Winning the War Against Dandelions and Other Weeds - visionary fertilization

Dandelion & Weed Control: Keeping Michigan Lawns Green

Spring Is Here! How to Fight Back Against Dandelion and Other Michigan Weeds

Whether you make a wish after blowing all the soft, nearly translucent seeds off or hope ‘he loves you’ when you get to the last yellow petal, what seems like a right of passage can be disastrous for Michigan lawns.

Dandelions sprout up in spring, and while they have tremendous health benefits , they are actually weeds. And they can be a nuisance for homeowners who want to keep their yard green. Taraxacum officinale (yellow dandelions) and taraxacum albidum (white dandelions) are insidious perennials that lay dormant throughout the year.

In Michigan, lawns can become a sea of yellow as frost comes out of the ground and soil temperatures exceed 50 degrees. But the timing of spring can be unpredictable, making it hard to catch weeds before they germinate. Early dandelion weed germination is determined by lack of snow cover and above-average March temperatures. The Visionary Fertilization team diligently watches for signs of spring from early March to late April, so our experts can be proactive about your yard.

A dandelion taproot can grow 6-18 inches below the surface. So just pulling the top flower will not get rid of the weed. Instead, it could split the root, causing two to grow in its place. Using a store-bought weed killer may not work either. The leaves of older dandelions develop a waxy outer layer that prevents chemicals from getting to the plant.

Weed control means using the right products at the right time. Our experts are very familiar with the dreaded dandelion and other weeds. We have a seven-step process to prepare the yard for healthy grass growth and then spot treat areas based on Michigan weather patterns. One key is to hit dandelions when they are young. Since their leaves have not formed the protective coating, Visionary experts can use more organic weed killers.

We want to avoid post-emergent applications as much as possible. Why? Because our strategy is to get an early handle on weeds with pre-emergent herbicide applications. It helps suppress weed growth in the early stages of spring by targeting weed seeds that live in soil throughout winter but have yet to germinate.

Visionary Fertilization takes it one step further. Our customers that are on a full-season long program receive a Dandelion Defender application in the fall. This product creates a barrier through winter, and as spring rolls around, dandelions are practically nonexistent. The best way to keep your yard weed-free is by building turf density. If you find your yard is thin and bare in areas, we recommend seeding your lawn. This will help in weed prevention and minimize the use of chemicals.

Other common spring-time weeds you’ll spot in Michigan yards include ground ivy (creeping charlie), common chickweed , and henbit. We use the same steps, taking into account sunlight, the amount of foot traffic (pets, kids, etc.), and proximity to other lawns to help reduce weed growth and keep your yard weed-free.

One thing to keep in mind, no two lawns are equal. Visionary Landscaping and Fertilization specializes in Michigan lawn care, working with each local client to develop a unique plan to keep their lawns healthy. Our veteran-owned and operated company provides one-on-one personal service. So when you do have dandelions or other issues pop up, we can eliminate the problem immediately.

If you want your yard to become a summer haven, call us now at 586-784-6100 or contact Visionary Fertilization experts today for a quote and to find out more about our specials . you’ll also find tips on keeping your lawn green and healthy on our blog .