How to Control Weeds during Summer

Kingsport, TN

Does pulling weeds make you want to pull your hair out? While Tennessee is known for its beautiful, lush, green lawns and landscaping in the summer, the season also brings with it difficult-to-manage weeds. If not addressed early, these nuisances can quickly become overwhelming in an otherwise healthy, beautiful lawn.

It’s difficult to enjoy our outdoor spaces in the summer when we’re distracted by the weeds that seem to be overtaking them. So what’s the answer? What’s the best defense against summer weeds? Our landscaping professionals at Promier Landscapes say when it comes to weed control, the best defense is a strong offense. But even when the window of opportunity has passed, our pros have tips you can use to help fight weeds in summer:

When is the best time to fight weeds?

Crabgrass and dandelions are two of the most common lawn weeds in Tennessee and other areas in the southeast. The ideal time to fight weeds is in the spring with a pre-emergent herbicide, which prevents weeds from becoming a problem, or in the fall with a post-emergent herbicide that controls existing weeds.  

Summer — specifically when temperatures exceed 85 degrees — is one of the worst times to try to manage lawn weeds with weed control products. That’s because while the chemicals in herbicides applied to gardens, lawns and landscapes can destroy weeds, they can also burn and kill the grass and plants you want to keep.

Let’s take a closer look at the best, most effective methods to control weeds:

Pre-emergent herbicide in spring

In the middle or end of summer, when the weeds have driven you crazy all season, you just want to give up. Believe it or not, this isn’t a bad idea. One method of taking control of summer weeds is to wait until next spring to apply a pre-emergent herbicide. It won’t help with this summer’s weeds, but it will prevent them from taking over your lawn and garden next summer. While waiting can be difficult, as the old adage goes: good things come to those who wait. Spring is hands-down the best time of year to combat weeds.  

Hand-pull weeds

While hand-pulling weeds in the sweltering heat of a Tennessee summer isn’t the most appealing thought, sometimes it’s the best way to fight weeds that have already popped up. A good pair of garden gloves, a garden trowel and a disposable bag can be your best bet sometimes. 

Remember that the part of the weed that grows above ground is only a symptom of the bigger problem that lies beneath. When pulling weeds, remember to pull the roots and potential runners/tubers growing underground, too. These will continue to sprout weeds if not completely removed, so even if a larger shovel is required, be sure to pull the entire weed. While sometimes a more labor-intensive way to fight weeds, it’s effective.  

Spot treat

Some liquid herbicides come with a wand and/or nozzle to help you control their application, only landing on the weed and not the surrounding vegetation or plants you wish to keep. 

Weed control in the Tri-cities area 

Weed torches and pullers are other tools that are on the market to help combat weeds in the hottest part of summer without breaking much of a sweat. If you feel overwhelmed by weeds no matter what options you’re considering, let our professionals at Promier Landscapes handle the job. Give us a call at (423) 872-2988, or fill out the form on the website to reach us online today. We’ve been serving the Tri-cities area the past 20 years and would love to help with all your lawn care needs.