Weeds are notorious for being a nuisance on lawns in Oregon, and while they're all invasive, they can differ in appearance. Two common types are broadleaf and grassy weeds, and understanding the differences between them will help you identify them on your lawn. Grassy weeds resemble grass, with more narrow leaves and rounded or flattened stems, while broadleaf weeds have wider leaves that grow in different directions and have veins that branch out across the leaf.

The best way to control both grassy and broadleaf weeds is by signing up for a professional weed control program. With this program, professionals will apply pre- and post-emergent treatments to prevent new weeds from growing and eliminate any existing ones, effectively managing weed growth on your turf.

What are grassy weeds?

Lawn in Gresham, OR, with grassy weeds.

Grassy weeds are aptly named, as they closely resemble the grass in your lawn. They have narrow leaves and can feature either rounded or flattened stems. These weeds are monocots, meaning their seeds sprout a single leaf. This makes them blend in with your lawn, making detection challenging until they become well-established. Common examples of grassy weeds include quackgrass and crabgrass, both of which can spread quickly and compete aggressively with your turf grass. Due to their similar appearance to desirable grasses, identifying grassy weeds requires a sharp eye and a keen understanding of your lawn's natural texture.

Grassy weeds thrive in conditions where lawns are weak or thin. They exploit gaps in your lawn, taking advantage of the sunlight and space available. Because of their resemblance to regular grass, they often go unnoticed until they've taken hold, making early detection and intervention crucial for maintaining a healthy lawn.

What are broadleaf weeds?

Broadleaf weeds are more distinguishable from your grass due to their wider leaves that grow in various directions and possess branched veins. Unlike grassy weeds, these are easy to spot in your lawn because they don’t resemble grass at all. Their broad, obvious leaves often stand out, disrupting the uniformity of your turf. Their appearance can vary widely, from flat leaves lying low against the grass to tall, flowering stalks that stand out conspicuously.

These weeds can be more than just a visual nuisance. Their larger leaves can overshadow grass, preventing sunlight from reaching your turf and stealing essential nutrients and water. Broadleaf weeds can thrive in various conditions, often indicating an imbalance in soil health or lawn maintenance practices.

Examples of broadleaf weeds include dandelions, henbit, and chickweed.

The Best Way to Control Grassy & Broadleaf Weeds on Your Lawn

While it's helpful to know the differences between grassy and broadleaf weeds, the best way to control them on your lawn is by signing up for a professional weed control program. With this program, professionals will apply pre- and post-emergent treatments to prevent new weeds from growing and eliminate any existing ones. Pre-emergent weed control treatments are applied before weeds have the chance to sprout above the soil, creating a barrier that prevents them from breaking through. Meanwhile, post-emergent treatments effectively target weeds after they've already surfaced.

Professionals will administer these treatments several times throughout the year to stay on top of both grassy and broadleaf weeds. That way, your lawn can remain weed-free year-round! Not only that, but they'll know which treatments to apply and when to do so to yield optimal results. After all, not all weed control treatments are effective against all types of weeds, and the last thing you want is for them to continue to plague your lawn because of improper application. Fortunately, you can trust that professionals will utilize the right treatments to target both grassy and broadleaf weeds!

Call us today to sign up for our weed control service!

Each type of weed poses distinct challenges, which is why a professional approach is essential in maintaining the beauty and integrity of your lawn. At J&C Lawn Care, we offer a weed control service that features treatments in spring and fall to keep an eye on your turf and ensure weeds don't take over it. This service utilizes pre-emergent treatments that are designed to prevent weeds from making an appearance on your lawn!

Best of all, our weed control program also includes fertilizer treatments packed with essential nutrients that boost your lawn's health! This service is offered to property owners in Gresham, Happy Valley, Troutdale, and throughout the surrounding areas in Oregon. Call us today at (971) 284-2035 to sign up for our weed control program!