Ask landscape questions or share a topic! Tell us how you’re handling weeds this spring!

Q. What do I to do need when I have a fall weed extravaganza like last year? These winter weeds are everywhere!

A. Last year produced a bumper crop of cool season weeds with enough seed to ensure a vigorous new crop this spring. The key for this year is to plan a control strategy that will get a head start on weeds and keep weed encroachment to a minimum. Here is a description of one common weed growing rampant this spring:

Common chickweed (Stellaria media) is a matted, winter annual that is a prolific spring weed that thrives under cool, wet conditions. It rarely tolerates hot, dry conditions that occur in late spring or early summer. It develops low growing, tender, free branching stems that root at each node. It has opposite, smooth, leaves and shallow, very frail roots. The tiny but noticeable flowers are single or in small clusters at ends of stems. The plants form a thick mat of succulent tender vegetation in the early spring that is not eradicated by close mowing. The rough dark brown seeds germinate from late fall through early spring. Common chickweed is effectively controlled by timely applications of pre-emergent. Pre-emerge applications should be made in early fall prior to the emergence of chickweed. Post-emerge control of chickweed in early spring can be achieved by mechanical removal or with control products specifically labeled for this use.