Fall Lawn Weed Control in Dallas, Texas
Fall is an important season for lawn care in Dallas, Texas, especially when it comes to weed control. As the temperatures cool down, many common lawn weeds start to germinate and take hold, making it crucial to manage them before they cause problems next spring. Here’s everything you need to know about lawn weed control and fall prevention for your Dallas lawn this season.
Why You Need Lawn Weed Control in the Fall
Weeds are more than just an eyesore; they compete with your grass for nutrients, water, and sunlight. During fall and winter in Dallas, lawn grasses go to sleep, known as dormancy. While lawns rest for winter, weeds do not! Seasonal weeds never stop, and fall is a critical time for weed prevention. Many winter weeds, like chickweed, henbit, and poa annua (annual bluegrass), start to grow during the cooler months. Bright green weeds stick out like a sore thumb in a brown, dormant lawn during winter. If left untreated, these weeds can spread rapidly and take over your lawn by spring.
Fall lawn weed control gives your grass a better chance to stay healthy through the winter and be ready to thrive when spring comes around.
Pre-emergent Weed Control
One of the best ways to prevent weeds in the fall is by applying a pre-emergent herbicide. Pre-emergent herbicides create a barrier in the soil that stops weed seeds from germinating. This is especially effective for controlling winter annual weeds like poa annua and henbit.
- When to Apply: Pre-emergents should be applied at the beginning of a season, to prevent weeds in the next season. In Dallas, the ideal time to apply a fall pre-emergent herbicide starts around late September, before the soil temperature drops below 70°F consistently. Again in the spring, pre-emergents should be applied to prevent summer weeds.
- How to Apply: Follow the instructions on the herbicide label, and make sure to water your lawn after application to help activate the product.
Post-emergent Weed Control
If some weeds have already sprouted in your lawn or you’ve missed the ideal prevention window, a post-emergent herbicide can help eliminate them. Post-emergent herbicides target weeds that have already emerged and are actively growing. Common winter weeds like chickweed, dandelion, and clover can be treated this way.
- Target specific weeds: Choose a post-emergent herbicide that targets the type of weeds you have. Some products are designed for broadleaf weeds, while others are better for grassy weeds.
- Spot treatment: For smaller weed patches or difficult weeds, you can spot-treat the specific areas. Certain weeds can’t be prevented with pre-emergent weed control, like nutsedge during summer months.
How Mowing Helps Lawn Weed Control
Mowing your lawn regularly can help keep weeds at bay by preventing them from going to seed. Set your mower to the recommended height for your grass type to allow it to stay healthy and compete with weeds. Regular mowing also keeps weeds in a premature state, making them more vulnerable to lawn weed control spraying. A healthy mowing schedule will also encourage better turf density, which acts as a natural barrier for lawn weeds.
Fertilize for Lawn Strength
Fertilizing your lawn in the fall helps it stay strong and healthy through the winter. A strong lawn is better able to resist weed invasion. Choose a fertilizer with the right balance of nutrients, like potassium, to support root development and winter hardiness. Make sure to water in lawn fertilizers to help them soak into the soil and provide your grass with the most benefit.
Aeration for Better Weed Control and Prevention
As we know, annual lawn aeration improves airflow, water absorption, turf density, and nutrient uptake in the soil, which helps strengthen your grass and makes it harder for weeds to take over. Core aeration is common in the spring for warm-season grasses in Texas. However, Fall is also a great time to aerate your lawn, especially if you have compacted soil. Lawn Tech offers both core and liquid aeration for Dallas homeowners. Liquid aeration is a great, less invasive option for fall aeration. It will help the lawn repair from a long, hot summer in Dallas, and prepare the root systems for the winter.
Professional Lawn Weed Control in Dallas
Controlling weeds in the fall is essential for maintaining a healthy lawn in Dallas, Texas. By using pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides, maintaining proper lawn care practices, and aerating your soil, you can keep your lawn free of weeds through the cooler months. If you want to leave weed control to the experts, contact our team at Lawn Tech. We offer high-quality lawn care services in Dallas, Frisco, Plano, Flower Mound, McKinney, and surrounding areas. Get a free quote today and get on schedule for fall pre-emergent weed control!