Weed Warfare The Devious Tactics Weeds Use Against Our Lawns
By: Adam Boulton

Weeds are plants that disrupt the uniformity of our lawns. They find the weakest spots and can aggressively take over by growing at rapid speeds. Lawn weeds, like all weeds, are able to successfully compete with turfgrass. They take their share of light, water and nutrients. If your lawn is dense and healthy (through proper care) it has the ability to actually crowd out most weed seedlings. So first, get educated on weed weapons. The better you understand how weeds attack, the better you will be able to prevent them.

Weed seedlings are the most important weapons in its arsenal. Annuals especially produce large amounts of seed. Crabgrass is one example that produces thousands of seeds each year. As the seeds spread and the soil is disturbed it brings these seeds to the surface to germinate. That?s why it is important to aerate in the fall or do any soil disturbing lawn maintenance when the seed is less likely to germinate.

Then you have runners and spreaders. These annoying weeds grow from one central location. Then the weed sends out a runner either above the surface or just below it. The runner will then root at intervals creating new plants that in turn send out other runners.

Many weeds persist against all counter attacks because they use the underground tactic. One familiar example is the dandelion. These weeds have a deep, taproot system dotted with dormant buds. Other weeds in this category pull out easily but leave behind small tubers that grow into new plants. Some weeds have such extensive root systems that penetrate deep into the soil they are impossible to completely pull up.

The last kind of attack is chemical warfare, actually called allelopathy. This process begins when certain types of weeds like the Quackgrass and Johnsongrass emit toxic chemicals from their roots slowing the growth of your lawn.

Stay tuned for Part II on how to fight back!

Adam Boulton is an experienced gardener and lawn care specialist. If you would like to know more about the different ways to keep your yard looking beautiful using garden fountains please visit his website at fountains-galore.com

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