Lawn care - again

[1100011CS]

I know I've probably waited too long but... I have a serious weed problem. Clover and dandelions. I happen to think they look nice but my wife and neighbors don't So, is it too late to rescue my lawn this year? If not, what do I do?

Edit: almost forgot about the one weed I really do hate. Not sure what they're actually called but I call them thistles. The ones that hurt when you step on them. Bunch of those too.

[ISUFan22]

Ortho Weed-B-Gone works well. Just read the directions, apply as it states and for the most part you'll like the results.

I have some clover and got rid of most of it. Has 2 dandelions on the whole yard and they're gone too.

The thing I'm struggling with is quack grass. I don't want to do a total hi-jack, but if someone has some ideas for quack grass, I'd like to hear it.

[keepngoal]

ortho may be good, but TriMec Plus is where it is at.

i buy the spray bottle and spot spray. wait 10 days before hitting the same weed again (it will be brown). Each night go out and hit any new weeds right in the middle of the plant.

i have used this product for many years ... it got rid of my creaping charlie and other things that 'flare' up.

-keep

[clone2011]

I like seeing dandelions, probably because my favorite color is yellow and they remind me of sunflowers. I think they're pretty, but everyone else I know just thinks of them as the weed that'll kill your yard. I only enjoy them en masse, not a few spotty random ones because that just looks weird.

I, too, apologize for a hi-jack.

[Clonefan94]

Ortho Weed-B-Gone works well.

Yup, get the stuff that won't kill your grass. I've found that buying a pump cannister sprayer works better than the kind you hook to your hose. I'll tell you though, I replanted my back yard about 3 years ago after removing an in ground pool. It's been a constant battle trying to get the weeds out. If they've really established themselves, it will take several passes and you'll really have to keep up on it. Dandelions go a way pretty quick, but, that clover is pesky, just when you think you've got it all, it creeps back in. So, you really have to be diligent with it.

Another think I've read (looking for links) is to cut your lawn a little longer than normal. It helps the grass thicken up and get up and over the clover and help to choke it out. Don't know how true it is, but, I just made the adjustments on my mower this year so I don't have a lot of experience to relay to you. I do know my lawn does look healthier over all, but, I have to mow twice as much because the difference between cut and too long isn't as much now.

[Lastplace]

I know I've probably waited too long but... I have a serious weed problem.

Wesley is this you??

[ISUFan22]

ortho may be good, but TriMec Plus is where it is at

I'm always up for trying new products, so I'll give this a shot.

I used Ortho some last year and this spring - seemed effective. Although I do have a few spots in the lawn where it's slightly burnt. I can't confirm if I got a little heavy with the spray in that spot or the product was a little too strong.

[CyinCo]

Go with a pro at this point. The OTC spray is expensive and you'll need a lot of it. If you go with a pro, you might also get some sort of guarantee.

[ISUFan22]

Another think I've read (looking for links) is to cut your lawn a little longer than normal. It helps the grass thicken up and get up and over the clover and help to choke it out. Don't know how true it is, but, I just made the adjustments on my mower this year so I don't have a lot of experience to relay to you. I do know my lawn does look healthier over all, but, I have to mow twice as much because the difference between cut and too long isn't as much now.

This is 100% true. Mowing high and somewhat often is one of the best things you can do for your lawn. IMO, overseeding is a close 2nd.

A very thick lawn simply can't grow weeds.

[1100011CS]

Wesley is this you??

[keepngoal]

I'm always up for trying new products, so I'll give this a shot.

I used Ortho some last year and this spring - seemed effective. Although I do have a few spots in the lawn where it's slightly burnt. I can't confirm if I got a little heavy with the spray in that spot or the product was a little too strong.

buy the spray from the bottle version and narrow the stream to a fine line.. not a mist or spray. focus on the middle of the plant where the leaves 'move' water and resources for growth.

-keep

[cyfanatic]

I have stated on this board in the past that I have had extremely good luck using Earl May products. Stop by an Earl May store and talk to them about your situation. I have always found them helpful. You don't have to buy their products if you don't want to...but everytime I have used Earl May products they have worked wonderfully!

All this said...Earl May is an Iowa company to boot! Give them a shot...

[jtd9046]

This will take care of all your needs:

Preen Lawn Broadleaf Weed Control - How it Works

[1100011CS]

This is 100% true. Mowing high and somewhat often is one of the best things you can do for your lawn. IMO, overseeding is a close 2nd.

A very thick lawn simply can't grow weeds.

This is our first Spring in this house and I do mow high and often. Haven't over seeded yet. When's the best time to do that? Also, what about aeration? When's the best time?

We don't like to use a lot of chemicals if we don't have to but I think we're going to have to for this.

[Cyclonesrule91]

Keep is right on the money. Use Tri-mec for the weeds you brought up. Tri-mec is safe for grass but carries a big club when it comes to broadleafs. Check the label but I think it also takes care of crabgrass too.