Difficult to eradicate, chickweed is a troublesome plant best kept out of your lawn and garden. It’s known for its rapid reproduction and fast spreading nature. Eventually, the unwanted weed crowds out the grasses and plants you do want in your yard. A thick healthy lawn does its best to keep the weed at bay. If only a few pesky plants appear, the shallow-rooted chickweed is easily removed by hand only if done in a timely matter. However, remove chickweed before it sets seed or this prolific plant produces hundreds of new seeds. Let’s talk about chemical warfare against these weeds. Find out how to stop chickweed using pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides now.

All About Chickweed

A cool-season annual, chickweed has small oval leaves and tiny white flowers. After the flowering period, it develops pods to disperse its overabundance of seeds. The low clumping plants also spread via stem nodes that form new roots as they travel over the ground creating thick messy mats.

Stop Chickweed Using a Pre-Emergent Herbicide

There are two ways to manage this persistent weed. First, use a pre-emergent herbicide in early fall before germination. This preventive measure is meant to stop chickweed before it starts. Your local garden center has a variety of herbicides. Pick one that is specifically for chickweed and the correct type of grass in your lawn as marked on the label. Don’t use a pre-emergent herbicide if you are reseeding your lawn in the fall as well. This chemical prevents new grass growth as well as the unwanted weeds.

Stop Chickweed Using a Post-Emergent Herbicide

But how do you stop chickweed after it’s started? If you already have an infestation, try spot treating your lawn with a post-emergent herbicide in the springtime. Apply it directly to the actively growing young weeds. More than one application is often necessary.

Call in an Expert for Weed Warfare

Even the best herbicides are not guaranteed to stop chickweed from taking over your lawn. Call in an expert if you are uncertain which chemical to use and how to apply it. Contact Free Spray Lawn Care at 419-529-5296 today. We’ll help you keep your lawn healthy to ward off unwanted weeds and keep it looking its best.