Weed Control

The last thing you want to see in your yard this summer are weeds. In order to eradicate them successfully, you first need to understand what type you are dealing with and the best method of treatment. To help, we have outlined some common weeds found in the Omaha Metro area along with tips and information regarding how we can help you have weed control over your landscaping and lawn.

Perennial Weeds: Nutsedge

Chances are good that you have noticed nutsedge in your yard before, even if you did not know it by name. This perennial weed is a member of the sedge family. It prefers moist soil conditions, so shoots first appear in late spring and early summer when rain is more common. Nutsedge grows at a faster rate than grass, so it is often mistaken as a spot missed by the mower. However, the yellow color to the blades are a giveaway that it is a weed, not grass.

As tempting as it is to simply pluck it, this may cause more problems depending on the developmental state of the weed. The tricky part is understanding what is going on below the surface and responding appropriately. The University of Nebraska at Lincoln explains that the root system produces “nut-like tubers that serve as food storage organs. These small tubers will sprout and form new plants.” These tubers are established following the longest day of the year, June 21^st. So, if you spot a new sprout before June 21^st, you can pluck it. Pulling it after the tubers are developed though will result in even more appearing, leaving you feeling like the problem has multiplied. Since this is a perennial, it will reappear each season, making it even more tricky to know if it is safe to pull. A new sprout in the spring from a weed that was established the season before means that tubers have developed. Pulling it won’t prevent others from growing in its place.

Confused? Paradise Lawns can help! We apply a reduced-risk control product that turns the weed white by stopping the chlorophyll production. Without chlorophyll, the plant ceases to thrive. So, pull it if you are confident that it is a first time, new sprout. Any other time, it is best to give us a call and let us attack this weed for you.

Annual Weeds: Crabgrass and Foxtail

Crabgrass and foxtail are two examples of common annual weeds. This means that they develop and spread from seeds. These seeds find their way into your yard through various weather elements, wind, animal carriers and birds. The nice thing about annual weeds is that proper preventative lawn care and maintenance can keep an infestation at bay. That is why Paradise Lawns includes pre-emergent applications for annual weeds as part of our lawn care program. We use quality products that stop these seeds from germinating, resulting in less crabgrass and foxtail in the lawns we maintain. If you are a new customer and have annual weed challenges, know that our timely applications and quality products will help, but it can take one to two seasons of following our program regimen and recommendations to get your lawn looking great.

Other Nuisances: Maple Tree Volunteer Saplings

There is something magical about watching the swirling motion of maple tree seeds as they fall from the parent tree. Nicknamed helicopters” or “whirly twirlies,” kids often find it irresistible to not throw them back into the air once they land. So, it’s no surprise they quickly go from charming to a nuisance once volunteer saplings begin to appear throughout your garden and yard. We don’t have a specific treatment plan or spray for maple tree volunteer saplings. The best control method is to simply get rid of them while they are small, before they take root. Mowing over them once or twice should control them in your yard. Manually plucking them is recommended for gardens and landscaping.

Paradise Lawns can help you achieve the lawn of your dreams

Paradise Lawns believes in organic lawn care. We include spot spray treatments and weed control measures with every visit. If there is an infestation of weeds, we will recommend and offer an additional application known as a blanket spray rescue treatment. This diligence to preventing weeds and having a healthy lawn means that we only offer weed control to our clients on our regular program. We don’t offer “a la care” services because just one or two isolated applications of weed control won’t be enough to resolve the issue fully. In order to have great results, you need regular care and maintenance. If you are paying less for lawn care or another company tells you that they can do a quick spray solution, they are probably taking shortcuts or using products that are potentially toxic, damaging or not as effective. Think of your weed control plan like working out. A few days of exercise won’t result in a beach body. You need a regular schedule and consistent effort to see great results. Call Paradise Lawns at 402-612-1527 to help you discover how to have a summer-ready, fit and healthy lawn this summer with minimal weeds.