How to Prevent Winter Weeds in Texas
As the winter months approach, it’s important to prepare for a different kind of challenge: winter weeds invading your Texas lawn. But with weed prevention applied at the right time, weed control woes won’t be a concern. Pre-emergents and ongoing maintenance are the keys to a healthy lawn, clear of winter weeds.
Pre-Emergents: The Secret to Successful Lawn Weed Control
Weed prevention begins before those pesky winter weeds even think about sprouting! Pre-emergent herbicides are your best friends in this battle. These weed control treatments act as a shield, stopping weed seed germination in the first place. Pre-emergents should be applied each season to prevent weeds in the upcoming season. Early fall is the best time to prevent common winter weeds from invading your lawn during dormancy.
Healthy Lawn Maintenance
A healthy lawn is more resistant to weed invasions. Keep your grass well-maintained by mowing regularly at the right height and watering deeply but infrequently. Annual lawn aeration also improves turf density which acts as a natural barrier of defense against weeds. A strong lawn can outcompete or choke out invasive broadleaf and grassy weeds.
Most Common Winter Weeds in East-Central Texas
To control winter weeds on your lawn, it’s important to understand how different types of weeds grow. Annual weeds are easier to control because you can prevent them with pre-emergent. Their life cycle is only one year and they grow and spread by seeds, so weed prevention is key to keeping them under control. Perennial weeds are more difficult as they can’t be prevented. They grow from root systems that can stay in the soil and regenerate for multiple years. Post-emergent herbicides and hand pulling are the best ways to get rid of perennial weeds in your Texas lawn. Common perennial weeds include dandelion, dallisgrass, and clover.
Poa Annua – Annual Bluegrass
Annual bluegrass, also known as Poa Annua or “Poa” is a grassy weed that grows throughout winter and early spring. This deceptive weed looks like grass but stands out with its light-colored seed heads. It thrives in cooler temperatures and can quickly take over your lawn if left unchecked. It can be prevented with pre-emergents, removed with post-emergents, or will eventually die out from heat in the spring and summer.
Chickweed
Another common weed at this time of year is Chickweed, a winter annual broadleaf weed. With its delicate leaves and small flowers, chickweed might seem harmless, but it spreads rapidly and forms dense mats if not managed. It can be prevented with pre-emergents as well, or targeted with post-emergent weed killer when actively growing.
Henbit
Henbit is another winter annual broadleaf weed found in Texas turfgrasses. Recognizable by its purple flowers and square stems, henbit can easily invade your lawn and garden, making your landscape look untidy, especially during winter dormancy. It can grow in garden beds or thin areas of weak turf. Maintaining a healthy lawn, applying pre-emergent weed control, and mulching garden beds are great ways to prevent Henbit.
Winter Weed Control in the Brazos Valley and NW Houston
Needless to say, winter weeds are not only a nuisance but an eyesore in winter lawns in Texas. Homeowners looking for reliable, high-quality lawn care can turn to Aggieland Green. Since 2008, we have offered lawn weed control and fertilization services in the Brazos Valley and NW Houston areas. Our services are designed to kill weeds and maintain healthy grass year-round. We treat Bermuda, Zoysia, and St. Augustine grasses. In addition to lawn care services, we offer tree and shrub care, lawn aeration, mosquito control, and more. Contact us today for a free quote!