Burns Weed Control

The Basics of Weeds

Now that spring is here, the time has come to head outside and tend to your yard. Unfortunately, weeding is an inevitable component of yard care that needs to be dealt with. Before you head out to your backyard, read on for more information on weeds and weed control.

Definition

According to the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences, a weed is, “A plant out of place not intentionally sown, whose undesirable qualities outweigh its good points.” While weeds are not inherently bad, they can overpower and overcrowd other plants around them. Weeds can also deplete soil nutrients and moisture intended for other area garden plants or grass. Weeds fall into one of two basic categories – annual and perennial.

Annual Weeds

Annual weeds grow every year and have a short and rapid life cycle. As a result, an annual weed can take root, flower, and re-seed multiple times within one growing season. Preventing annual weeds comes down to eliminating seedlings before they have time to firmly take root. A weed control specialist can eliminate annual weed clusters before they have the opportunity to produce strong fibrous roots.

Perennial Weeds

Perennial weeds are stronger and more difficult to eliminate than annuals. In addition to flowering and seeding, they also grow from portions of the root left in the ground. As a result, perennial weed prevention requires a two-pronged approach. Not only do you need to eliminate as much of the weed as possible, you must also maintain a healthy lawn to help serve as a defense against perennial weed root growth.

Defense

The defense against both annual and perennial weeds is multifaceted. Weeds must be treated and eliminated to remove them from your lawn. Once weeds are removed, a weed control specialist can apply a growth prevention product to stunt the development of future weeds. Maintaining a healthy lawn is another important component of weed control, since a healthy lawn in better able to stand up against unwanted plants.

If you are in need of weed or pest control, contact Burns Weed Control. Serving the Phoenix area, our experienced and professional team offers both residential and commercial services. Call us today at (602) 633-9527 to schedule an appointment with a weed elimination specialist.

Annual vs. Perennial Weeds

Though they have different life cycles, annual and perennial weeds have one feature in common: you don’t want them in your garden. Weed control is an ongoing task for gardeners, and knowing the difference between annual and perennial weeds is vital to preserving your lawn or garden. Annual weeds can surface virtually any time of year in moderate climates, which is why you should perform periodic weed checks on your garden to keep them out. Crab grass and nettle are two common annual weeds. Perennial weeds are more persistent than annual weeds, so ridding your garden of them must be done with care. When you kill perennial weeds, make sure to remove all roots. Any part of the weed that remains in the ground can generate a brand new weed. Familiar perennial weeds include thistle, ground ivy, and dandelions.

Let Burns Weed Control help restore your garden’s beauty. Our specialists provide expert weed control services that can successful rid your lawn or garden of both annual and perennial weeds. Call our Phoenix office at (602) 633-9527 to learn more about our weed and pest control services.

Understanding the Threat of Buffelgrass

Buffelgrass is one example of a non-native species that has wreaked havoc on the southern Arizona landscape. This African plant has found its way to the southwestern United States, and now homeowners must contend with the consequences. Weed elimination specialists consider this plant extremely invasive and dangerous to native flora in the greater Phoenix area, which is why homeowners must remove it as quickly as possible. The following information highlights just how detrimental buffelgrass can be to the Arizona ecosystem.

Natural Predators

Because buffelgrass is not native to southern Arizona, no local animal species rely on it for sustenance. Though cattle, rabbits, and other animals may occasionally feed on buffelgrass, it is not a regular part of any native animal’s diet. As a result, it can germinate and spread without restraint unless homeowners are proactive in their weed control efforts against it.

Seedling Repopulation

Like other weeds, buffelgrass populates via seedlings. These seedlings grow in sizable clusters and are easily distributed through wind or human contact. When killing these weeds, it’s essential that homeowners take special care not to disturb the seedlings. Weed elimination specialists highly discourage individuals from attempting to compost buffelgrass once it has been uprooted, as just a few seedlings can infiltrate a lawn and overrun it in little time.

Native Species Re-Plantation

Though homeowners may be tempted to plant native species in the areas left bare by buffelgrass, experts urge gardeners to let the soil naturally repopulate with local flora. Tilled land is highly attractive to buffelgrass, so by preparing soil for other plants, you may be unintentionally giving buffelgrass an attractive place to thrive once more.

Burns Weed Control offers comprehensive weed killer services for aggressive species such as buffelgrass and Bermuda grass. If you have spotted buffelgrass on your lawn, let our weed elimination experts handle it. Call our Phoenix office at (602) 633-9527 for a free inspection of your yard.

How to Prevent the Growth of Bermuda Grass

Though Bermuda grass is an aggressive, perennial weed that frequently makes its way into gardens across Phoenix, it’s still possible to successfully rid it from your yard. The following weed control suggestions can help homeowners to keep Bermuda grass away from their lawns and gardens.

Mowing

• Unfortunately, some homeowners may be inadvertently contributing to their Bermuda grass problem. Given that this plant is a perennial weed, it can regenerate from small grass fragments. Prior to mowing your lawn, check for any evidence of Bermuda grass. If you spot this weed, you must completely remove it from your yard before mowing. Lawn waste that includes Bermuda grass can cause new plants to germinate across your yard.

Trenching

• Weed elimination specialists often recommend trenching as an effective form of weed control. If you want to keep Bermuda grass out of your yard or garden, simply dig a trench around it. Most experts agree that a four-inch deep trench can stem the tide of Bermuda grass growth. However, trenching alone cannot keep Bermuda grass from reaching your lawn. You must still perform regular weed control checks to ensure that your lawn remains free from unwanted plants.

Edging

• Some homeowners rely on edging to eliminate Bermuda grass. This technique involves implanting edging material around your yard as a barrier to invasive Bermuda grass. As with trenching, weed elimination specialists advise the purchase of edging that is at least four inches wide. When installing your edging, keep it three inches below the soil line. Bear in mind that Bermuda grass will attempt to grow over the edging, so periodic weed control maintenance is still necessary.

If Bermuda grass is sprawling across your lawn, Burns Weed Control can help. For nearly 30 years, our weed control experts have been helping Phoenix area homeowners enjoy beautiful yards free from intrusive Bermuda grass. Call (602) 633-9527 or visit our website to find out more about our weed and pest control services.

How to Prevent Weeds in Your Garden

Not only are weeds unsightly, but they can also choke out other plants. This video offers some tips on killing weeds before they overrun your garden.

The key to successful weed control is removing them before they release their seeds. Just like other plants, weeds want to grow and multiply. Many plants mature their seeds by late summer or early fall, so removing weeds before this time of year is essential. When killing weeds, be sure to carefully uproot them without disturbing their seeds, as a single seed can bloom into a new weed next season.

Are you having a hard time controlling your lawn weeds? Call Burns Weed Control at (602) 633-9527. Our Phoenix weed elimination specialists can provide you with a beautiful and weed-free yard.