Got Weeds?

Solutions for a weedy lawn

Seeding and mowing the lawn has become a regular routine for many homeowners, and there are plenty of people who pride themselves on the appearance of their yard and garden. So it can be quite frustrating when weeds persistently sprout up among the grass and plants.

Certain conditions can help support weeds and keep them germinating year after year. Making changes to how you treat your landscaping can help keep it from getting inundated with dandelions and crabgrass.

The easiest way to keep weeds under control is to ensure that your turf cover is dense and growing well. Brad Pedersen and Bob Mugaas, writing for the University of Minnesota Extension, say weeds can continue returning year after year if they are simply killed off without addressing any problems with the underlying turf.

Compacted soil can be especially problematic, since it will make it more difficult for strong roots to develop. Gretchen Voyle and Hal Hudson, writing for the Michigan State University Extension, say this condition sometimes occurs naturally due to the presence of heavier soils such as clay. However, soil compaction can also be caused by working in a wet lawn or running heavy equipment or even frequent foot traffic over an area.

If you determine that your soil is compacted, you can create a more stable surface by tilling the lawn or garden and working mulch or organic matter into the top few inches of the soil. This can be a lengthy and difficult process, but it will make your landscaping more stable when reseeding or putting in new plants.

Be cautious when using this approach, as disturbing the soil can sometimes make the problem worse. Lisa Kaplan Gordon, writing for the National Association of Realtors' home improvement site HouseLogic, says weed seeds can stay dormant for many years and germinate if they are exposed to sunlight. Be gentle when hand cultivating and consider using raised beds for planting instead of sowing seeds directly into the ground.