As we welcome April showers and the promise of spring, it’s also time to address a common issue that tends to sprout along with the flowers – weeds! With the warmer weather and increased moisture, our lawns are ripe for weed growth, especially here in North Carolina. Failure to treat the weeds in your lawn may cause them to spread into a neighbor’s lawn.
Here are a few simple yet effective ways to keep weeds at bay and promote the growth of healthy Bermuda grass:
- Regular Mowing: Mow when the lawn first turns green using a rotary or reel mower set as low as possible without scalping the lawn. Mow the grass before it grows taller than 2 1/2 inches.
- Proper Watering: Supplement rainfall as needed so that the lawn gets about 1 inch of water each week. A bluish-gray appearance or wilted, folded, or curled leaves may indicate that it is time to water.
- Aeration: Consider aerating your lawn to improve air circulation, water penetration, and nutrient absorption. This process helps Bermuda grass to establish stronger roots and compete better with weeds.
- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer specifically formulated for Bermuda grass to provide essential nutrients and promote healthy growth.
- Weed Control: Regularly inspect your lawn for any signs of weed growth. Promptly remove weeds by hand or use appropriate herbicides. Apply preemergence herbicides from mid-February to early March. Apply postemergence herbicides in May as needed. Be sure the product you choose is labeled for use on bermudagrass.
For more detailed information on how to treat your grass throughout the year, visit https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/bermudagrass-lawn-maintenance-calendar. If you have changed the type of grass in your yard, please reference grass control measures for your specific species of grass.
Thank you,
Winston Ridge Board of Directors