{"product_id":"read-your-weeds","title":"Read your weeds","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWeeds can tell you a lot about the condition of your lawn and indicate what you need to\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003edo to grow healthy grass that is naturally resistant to weeds and pest problems. Learn to\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eread your “weeds” for what they indicate about your lawn care practices and soil\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003econditions, and you’ll be on your way to creating a healthy lawn that will be less work in\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ethe long run.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eReading weeds is actually very simple. First, know that weeds thrive in soil that is\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ecompacted, poorly fertilized, and not pH balanced; and in lawns that are improperly\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ewatered, seeded, and mowed.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSynthetic fertilizers and chemical pesticides also lead to undesirable conditions, which\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003erestricts water and air movement in the soil. High nitrogen fertilizers can disrupt the\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003enutrient balance, accelerate turf growth, increase the need for mowing and contribute to\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ethatch buildup. Pesticides harm the microorganisms, beneficial insects and earthworms\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ethat are essential to maintaining healthy soil, and therefore,\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ehealthy turf.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eUse the following chart to identify the weeds in your lawn and correct the conditions that\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eare promoting them with the information below. For instance, blue violets often indicate\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ecompaction and excessive watering. Aeration and proper irrigation would correct the\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003econditions that are promoting blue violet growth.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWhile we cannot provide specific information for every region of the country, and every\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eweed, this general overview will highlight the association of weeds with poor soil and\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003emanagement conditions. And, while we don’t focus on pests, following the\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003erecommendations outlined here will help alleviate many pest problems.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eRemember, many plants that are considered weeds, have beneficial qualities. Try to\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003edevelop a tolerance for some weeds. For instance, clover - considered a typical turf weed-\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ethrives in soil with low nitrogen levels, compaction issues, and drought stress. However,\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eclover takes free nitrogen from the atmosphere and distributes it to the grass, which helps\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eit grow. Clover roots are extensive and extremely drought resistant, providing significant\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eresources to soil organisms, and clover will stay green long after turf goes naturally\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003edormant. Crabgrass provides erosion control, dandelions’ deep roots return nutrients to\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ethe surface, and plantains are edible!\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCommon Lawn Weeds and What Contributes To Them\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eEliminate the Conditions that Promote Weeds\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e1. Compaction – Compaction is an invitation for weeds. If your lawn is hard, compacted,\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eand full of weeds, aerate to help air, water and fertilizer to enter. If you can’t stick a\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003escrewdriver easily into your soil, it is too compacted. Get together with your neighbors\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eand rent an aerator. Once you have an established, healthy lawn, worms and birds\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003epecking at your soil will aerate it for free!\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e2. Mowing Height – Bad mowing practices cause many lawn problems. Mowing lower\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ethan 1 1⁄2 to 1 3⁄4 inches can kill the root system by preventing photosynthesis, and\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003emowing with a dull blade makes the turf susceptible to disease. A low mowing height\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ealso invites sunlight in for weeds to sprout.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWhile grass species vary across the country, most lawns are a mix of kentucky bluegrass\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eand fine fescue. Generally, you should keep a lawn at 3- 3 1⁄2 inches. Mowing high allows\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ethe grass to develop deeper, drought-resistant roots systems. For the first and last cut of\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ethe season, mow to 2 inches. Do not mow more than 1\/3 of the grass blade at a time.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eKeep your mower blades sharp to prevent the development and spread of fungal disease,\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eor ask your service provider to sharpen their blades frequently.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e3. Soil pH and Soil Testing – Low pH means acidic conditions and high pH indicates\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ealkaline conditions. If the pH is too high, your grass cannot properly absorb nutrients.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIdeal pH should be between 6.5-7.0, slightly acidic. Generally, lime is added to raise the\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003epH and sulfur is added to lower the pH, and adding compost can naturally correct your\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003epH. A soil test is highly recommended to determine the soil pH and specific nutrient\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eneeds. Contact your extension service to find out how to take a soil sample. In addition to\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003enutrients and pH analysis, ask for organic content analysis, and request organic care\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003erecommendations. Organic content should be 5% or higher.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e4. Fertility -Soil testing is the best way to determine your soil’s specific nutrient needs.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFertilizing in early fall ensures good growth and root development for your grass.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eNitrogen, the most abundant nutrient in lawn fertilizers promotes color and growth.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAdding too much nitrogen, or quick-release synthetic fertilizers, can weaken the grass,\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ealter the pH, promote disease, insect, and thatch build-up.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eYour grass clippings contain 58% of the nitrogen added from fertilizers, improve soil\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003econditions, suppress disease, and reduce thatch and crabgrass. So, leave the clippings on\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eyour lawn. You can use a mulching mower and leave the leaves too.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCompost is an ideal soil conditioner, adding the much-needed organic content to your\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003esoil, and suppressing many turf pathogens. In the fall and spring, preferably after\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eaerating, spread 1⁄4 inch layer of organic or naturally-based compost over your lawn.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCompost tea and worm castings are also great additions.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThatch is a dense layer of grass stems and roots on the surface of the soil. Thatch is a\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003esymptom of shallow watering and chemical fertilizer usage. When thatch layers become\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e1⁄2” or more, the roots will grow up within the thatch instead of in the soil, making grass\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003esusceptible to insects, disease, and weather stress. If your lawn feels spongy, you may\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ehave thatch buildup. Thatch is reduced by aeration, topdressing with organic matter, or\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003epower raking. In healthy lawns, earthworms and soil microorganisms break down the\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ethatch.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e5. Watering and Poor Drainage– Drought conditions, excessive watering or poor\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003edrainage due to soil type are all invitations for weeds. Watering needs are very site\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003especific, but generally speaking, a deep watering of about one-inch once a week in the\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eearly morning is best. Your type of soil impacts your drainage and is also site-specific.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOnce you establish a deep root system from mowing high, you will need less water.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCheck with your local nursery for more specific recommendations and your soil type.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e6. Grass Seed and Seeding – Grass varieties differ enormously in their quality,\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eresistance to certain pests, tolerance to climatic conditions, growth habit and appearance.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSome weeds are the result of using poor quality grass seed. Over-seed with the proper\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003egrass seed for your region to promote a dense turf that out-competes weeds. Consult your\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eextension service website to learn the best grass variety for your region and site\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003econditions (sun or shade). Your work to create a healthy lawn will help to protect public\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ehealth and the environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSource:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003ewww.beyondpesticides.org\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Deblen the Tree \u0026 Turf Doctor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42103224238262,"sku":"","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"url":"https:\/\/www.deblenthetreedoctor.com\/products\/read-your-weeds","provider":"Deblen the Tree Doctor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}