seeds that remain viable even after years.

There are two types of annual weeds: summer and winter annuals. Summer annuals grow in spring to early summer, while winter annuals thrive in the winter and then die out in the summer.

Why is pulling weeds from the lawn not advised?

Hand pulling dandelion weeds in a lawn near Woodstock, GA.

Pulling weeds is a grueling task, which makes it extremely disappointing when they grow back shortly after. Before you spend hours this weekend pulling more weeds, you should know that pulling them by hand could actually be encouraging more to grow. There are certain types of weeds that actually grow more from their broken stems. Most perennial weeds have an extensive underground root system that may run throughout your lawn. When part of this root system breaks from pulling, new shoots will grow from it.

Andrew O'Neill at TurfXpert.

The best way to eradicate stubborn weeds is to use weed control treatments that target the plant from its roots.

Are my pets safe outdoors after treatment?

It is highly advised to keep your pets indoors during a weed control treatment to ensure their safety. After the treatment has been applied, you should wait about 24 hours before allowing your pet to use your lawn like normal. This gives the herbicide time to settle into your soil. When applying our weed control products, our professionals only use the amount absolutely necessary to effectively eradicate your weed issue. The areas that we treat are also clearly marked for your convenience and safety.

Can I live without weed control?

Sure you can, but your lawn can't. Weeds not only decrease your curb appeal but they are also constantly competing with your grass and desired plants for essential nutrients, water, and sunlight. Without effective weed control, weeds may easily overtake your lawn.

Say goodbye to pesky weeds. Sign up for our weed control treatments today!

Controlling weed growth is not an easy job. It takes a lot of patience but also professional help to take care of stubborn weeds. Our lawn care experts here at TurfXpert provide safe and effective weed control treatments. We understand how weeds work and we know the best time of the year to apply pre and post-emergent weed control solutions.

Our services are available to commercial and residential properties in Woodstock, Roswell, Alpharetta, GA and surrounding cities. Call us today at (833) 444-8873 for a quote.