It has happened before and it will likely happen again…a client (always with good intentions) decides to skip a few mows before we come out to treat. Why? So the weeds can get big enough for us to see them, spray them and kill them!
At face value this makes sense, the odds of defeating your worst enemy are much bette when you can see them…right?
WRONG…when it comes to controlling weeds in your lawn.
In fact, that kind of thinking is completing counterproductive to any weed control program, and will only make things worse!
The presence of weeds in your lawn is NEVER a good reason to skip a mow. There are no “if’s, ands or buts” about it. The longer you wait between mows, the bigger your weed problem will be, guaranteed. The bigger, more mature your weeds get, the harder they are to kill, and the more they compete and weaken the surrounding turf…which will only lead to more weeds in the long run.
So how ling is too long between mows?
Easy, anything more than a week. 60% of weeds in any lawn can be controlled with proper, weekly mowing. 60%!! You cannot rely on herbicide applications completely, weekly mowing HAS to be part of your plan to control weeds.
So, let me reiterate…the presence of weeds in your lawn is NEVER a good reason to skip a mow. If fact, the presence of a weed in your lawn is all the more reason to get out there and mow! The more you mow, the more effective your weed control program will be!
Contact us TODAY for a free estimate on keeping your lawn weed free...
FAQs
Mowing will not eradicate noxious weeds. However, it can stress weeds, providing desired plants a competitive edge. If can also prevent or greatly reduce seed production. Mowing strategies should be implemented with other methods as part of an integrated noxious weed management plan.
Should I mow a lawn full of weeds? ›
Cutting the weeds exposes the plant closer to the roots for treatment. Frequent mowing improves the health of your grass, choking out the weed.
Is it okay to let weeds grow in the yard? ›
Surprisingly, weeds are great for the ecosystem, and play a vital role in transforming dry earth into rich fertile soils, and providing new habitats for wildlife. Another term for this is "rewilding," which is about bringing barren grass back to its original, natural state.
What are the benefits of not mowing your lawn? ›
Side benefits of mowing less, year-round
- Save water while increasing drought tolerance: Taller grass tends to have deeper roots and less water evaporates from the soil.
- Reduce air and noise pollution from gas-powered lawn equipment.
- Better conditions for other invertebrates like lacewings and fireflies.
Weeding is an effective, targeted way to kill weeds in a lawn. Dig weeds up by the root using garden tools such as a dandelion digger or sickle blade. Weed seeds can lie dormant for years, so avoid perennial weeds by not digging too deeply. Weed early and often.
Should I pull weeds or mow first? ›
Rake weeds before mowing to pull seed stems upright. After mowing, destroy or dispose of seeds – don't add to your compost pile. Be careful not to rake if seeds are dropping, or you risk spreading seeds. As soon as perennial weeds sprout, it's time to take action.
Is it better to cut or pull weeds? ›
By simply cutting off the top of the weeds, you're merely forcing them to grow again. To really address the problem, you need to yank or dig them out by their roots. It's a long, arduous process, especially if you have a yard full of weeds, but it's the only way to prevent them from growing back at full force.
Does cutting grass too short encourage weeds? ›
The Results of Cutting Your Grass Too Short
When you limit the amount of sunlight and air that your grass is exposed to, this can inhibit the grass's development and weaken the roots. This weakening can then leave your lawn vulnerable to invasive weeds, diseases, and pests.
What to do when your lawn is all weeds? ›
You need to spread fertilizer, use herbicides, apply mulch, mow, rake, till, dethatch, aerate, resod, reseed, and water your grass. That's a lot of hard work.
Do weeds have a purpose? ›
Weeds are essential to pollinators
Over 180,000 different plant species and more than 1,200 crops worldwide rely on pollination. Weeds are a fundamental food source for pollinators, especially in the early months of spring, and without them, they would not survive.
If you're looking to get rid of them, you'll want to spray them instead of pulling them by hand. Spraying weeds requires less effort, allows you to cover a larger area, and is more effective since herbicides can quickly kill them. Meanwhile, hand-pulling weeds will require more effort and time.
What happens if you never mow? ›
But If you were to just stop mowing altogether, your lawn would look unkept and grasses and wildflowers will begin to colonize the space, Quindoy says. Wildflowers sound dreamy, but the bad news here: You won't have any control over which species take up residence.
Why shouldn't you mow your lawn every week? ›
Mowing every two weeks — instead of weekly — and not dousing grass with chemical herbicides and fertilizers, helps the environment and supports the health of bees, which are among the world's most important pollinators.
Why does everyone mow their lawns? ›
The relative health and attractiveness of the grass in our yard becomes a barometer for our life as a whole. In this way, cultivating a healthy, neatly mowed lawn helps us convince others we're doing well.
Does cutting grass short encourage weeds? ›
Weeds are abundant
In fact, grass which is cut too short will focus its energy on recovering and growing the leaves, rather than deepening the root system. As a result, it will be much weaker against any impending weeds.
Do grass clippings spread weeds? ›
Bagging grass clippings can also help prevent the spread of weeds within the lawn. Clippings from weeds that have gone to seed may contain viable seeds that can germinate and proliferate, leading to an increase in weed population over time.
Does grass overtake weeds? ›
Irrigating your lawn as needed promotes deeper roots and healthier grass. Abundant, vigorous grass overpowers weeds and denies them the nutrients they need to grow. Not only will proper watering choke out existing weeds, but it will also prevent weeds from growing in the future.
