Weed Control for Sodded Lawns: Strategies for a Pristine Landscape

Weeds plague lawn owners everywhere, including here in Florida. You undoubtedly want to keep your lawn as pristine as possible for aesthetics and usability. Fortunately, there are numerous steps you can take to minimize weeds in your lawn. The best way to keep weeds at bay is to stop them from growing in the first place. However, there are strategies for getting rid of them once they have also taken hold. Read on to learn how to keep your lawn weed-free.

Weed Prevention Strategies

The healthier your lawn is, the harder it will be for weeds to take root, so keeping it in good shape should be your top priority. This includes primary lawn care, like mowing, watering, and fertilizing according to the needs of your specific grass type. Not all grass varieties are the same, so knowing your grass’s unique needs is essential.

In general, most sod does better when watered deeply, less often. This helps establish a deep, vigorous root structure that can help your lawn withstand hardships like drought or disease. It also makes your grass better able to overpower weeds and prevent them from springing up. Over-watering, though, can drown your lawn and make disease more likely.

When mowing, adhere to the designated height for your grass type. When grass is too tall, it is more difficult for the roots to support it. The roots have to work harder to keep the blades fully hydrated, leaving the lawn vulnerable to weeds. Similarly, when the grass is too short, the delicate new growth is exposed. It also makes it easier for weeds to get the sunlight they need.

It is important to choose the right type of fertilizer for your lawn’s soil conditions. A soil test can alert you to any nutrients in your soil that are lacking or overabundant. This will guide you in choosing the right fertilizer to restore the appropriate nutrient balance and help your lawn thrive. Follow the package instructions closely to ensure you apply the fertilizer in the right amounts and at the right time of year, as each fertilizer is different.

Getting Rid of Existing Weeds

Weed prevention is excellent, but what do you do if you already have weeds in your lawn? The best way to remove weeds is to pull them out manually. Take care to pull out the entire root structure, not just the top of the plant. Otherwise, the weed will grow back. If the weed produces seeds, be careful not to shake them loose when pulling the weed, as this could lead to even more weeds springing up.

If there are too many weeds to pull by hand, you may be better off with a chemical weed treatment. If there are already weeds present, you’ll need a post-emergence herbicide. This will target the weeds without killing your lawn. In future seasons, use pre-emergence herbicide to stop future weeds before they start.

In extreme cases where weeds have completely taken over your yard, it may be necessary to wipe out all plant life and start fresh completely. This way, you can stop fighting an uphill battle against weeds and give your lawn a new start in which it will have a much better chance of thriving.

Restoring Your Lawn with Fresh Sod

If weeds have ravaged your lawn to the point where it is severely damaged, fresh sod can be a great way to start over. At Duda Sod, we proudly provide many types of sod for sale in Florida. Our experts can work with you to help you choose the best kind of sod for your home. 

We are always more than happy to answer your questions to ensure you know exactly what to do to care for your new sod and give it the best chance of establishing well during its early days. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our sod for sale and get the process started.