Weed Control Services

Why Weed Control Matters

Weeds are more than just unsightly—they actively harm your lawn by:

• Competing for Resources: Weeds steal water, nutrients, and sunlight from desirable grass
• Reducing Lawn Density: As weeds spread, grass coverage decreases
• Creating Bare Spots: Dead patches become entry points for more weeds
• Lowering Property Value: A weedy lawn signals poor maintenance
• Spreading Seeds: Weeds produce thousands of seeds that spread to other areas
• Attracting Pests: Some weeds harbor insects and diseases

A weed-free lawn is healthier, more attractive, and easier to maintain long-term.

Common Georgia Weeds

Summer Weeds (Warm-Season)

Crabgrass

• Appearance: Star-shaped growth pattern, coarse texture
• Season: Germinates in spring, thrives in summer heat
• Problem: Most common and destructive Georgia weed
• Prevention: Pre-emergent in February-March
• Treatment: Post-emergent in late spring/early summer

Sandbur

• Appearance: Spiky seed heads that stick to clothing and pets
• Season: Summer annual
• Problem: Sharp burrs make lawn uncomfortable
• Prevention: Pre-emergent treatment
• Treatment: Post-emergent or manual removal

Spurge

• Appearance: Low-growing, reddish stems, small leaves
• Season: Summer annual
• Problem: Spreads rapidly in hot weather
• Prevention: Pre-emergent treatment
• Treatment: Post-emergent herbicide

Winter/Spring Weeds (Cool-Season)

Henbit

• Appearance: Square stems, purple flowers
• Season: Winter annual, dies in summer
• Problem: Germinates in fall, flowers in spring
• Prevention: Fall pre-emergent treatment
• Treatment: Post-emergent in fall/winter

Chickweed

• Appearance: Small leaves, white flowers, hairy stems
• Season: Winter annual
• Problem: Thrives in cool, moist conditions
• Prevention: Fall pre-emergent treatment
• Treatment: Post-emergent in fall/winter

Year-Round Weeds (Perennials)

Dandelion

• Appearance: Yellow flowers, toothed leaves, deep taproot
• Season: Perennial, present year-round
• Problem: Deep roots make removal difficult
• Prevention: Dense, healthy lawn
• Treatment: Targeted post-emergent herbicide

Clover

• Appearance: Three-leaflet clusters, white/pink flowers
• Season: Perennial
• Problem: Indicates low nitrogen in soil
• Prevention: Proper fertilization
• Treatment: Broadleaf herbicide

Plantain

• Appearance: Broad leaves in rosette pattern
• Season: Perennial
• Problem: Competes aggressively with grass
• Prevention: Dense lawn coverage
• Treatment: Targeted post-emergent herbicide

Professional Weed Control Methods

Pre-Emergent Herbicides

What They Do: Prevent weed seeds from germinating

• Timing: Applied before weed seeds germinate
• Crabgrass: Apply in late February to early March (before soil reaches 55°F consistently)
• Winter Weeds: Apply in fall (September-October)
• Effectiveness: 80-90% effective when timed correctly
• Duration: Typically lasts 6-8 weeks

Post-Emergent Herbicides

What They Do: Kill existing weeds

• Selective Herbicides: Kill broadleaf weeds without harming grass
• Non-Selective Herbicides: Kill everything (used for spot treatment)
• Timing: Applied when weeds are actively growing
• Application: Spray, granular, or targeted spot treatment
• Effectiveness: Varies by weed type and application timing

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

What It Is: Comprehensive approach combining multiple strategies

• Cultural Practices: Proper mowing, watering, and fertilization
• Mechanical Control: Hand-pulling, digging, or mulching
• Chemical Control: Herbicides when necessary
• Monitoring: Regular inspection for early detection
• Prevention: Creating conditions unfavorable to weeds

Organic Weed Control Options

For environmentally conscious homeowners:

• Corn Gluten Meal: Natural pre-emergent for crabgrass
• Vinegar Solutions: Non-selective post-emergent for spot treatment
• Manual Removal: Hand-pulling and digging
• Mulching: Prevents weed seed germination
• Dense Lawn: Thick grass crowds out weeds

Seasonal Weed Control Calendar for Georgia

Late Winter/Early Spring (February-March)

Most Important Time for Weed Prevention

• Pre-Emergent Application: Apply before soil reaches 55°F
• Target: Crabgrass and summer annual weeds
• Timing: Late February to early March
• Effectiveness: 80-90% crabgrass prevention
• Post-Emergent: Treat any winter weeds still present

Spring (April-May)

• Monitoring: Watch for breakthrough weeds
• Post-Emergent: Treat weeds that germinated despite pre-emergent
• Spot Treatment: Target individual weeds
• Maintenance: Proper mowing to prevent seed production

Summer (June-August)

• Monitoring: Regular inspection for weeds
• Heat Caution: Avoid herbicide application during extreme heat
• Spot Treatment: Address weeds as they appear
• Mowing: Prevent weeds from flowering and seeding

Fall (September-October)

• Pre-Emergent: Apply for winter weed prevention
• Target: Henbit, chickweed, and winter annuals
• Timing: September-October
• Post-Emergent: Treat summer weeds before they die

Winter (November-January)

• Monitoring: Watch for winter weeds
• Post-Emergent: Treat winter weeds as needed
• Planning: Prepare for spring pre-emergent application

Why Professional Weed Control is Better

1. Proper Timing

Professional providers know exactly when to apply treatments:

• Pre-emergent applied before soil temperature reaches 55°F
• Post-emergent applied when weeds are actively growing
• Seasonal applications timed for maximum effectiveness
• Monitoring for optimal treatment windows

2. Correct Identification

Different weeds require different treatments:

• Proper weed identification ensures correct herbicide selection
• Some weeds respond to selective herbicides, others to non-selective
• Perennial weeds require different treatment than annuals
• Professional expertise prevents wasted treatments

3. Proper Application

Correct application ensures effectiveness and safety:

• Proper spray patterns and coverage
• Correct herbicide concentration
• Safety protocols for chemical application
• Protection of desirable plants and pets

4. Integrated Approach

Professional providers use multiple strategies:

• Combining chemical and cultural practices
• Addressing underlying lawn health issues
• Preventing future weed problems
• Customized programs for specific weed problems

5. Consistent Results

Professional service delivers reliable outcomes:

• Regular monitoring and treatment
• Adjustments based on results
• Accountability for results
• Long-term weed control strategy

DIY vs. Professional Weed Control

DIY Weed Control Challenges

• Timing: Easy to miss optimal application windows
• Identification: Difficult to identify weeds correctly
• Application: Improper spray patterns reduce effectiveness
• Safety: Chemical handling requires proper precautions
• Consistency: Hard to maintain regular treatment schedule
• Results: Often less effective than professional treatment

Professional Advantages

• Expertise: Years of experience and training
• Equipment: Professional-grade sprayers and applicators
• Products: Access to professional-grade herbicides
• Timing: Knows optimal application windows
• Accountability: Stands behind results
• Safety: Proper handling and application protocols

Questions to Ask Weed Control Providers

• What's your pre-emergent application schedule?
• When do you apply pre-emergent for crabgrass?
• What herbicides do you use?
• Are organic options available?
• How do you identify different weed types?
• What's your post-emergent treatment strategy?
• How often will you monitor my lawn?
• What results can I expect?
• How long have you been providing weed control?
• Can you provide references?

Weed Control Services in Georgia

If you're tired of fighting weeds, professional weed control services can help. Hedgecoth Pro provides comprehensive weed control throughout Georgia:

• McDonough
• Stockbridge
• Hampton
• Locust Grove
• Ellenwood
• Lovejoy
• Henry County
• Griffin
• Jackson

Our team understands Georgia's unique weed challenges and provides customized weed control programs. From pre-emergent crabgrass prevention to targeted post-emergent treatments, we have the expertise to keep your lawn weed-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I apply pre-emergent for crabgrass?

Apply pre-emergent in late February to early March, before soil temperatures reach 55°F consistently. This timing prevents crabgrass seeds from germinating.

Can I apply pre-emergent myself?

Yes, but timing is critical. Missing the optimal window by even a week or two can significantly reduce effectiveness. Professional providers monitor soil temperatures and apply at the perfect time.

What if pre-emergent doesn't work?

If crabgrass still appears, post-emergent treatment can be applied. However, post-emergent is less effective and more expensive than prevention. This is why pre-emergent timing is so important.

Are there organic weed control options?

Yes. Corn gluten meal is a natural pre-emergent, and vinegar solutions can treat some weeds. However, organic options are generally less effective than chemical herbicides. Ask your provider about available options.

How long does weed control take to work?

Pre-emergent prevents germination, so results aren't visible. Post-emergent herbicides typically show results within 1-2 weeks, with complete weed death in 2-4 weeks depending on the weed type.

Is weed control safe for pets and children?

Professional herbicides are safe when applied correctly. Most providers recommend keeping pets and children off the lawn for 24-48 hours after application. Ask your provider about safety precautions.

How often do I need weed control?

Most lawns benefit from pre-emergent applications twice yearly (spring and fall) and post-emergent treatments as needed. A healthy, dense lawn requires less frequent treatment.

Conclusion

Professional weed control services provide effective, reliable solutions for Georgia's challenging weed problems. By combining proper timing, correct identification, and integrated management strategies, professional providers achieve results that DIY approaches often can't match.

The key to successful weed control is prevention through timely pre-emergent applications, combined with prompt post-emergent treatment for breakthrough weeds. A weed-free lawn is healthier, more attractive, and easier to maintain long-term.

Don't let weeds take over your lawn. Contact a professional weed control provider today and enjoy a beautiful, weed-free lawn all year long.