Summer Weed Control: Keeping Your Lawn Weed-Free

Summer is prime growing season — not just for your grass, but for weeds. Crabgrass, dandelions, nutsedge, and clover thrive in heat and can quickly take over if left unchecked. Here's how to keep your lawn weed-free all summer.

Know Your Enemy: Common Summer Weeds

Crabgrass: An annual grassy weed that spreads rapidly in hot weather. It germinates in spring and explodes by mid-summer.

Nutsedge: A fast-growing, bright green sedge that stands taller than your lawn. It thrives in wet, poorly drained areas.

Dandelions: Broadleaf perennials that regrow from deep taproots year after year.

Clover: Spreads by stolons and thrives in low-nitrogen soil. A sign your lawn may need fertilizer.

Spotted Spurge: A low-growing summer annual that forms dense mats in thin or bare areas.

Prevention: The First Line of Defense

A thick, healthy lawn is the best weed control. Weeds exploit thin or stressed turf, so focus on:

• Proper mowing height — taller grass shades the soil and blocks weed seeds
• Deep, infrequent watering — encourages deep roots instead of shallow weed seeds
• Regular fertilizing — a well-fed lawn outcompetes weeds naturally
• Pre-emergent herbicide — applied in early spring to stop crabgrass before it germinates

Treatment: When Weeds Are Already There

Hand-Pulling

Best for a few isolated weeds. Pull after rain when the soil is soft — get the entire root or the weed will return.

Spot Spraying

For scattered weeds, use a targeted post-emergent herbicide. Apply on a calm day to avoid drift onto desirable plants. Always follow label instructions.

Broad Application

For heavy infestations, a broadcast weed-and-feed or liquid herbicide may be necessary. Be cautious in summer heat — temperatures above 85°F can cause herbicide damage to your lawn.

Summer Weed Control Schedule

| Month | Action | |-------|--------| | June | Spot-treat broadleaf weeds, monitor for nutsedge | | July | Pull or spray isolated weeds, maintain mowing height | | August | Apply post-emergent for crabgrass if needed | | September | Transition to fall pre-emergent and overseeding |

When to Call a Pro

Stubborn weeds like nutsedge and persistent crabgrass often require professional-grade treatments and timing. LawnSmart's technicians identify weed types and apply the right treatment at the right time — without damaging your lawn. Book a weed control service today.