Where Do Broadleaf Weeds Come From?
• The seeds of broadleaf weeds occur naturally in all soils, and they persist for 30 or more years. • Most broadleaf weeds are prolific seed producers. Many produce thousands of seeds per plant, and these seeds can disperse into your lawn from miles away. • Boxes of poor quality, inexpensive grass seed may have many unwanted broadleaf weed seeds. • Broadleaf weed seeds are often in any topsoil brought on the lawn. Cultural Control Measures Mowing • Mow at 3.0 to 3.5 inches. • Mow frequently so as not to remove more than 1/3 of the leaf blade at one time. This may mean mowing twice weekly in spring and every other week in summer. Irrigation • Irrigate deeply and infrequently. Water to wet the soil to the depth of rooting and then do not water again until you see the first sign of drought stress. The first sign of drought stress is a bluish-grey hue of the grass or footprints remaining in the turf after it is walked upon. Fertilization • Fertilize to create as dense of lawn as possible a
