If you were to keep track of every hour you spend in your garden, you’d probably notice that a lot of it goes into weeding. While pulling up those pesky invaders might feel somewhat satisfying at first, it quickly becomes a tiresome chore. That’s when you might start considering professional help. 

A professional fertilization service in Decatur and nearby IL areas is key to providing your lawn with the nutrients it needs to flourish. However, focusing solely on fertilization may leave your lawn exposed to aggressive weed growth. 

Armed with the knowledge and techniques outlined here, you’ll be well-equipped to keep weeds under control. Read on!

What are the four stages of weed development?

All crops and weeds go through four stages of development:

• Seedling: Small, delicate plants that have just emerged.
• Vegetative: The plant grows rapidly, developing stems, roots, and leaves.
• Seed production: The plant focuses its energy on producing flowers and seeds.
• Maturity: The plant slows down, producing little to no energy, and some may start to dry out or wither.

How long do weeds live?

Weeds can also be grouped based on how long they take to complete their life cycle. Here are the three common types:

Annual

Annual plants go through their entire life cycle in a single year. They germinate from seeds, grow, mature, produce seeds, and then die, all within one growing season. Unlike perennials or biennials, annuals only reproduce through seeds and lack vegetative reproductive structures. 

Summer annuals typically germinate in the spring, bloom and produce seeds during the summer, and then die off by summer or fall. These are the most common types of weeds found in field crops. On the other hand, winter annuals germinate in the fall and die the following year in late spring or early summer. The best time to control annual weeds is when they are still seedlings.

Biennial

Biennial plants have a two-year life cycle, spending the first year growing leaves and storing energy, and the second year producing fruits and seeds. These weeds often show up in no-till fields, pastures, and areas like fencerows that aren’t regularly mowed. The best time to manage them is during their seedling stage.

Perennial

Perennials are long-lived plants, often surviving for two years or more, and they can reproduce either by seed or through vegetative growth. They spread through structures like stolons (above-ground runners, like those found on white clover and strawberries), rhizomes (underground stems, like milkweed and quackgrass), tubers (swollen underground stems, like potatoes and yellow nutsedge), and bulbs (underground stems wrapped in fleshy leaves, like tulips). Because these weeds can spread underground, they can be particularly challenging to manage. Cutting back the aboveground parts won’t stop their growth.

How to control weeds?

Weeds can be a real challenge, especially since many of them produce large quantities of seeds that spread easily by wind, rain, machinery, animals, and even people. These seeds can remain dormant for a long time and still germinate, surviving extreme weather conditions like temperature fluctuations and changes in moisture. To keep them from spreading, it’s crucial to tackle weeds before they go to seed.

The right strategy depends on factors like the weed’s life cycle, the size of the infestation, environmental conditions, and your specific goals. Effective weed control starts with correctly identifying the plants, choosing the most effective management methods and timing, and keeping an eye on the results over time.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a universal solution to weed control. Different types of weeds require different approaches, so what works for one situation might not work for another. If you’re not experienced in weed management, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional herbicide service and get expert advice tailored to your specific needs.

Who offers expert lawn fertilization service near me in Decatur, IL?

Tired of battling those stubborn weeds or unsure if fertilization will make any difference? No need to worry—Classy Grass is here to assist! We’re dedicated to making your yard look its absolute best.

Drawing on our deep knowledge and the finest practices in greenkeeping and turf management, we’re focused on delivering exceptional results every time.

Whether you’re near Fort Daniel Conservation Area or right in the heart of  Decatur, reach out to us and let us do what we do best!