Manitoba’s climate can be a blessing for growing lush, green lawns, but it’s also a paradise for some unwanted guests. The common weed! Persistent invasive weeds can quickly take over your Winnipeg yard and garden beds, stealing nutrients and ruining the look of your lawn. But don’t despair! With a little knowledge for effective weed control, the right tools, and a bit of the help from Green Green Grass, you can win the weed war.
Let’s delve into some of the most common annual weeds found in Manitoba lawns and how to tackle them.
Identifying & Controlling Common Weeds in Manitoba
1. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
- Description: These bright yellow flowers are easy to spot, but it’s the root system known as taproot that makes dandelions so stubborn. Their leaves form a rosette close to the ground, with jagged edges that resemble lion’s teeth (hence the name “dent de lion” in French). They are a broad-leaf perennial weed that spread easily by seeds that germinate couple of days after the flowering stage.
- Control: Hand pulling weeds is effective for small infestations, but make sure you get the entire root. For larger areas, a selective herbicide can be used. Proper weed control and lawn maintenance, like regular mowing and fertilization, will also help discourage dandelion growth in your grass.
2. Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea)
- Description: This ground cover plant, also known as ground ivy, has round, scalloped leaves, small purple flowers and an extensive root system. This invasive species rapidly spreads by rhizomes and seeds that form dense patches of thick mats along the ground and rooting at nodes along the stem. It’s a perennial, evergreen weed that thrives in moist, shady areas.
- Control: Hand pulling and digging up the roots are the most effective control methods for small patches. However, even a small piece of stem can re-root, so be very thorough. Herbicides can be used for larger areas, but repeated applications may be necessary to maintain your healthy lawn.
3. Broadleaf Plantain (Plantago major)
- Description: This low-growing weed has broad, oval leaves with prominent veins, and is another perennial in the broad-leaf family. These invasive weeds are commonly found in walkways, gardens and driveways. It can spread in small angular seeds that mature with spikes, with a thick root system and thrives in compacted soils. Its leaves are edible and traditionally has medicinal and culinary uses.
- Control: Hand pulling weeds or spot treatment with herbicides works well here. Aerating your lawn to reduce compaction can help prevent it from returning. Maintaining a dense, healthy lawn through proper fertilization and mowing practices can also help crowd out plantain.
4. Crabgrass (Digitaria spp.)
- Description: This annual grass thrives in hot, dry conditions and has an aggressive growth. A native species to Europe, it has coarse, light green blades that forms a dense mat. It is an opportunistic plant that is commonly found in the sparse and bare patches of lawns and garden beds. This weed germinates when soil temperatures reach 12-15°C, usually in late spring.
- Control: Pre-emergent herbicides applied in spring are most effective. Once established, hand pulling or spot treatments with a post-emergent herbicide can help weed control. Thick, healthy grass can prevent crabgrass seeds from germinating properly in your lawn.
5. Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense)
- Description: This annual weed is a native species to Europe, Western Asia and Africa. These invasive species produce seeds during the flowering stages from the parent plant and spreads easily in the wind. It has prickly leaves and stems, and it’s white or purple flowers can be quite attractive (but don’t be fooled!).
- Control: Due to its deep root system, hand pulling this weed is rarely effective. One plant can easily become many so consistent mowing can help weaken the plant over time. For established infestations, a systemic herbicide is often the best course of action.
Additional Manitoba Weed Culprits
- Quackgrass (Elymus repens): These perennial weeds have long, creeping rhizomes and a root system that make it difficult to control. It often invades from nearby uncultivated areas.
- Purslane (Portulaca oleracea): This succulent weed has fleshy leaves and small yellow flowers. It thrives in hot, dry conditions and can tolerate poor soil.
- Yellow Woodsorrel (Oxalis stricta): This low-growing weed has clover-like leaves and small yellow flowers. It prefers shady areas in lawns and gardens.
Need a Helping Hand?
At Green Green Grass, we understand the frustration of battling weeds. Our expert weed control team can assess your lawn, identify the specific weeds you’re dealing with, and create a custom treatment plan to reclaim your yard. Our weed control services are tailored to Manitoba’s unique climate and conditions, ensuring effective results and healthy growth with minimal impact on the environment.
Don’t let weeds win! Contact us today and let us help you achieve a weed-free, beautiful lawn.
FAQs
While most weeds compete with grass for nutrients and water, some, like white clover, can actually benefit your lawn by fixing nitrogen in the soil. However, even beneficial weeds can become problematic if they take over. It’s best to keep control and maintain a balance.
The best time for weed control depends on the type of weed and the product you’re using. Pre-emergent herbicides should be applied before weed seeds germinate, usually in early spring. Post-emergent herbicides are best applied when weeds are actively growing, often in late spring or early summer.
Yes! Maintaining a thick, healthy lawn through proper mowing, watering, and fertilization is the best way to control and prevent weeds naturally. Hand pulling and regular weeding can also be effective for small infestations in lawns.