Got Weeds? We Got What You Need!

Giordano’s has your back! We’ve put together a list of the most difficult to control weeds that are common in the Long Island, NY region (but applies to the majority of Horticultural Zones 6 & 7). Let’s be honest, you have better things to do than weed your lawns all day, so here are a few suggestions we have found helpful in our and our client’s lawns.

First, From Our Friends at This Old House:

Weed-free lawns are the stuff of dreams and championship golf courses. In fact, when you consider the tenacity of weeds, it’s a wonder any of us win the pitched battles we wage with these pesky invaders. Just one dandelion plant makes up to 15,000 seeds, each of which can survive six years in the soil—creating 15,000 more seeds when it sprouts and matures.

Synthetic herbicides are the usual response to chronic weed problems. But used unwisely, these chemical weed killers can be dangerous to people, pets and turf. And unless you get at the underlying problems that weaken lawns and favor weeds, you might have to apply herbicides frequently.

The best way to control dandelions and other weeds in your yard is to grow a thick, vigorous lawn. Dense grass crowds out weeds and blocks the sunlight their seeds need to germinate. If only a few weeds dot your lawn, changing your maintenance tactics might be all it takes to get rid of them. And if your efforts at hand-to-hand combat haven’t worked, take heart. There really is a way to pull out even stubborn dandelions so they don’t come back.

After reading this article, we figured that we’d put together a summary of the top techniques/products we have used to grow beautiful lawns for our families, friends and clients over the years.

5 Steps to Grow a Vigorous Lawn:

The Art of Fertilizing Smart:
- Use an Organic Fertilizer on your lawn during the first warmth of Spring and again after about 2 months. WARNING: Too much fertilizer is detrimental, too little is not effective. Consult with the instructions, or stop by at Giordano’s if you need advice on the application of fertilizer to your lawn.
- Our Top Picks for Organic Lawn Fertilizers: Jonathan Green Natural Beauty, Jonathan Green Lawn Soil Enhancer, Ringer Lawn Restore & Milorganite
Water INFREQUENTLY, but DEEPLY
- Water for at least 1hr with an automatic sprinkler
- Allow your lawn to dry out before watering again!
Mow Higher
- Set your mower for it’s highest level (we recommend between 3 & 4 inches)
- This will allow your grass to absorb MORE sunlight throughout the course of the day
Spot Treatments
- Lawns don’t grow or flourish uniformly, pay attention to your problem areas and add more fertilizer selectively in the spots that aren’t growing fully
Weed Removal Best Practices
- Dig around the weed at least 2″ from the base all the way around
- Remove the entire chunk (make sure you get all the roots)
- Patch your hole with compost/soil mix (25%/75%)
- Top with a thin covering of Weed Beater Lawn-Weed Control
- Wait for your grass to reclaim the space
- Revisit those spots frequently to ensure no new weeds are sprouting

Good luck, Post Comments/Success Stories on Our Facebook Page!!

Contained below are pictures of some of the most difficult to control weeds in home lawns and some possible remedies.

[slider]