Most homeowners expect an abundance of weeds to pop up and wreak havoc on lawns and gardens in the springtime, but what about those pesky weeds that take over in the middle of winter? Living in the Sonoran Desert means residents enjoy relatively nice weather all year long. However, this also means that it’s easier for weeds to thrive in what is typically off season elsewhere, especially after some rain.
Types of Winter Weeds
There are a variety of different weeds that can grow in Arizona lawns and gardens during the winter. Identifying specific weeds is the first step to preventing or killing them.
Weeds can be annual or perennial. Annual weeds only last for one growing season and then they die. Perennial weeds are a little more stubborn and return every year if you don’t take action. You might also see different types of grasses and broadleaves emerge throughout your winter lawn. These are just a few troublesome weeds that can appear during Arizona winters:
- London Rocket, a common winter annual broadleaf
- Meadow Grass, which typically grows in Arizona during January and February
- Nutgrass, a particularly difficult weed that grows where winters are mild
If you are unsure what weeds are taking over your garden, stop by one of our stores and our experienced staff will help identify the most effective treatment.
Why is Weed Control More Difficult in the Winter?
Interestingly, cooler weather makes weed control more difficult. While some products work well in warmer months, those same products don’t quite cut it when the temperature drops. Weeds during wintertime require a different treatment. In fact, there are specific products that are designed to work best in cooler weather.
Weed control is more difficult in the winter because cooler temperatures cause herbicides to be absorbed more slowly. In addition, the movement of herbicides within the plant is also slower. So, what is the best way to get rid of weeds during winter?
Winter Weed Preventatives
Preventing weed growth altogether is the best approach for keeping these pesky plants away throughout the year, but this rings especially true in the winter months. One of the first things we advise is applying pre-emergents to vegetated areas. It is one of the most effective tools for eliminating the chance for weeds to grow right off the bat. Fortunately, pre-emergents are easy to apply with a hose-end sprayer that you can attach to your garden hose, and one treatment to an area typically lasts anywhere from six months to a year. It’s also important to note that most pre-emergents are safe to apply directly over flowers, shrubs and grass.
Pre-emergents prevent weed growth by stopping seed germination before weeds even get the chance to start growing. And you can generally treat 1,000 square feet for as little as $5. We recommend applying pre-emergents every six months to keep your garden weed free. When you visit any of our stores, we can show you which pre-emergent is best for your specific situation and provide simple instructions on how to properly apply.
Winter Weed Killers
What if you already have unsightly weeds trying to take over your yard? No need to worry! You can still get rid of weeds that are already growing with one of our post-emergents. Young weeds that are still actively growing are easier to kill than weeds that have matured. If you fail to take action to prevent weeds from growing, spray post-emergents to kill any weeds that do show up.
Bug & Weed Mart carries a variety of post-emergents developed to specifically kill different types of weeds, such as nutgrass, spurge and crabgrass, without harming your lawn or garden.
Using a post-emergent diluted with water in a pump sprayer makes it easy to apply the product directly to the area where weeds appear. When you spray, the chemical is then absorbed and carried down to the root, which ultimately kills the weed.
Already have a pump sprayer?
Great! Bring it into one of our locations and one of our experienced team members will make sure it’s working properly and clean it up for you free of charge. If you don’t already have one, we can show you exactly what to look for in a pump sprayer. When it’s maintained properly, our pump sprayers can serve you well for many years.
Getting Started
Bug and Weed Mart has an excellent selection of professional-grade, EPA-approved products for all your do-it-yourself weed control needs. Start by stopping by your nearest Bug & Weed Mart location, and one of our knowledgeable team members will get you on the right track with the supplies you need to keep your lawn and garden looking spectacular all year long.