subject: The Different Types Of Weeds [print this page] Weeds can ruin any garden or landscape in just a few short weeks. They grow fast and enjoy attacking grass, plants, soil and just about any vegetation. Weeds deprive plants of water, light and soil nutrients. Weeds can grow all year, not just during the spring or summer months. There are about 250,000 plant species; about 8,000 of them are considered weeds. Weeds can cause tremendous damage to farmers and become a huge annoyance for homeowners. Most weed growth in residential landscapes is in grass. If not removed, they can cause serious damage and turn a beautiful landscape into a weed infested disaster. Weeds also increase the amounts of insects in your lawn as insects use weeds in grass as shelter. Take care of weeds as soon as you notice them. One single weed can produce anywhere from 10,000 to over 100,000 seeds in a short period of time.
3 Different Types of Weeds
There are three common types of weeds: Grassy-type, grassy-like and broadleef. Grassy-type are grasses that germinate and grow just like the grasses in the lawn. Examples include foxtails, goosegrass and crabgrass. Grass-like weeds look like grass but are shaped triangularly. They have a similar growth habit to grass. Grass weeds are very difficult to control and are best prevented with the application of preventative herbicides. Examples include wild garlic and nutsedge. Broadleaf weeds are the most common type of weed. They are easiest to identify. They are wide, flat and they stem like a flower. Examples include dandelions, ground ivy and white clover.
Identifying Weeds
Crabgrass
Crabgrass is mostly a summer weed. It has wide blades and is light green. Crabgrass is often unintentionally promoted by homeowners who cut their lawn to short.
Redwood Pigweed
Redwood pigwood is reddish in color and can grow four feet tall. Its often found in lawns with poor soil composition ad uneven turf. Herbicides work very well to kill this type of weed.
Shepards Purse
This type of weed resembles a flower similar to a dandelion. The way to get rid of these weeds is to simply pull them from their roots.
Common Mallow
Common mallow attacks newly seeded lawns. It can be avoided by maintaining your new lawn per the instructions of your landscaper.
