Benefits of Core Aeration
January 31, 2020
Weeds in Your Winter Lawn
One would think that during the winter in Georgia, lawns should be weed free and slow to grow. While slow growing is certainly a probability, certain weeds enjoy the cooler temperatures and will seem to be persistent throughout the variations of our winter. It may seem like some weeds are indestructible but we assure you they are not! Naturally, even when treated with the proper herbicides, the environment can help to preserve these lawn invaders for a bit longer than desired. Our applications can and will combat these nuisances of nature.
Below, you will see some of the common winter annuals that are seen on lawns that are not serviced by Peach State Turf Care or not treated properly. It is our dedication to freeing your lawn from these pesky winter weeds, making your lawn stand out on your block as we enter spring.
Poa Annua
The annual nature of this weed supplies its most noxious habit: it re-seeds itself prolifically! Annual bluegrass is outwardly attractive in the winter but just wait until spring! The thick mat of bluegrass chokes out the better turf underneath.
The old-timers call this one “po anner” due to its scientific name: Poa annua. That name immediately tells us that this grassy plant is an annual.
Every blade (of which there are thousands) seems to be covered with seeds. These seed are carried by animals, water and lawnmowers to other parts of the lawn. When hot weather comes, the bluegrass dies, leaving a large bare spot and a legacy of thousands of seed for next fall.
Chickweed
Chickweed, thusly named, is a common source of food for poultry. The leaves on common chickweed are oval with a slightly pointed tip with leaves being opposite each other on the stalk. Chickweed is a sprawling plant that gets a white flower as spring temperatures start to rise. Chickweed can commonly be seen in dense mats in lawns that are untreated. Common chickweed should not be confused with its perennial family member, Mouse Eared Chickweed which has visibly hairy large leaves.
Henbit
Henbit got its name because chickens like to eat it. It will happily take advantage of the thin, moist areas of your lawn, especially those areas that are shaded. You will often find it under trees and shrubs where grass has a hard time growing. Each plant can produce up to 2,000 seeds that can take root and keep you fighting henbit for years to come.
Wild Onions
Wild onion weeds grow in clumps and are typically found in lawns or near difficult to mow areas. Wild onions can be identified by their thin, waxy spear-like leaves. Wild onions grow from white bulbs. They will either spread by forming bulblets on their bulbs, creating larger clumps, or by seed, spreading the wild onion plants to other parts of the lawn.
The best way to prevent and control winter annual weeds in your turfgrass is to maintain a healthy lawn. A thick, strong lawn should easily out-compete these winter annuals. It’s only when a lawn is establishing or thin that these weeds can become a problem.
