11 Fastest Ways to Get Rid of Weeds in Miami

Dealing with those pesky weeds taking over your yard? We get it, it can be seriously overwhelming. Weeds like crabgrass and broadleaf weeds typically grow much faster than warm-season turfgrasses like St. Augustine grass, Zoysiagrass, and Bermuda grass. As a result, they can take over your beautiful lawn in a pinch.

As weed-control experts, we can help get rid of the weeds in your lawn in a pinch! However, you may want to try to get rid of them yourself first. We’ve created this blog post so that you can learn how to get rid of weeds in your yard. 

Keep reading to learn 11 fast ways to get rid of weeds in Miami, Florida.

How to Identify the Weeds in Your Lawn

To address weeds, you should first understand the types of weeds you're dealing with. There are many kinds of weeds in Florida, but these are the most common weeds we get calls from customers about:

• Crabgrass: Crabgrass grows in a star-like pattern and can be very difficult to get rid of on your own. Under the right conditions, it will spread out all over your lawn in a mat-like fashion.
• Dallisgrass: Similar to crabgrass, dallisgrass can be frustrating. It grows in a solid clump of grass and is difficult to control because it grows back from a root system each year. It also thrives in well-fertilized lawns, which makes for a challenge.
• Broadleaf weeds: Broadleaf weeds have flat leaves that extend from the stalk of the weed in pairs. Many broadleaf weeds hide their real identify by having pretty flowers. Unfortunately, they know how to take over and kill the grass in your lawn. Common broadlead weeds include dollarweed, clover weed, Virginia buttonweed, chickweed, Florida pusley, dandelion, spurge, and beggarweed.
• Sedge weeds: Sedge weeds are perennial plants found in shallow water or moist soil. They look a lot like grass and tend to grow in thick clusters. Different kinds of sedge weeds include nutsedge, globe sedge, annual sedge.

How to Dig Up the Weeds

Start hand-pulling those weeds. It may take a bit of effort, but trust me, it works for small weed patches. When hand-pulling, be sure to grab the weed near the base and pull gently, making sure you remove the entire root system. This method is particularly effective for isolated or small weed populations. Remember to wear gloves to protect your hands from any potential irritants or thorns.

How to Apply Mulch to Your Yard

Grab some organic mulch like wood chips or straw and spread it around your plants and garden beds. Mulch acts like a superhero weed barrier, blocking sunlight and preventing those weed seeds from sprouting. Additionally, mulch helps maintain moisture in the soil, regulates temperature, and improves overall soil health.

How-to: Apply a layer of mulch about 2-3 inches deep, making sure to leave a small gap around the base of your plants to prevent moisture buildup. There are many different types of mulch to add to your yard, from traditional wood mulch and bark chips to colored mulch.

How to Apply Selective herbicides

Sometimes, hand-pulling alone may not be enough to tackle a persistent weed problem. That's where selective herbicides come in. These herbicides are designed to target specific types of weeds while leaving your desirable plants unharmed.

When using herbicides, it's essential to read and follow the instructions carefully to guarantee proper application and safety. Selective herbicides can be an effective tool in eliminating stubborn weed species that may be challenging to remove manually.

How to Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicides

Apply pre-emergent herbicides before those weed seeds have a chance to germinate. This proactive approach creates a protective barrier in the soil that inhibits the growth of weed seedlings. Timing is crucial when using pre-emergent herbicides.

Apply them before the germination period of the weeds in your area to achieve the best results. It's worth noting that pre-emergent herbicides aren't effective on existing weeds— they primarily target weed seeds.

Fight back with post-emergent herbicides: For weeds that have already made their appearance, post-emergent herbicides are your secret weapon. These herbicides are designed to target actively growing weeds. Selective post-emergent herbicides are formulated to kill specific types of weeds, while non-selective herbicides can eliminate most plants they come into contact with.

Exercise caution when using non-selective herbicides to avoid harming your desired plants. Spot-treat the weeds by applying the herbicide directly to their leaves or stems, following the product instructions carefully.

Let the Sun Do the Work

 Solarization is a natural and chemical-free weed control method. To eliminate all vegetation in a specific area, cover it with clear plastic sheeting. The sun's heat will be trapped under the plastic, effectively killing weeds and their seeds. Solarization works by raising ?soil temperature to a level that's lethal to most weed seeds and seedlings.

Leave the plastic in place for several weeks, preferably during the hottest months of the year, to guarantee successful weed eradication. This method is particularly useful for preparing new garden beds or large areas with heavy weed infestations.

Pour Boiling Water On Weeds 

Got weeds growing in the cracks and gaps of your walkways? Boiling water is your go-to. It's a simple yet effective method for spot-treating small patches of weeds. Carefully pour boiling water directly on those pesky weeds, targeting their root systems. The intense heat will scorch and kill the weeds. Just be cautious when handling boiling water to avoid burns or splashes.

Use Vinegar On Weeds

Vinegar, specifically acetic acid, can be used as an organic weed killer. Mix vinegar with water to create a homemade herbicidal solution. The acidity of the vinegar disrupts the cell structure of the weeds, leading to their demise.

Fill a spray bottle with the vinegar solution and apply it directly to the leaves and stems of the weeds. It's important to note that vinegar can also harm your desired plants, so exercise caution and avoid overspray or contact with their foliage.

Try a Weed Torch for Weed Control 

Got a big weed invasion? Weed torches can be your solution. These propane-powered tools use heat to eradicate weeds. Simply direct the flame at the weeds, applying heat until they wither away. Weed torches are particularly effective for larger areas with widespread weed infestations. However, avoid using this tool during the dry season as it becomes more of a fire hazard.

Professional Weed Control in Miami

Consistent yard maintenance is key to preventing weed growth. By adopting proper maintenance practices, you create an environment where weeds struggle to establish and spread. Regularly mow your lawn at the recommended height for your specific grass type. Proper mowing helps shade the soil, reducing weed growth and competition.

Water your lawn deeply but infrequently, promoting healthy root development while discouraging shallow-rooted weeds. Fertilize your lawn appropriately to guarantee optimal health and density, minimizing space for weeds to take hold.

But if you're feeling overwhelmed or need some expert help, Native Pest Management is here for you! We understand how challenging dealing with crabgrass, dallisgrass, broadleaf weeds, and sedgeweed can be.

During your initial inspection with us, we'll figure out the underlying issue and identify the species of weeds in your yard. Then, we'll create a personalized weed control plan using advanced techniques and eco-friendly approaches. With the knowledge and experience of our weed-control experts, you can trust us to develop a customized solution tailored to your specific weed issues.

So, don't let those weeds get you down. With these tips and the support of Native Pest Management, you'll soon have a beautiful yard that's the envy of the neighborhood. Get in touch with our office today, so you can schedule your free lawn inspection!