Chickweed has many culinary and folk remedy uses that date back centuries, however interestingly enough, it isn’t good for your lawn! It spreads rapidly and grows in thick mats that leave little room for anything else to grow. If you find chickweek on your lawn, it’s important to react fast… but after you read this blog, of course!
What is Chickweed?
Chickweed is a perennial flowering plant. The plant is considered a weed as it has the potential to grow rapidly, given the nature of its roots growing deep into the soil and overtaking surrounding plants. In fact, a single plant can produce around 1,300 seeds.
What does Chickweed look like?
As a low-growing plant, chickweed can grow to be eight inches long with characteristics including bright green, egg-shaped leaves with a pointed end and small white flowers.
What is the life cycle of Chickweed?
The lifecycle of chickweed takes place between Spring and Fall. Last year’s plants will start producing new seeds, once conditions are optimal for germination. Although it is a low-growing plant, chickweed will spread rapidly, producing more seeds that will continue to germinate throughout the season. By the late summer to early fall, the current adult plants will begin to die off, leaving the most recently produced seed dormant in the lawn soil until conditions become optimal again the following season.
What will happen if Chickweed is left untreated?
If left untreated, the chickweed will thrive throughout the warm-temperature seasons spreading throughout your lawn, and can quickly take over other turf species. Your lawn will then become over-saturated with this weed, and can even kill your grass.
How to control chickweed
Controlling chickweed growth can be done with proper lawn maintenance. Here are some tips:
- Mow your lawn regularly, at a height of 3 ½ to 4 inches
- Apply pre-emergent products
How to get rid of Chickweed?
Your first impulse is probably to zap it with weed killers or herbicides. STOP! Not all products are meant to get rid of chickweed.
Depending on how much chickweed is on your lawn, you could simply pull it out of the ground with your hand. Seriously, it could really be that easy.
However, if you’re looking around and your back is aching just thinking about bending over and pulling out all those weeds, we’re here to help! Our lawn care experts are trained to successfully apply pre and post-emergent weed control to help you reclaim your lawn.
Say Goodbye To Chickweed
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