“A weed is a plant that is not only in the wrong place but intends to stay.” — Sara Stein

I have a love-hate relationship with those plants I consider to be out of place in the landscape. They are nothing if not cunning. They crop up uninvited and have staying power, seemingly content in all sorts of conditions.

Although I certainly admire them for their persistence, left to their own designs nothing deters their growth and they will happily take over the landscape. I am, of course, speaking of weeds.

What drives weeds to grow? As with “non-weeds,” conditions have to be just right for the individual weed in question, with location, time of year, temperatures, light conditions, moisture and, most importantly, the overall health of the landscape having a role to play. Some weeds, like spotted spurge, don’t mind what some other plants would consider unfavorable conditions, and will sprout in poor, compacted soil and anywhere else they can find a hold, with seeds oftentimes sprouting in pavement cracks, and tiny holes and crevices. Some other weeds prefer wet feet, like dollarweed, which one is very likely to see in lawns that have been overwatered.

The take-away? There will always be a very adaptable weed at the ready when conditions warrant.

Weeds often crop up because of mismanaged landscapes. Therefore, the best approach to weed control is prevention, i.e., creating an environment that discourages weed growth.

For lawns, the first line of defense would be to deploy healthy maintenance strategies. Proper mowing (no more than 1/3 blade removed), proper fertilization (following label directions and according to local ordinances) and proper irrigation (applying water only when needed and in the amount needed; general rule of thumb being 1/2 to 3/4 inch per application). Weeds have less of a chance to get a hold when lawns are healthy. When we scalp our lawns, apply more than the recommended amount of fertilizer or over water, turf weakens and, in that weakened state, insect pests, disease and, yes, weeds will take up residence. Additionally, make certain to rinse/clean mower blades after use. If you are paying to get mowing done, question whether blades are cleaned after each use. If not, the chances are good that any issues from other lawns may become your problem as well.

One maintenance strategy for landscape plants includes a 3 to 4-inch application of organic mulch, keeping the mulch away from tree trunks and plant stems to avoid trunk and stem rot. Mulch will deteriorate over time, adding nutrients to the soil, at which time a fresh layer should be added. When properly applied and maintained mulch serves as a very effective barrier to weed germination and growth for a time. Should wind-blown seeds settle and sprout on the surface of the mulch, periodic raking can break up matted areas and the weeds as well.

A non-toxic approach to management is weeding by hand, making sure to dig them out roots and all. Pulling them out can be time-consuming if you allow weeds to get the upper hand. However, walking around your property on a regular basis will allow you to observe and tend to issues early on. Always wear gloves no matter the weed because a number of them produce sap that can irritate the skin. Before considering chemical controls, keep in mind that most products are surface killers and provide only a temporary fix; without tending to the roots the weed will re-emerge. Additionally, while herbicides may treat the symptom, i.e., the weed itself, in the short term, they do nothing to treat the cause, which is oftentimes poor landscape management practices.

Janetta Fox is a Lee County Master Gardener volunteer and member of the Garden Club of Cape Coral. Visit us at www.gardenclubofcapecoral.com.

Sources:

Biology and management of garden spurge (euphorbia hirta) in ornamental crop production. (n.d.). University of Florida IFAS Extension EDIS. Retrieved from https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep586

Unruh, J.B., et al. (n.d.) Weed management guide for florida lawns. (n.d.). University of Florida IFAS Extension EDIS. Retrieved from https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep141