Homeowners may not think about weed control in the winter, but it’s an absolute must in Georgia’s climate. Temperatures only get low enough to slow – not stop – weed growth. By the time early spring rolls around, it’s time for those seeds to germinate. Without something to stop the process, you’ll wind up with a yard filled with chickweed and crabgrass.
Common Weeds & Weed Control In The Winter In Georgia
Common Georgia winter weeds include henbit, white clover, wild onion, and annual blue grass. Crabgrass is one of the worst winter weeds growing in and around the Atlanta area. It’s especially insidious because it begins germinating early in the year, long before most homeowners are focused on lawn care. As soon as the ground temperatures reach 50°, you can be sure these stocky, thick blades of grass are already stirring below the surface.
Crabgrass is also challenging because no matter how short you mow crabgrass, it will spread. Research shows that even chopping weed patches to ¼-inch drop seed. While seeds sprout as early as February, homeowners may not spot growth until the middle of March. It may closely resemble Bermuda and Dallisgrass until later into summer as well. This makes treatment a challenge for homes with warm-season lawns. For many reasons, you’re best applying a pre-emergent weed control treatment to your lawn before temperatures get too warm, making weed control in the winter a must.
Pre-Spring Weed Control Methods
Consumers will find a variety of weed control products on the store shelf meant to target winter weeds, lawn weeds or particular species, like crabgrass. It’s crucial to read the label to know exactly what you’re getting, so you know you’re using the appropriate product at the right time. If you have crabgrass in your yard, for instance, a general lawn weed control product may not deliver the help you need. You may need a different type of weed control in the winter.
These treatments can provide good preventive coverage for pre-emergent weeds, or the seeds that haven’t germinated yet. Once that happens, however, there are few solutions that won’t damage your grass. For centipedegrass lawns, atrazine is one possibility. Just take care to follow the directions to a T.
For other weeds and grass types, you may have to wait until they break the surface and are large enough to identify. Doing so will allow you to spot treat weed growth; however, in the process, they’ll absorb vital nutrients and water away from your grass root system.
The best treatments for weed control in the winter are early applications of pre-emergent solutions. You may find products in your nursery you’ll need to apply while ground temps are between 30 and 50 degrees. A spreader or sprayer in the hands of a pro is the best way to do an all-over application in your hard. Your local lawn care professionals will also have access to high-quality treatments, and they’ll have the equipment and training needed to apply them ASAP.
If you’re looking for affordable, effective weed control throughout the year, start early. Schedule weed control in the winter with the experts who understand your real risks; contact our team at Think Green Lawn Care at (678) 648-2556.
