The Most Common Minnesota Weeds

If you happen to see weeds right now, stop them by pulling them out. The most important part is making sure to fully remove their roots, as many weeds, including dandelions, can grow back from just their roots.

When it comes to weed control, timing can be everything—many of the weeds that grow in the spring sprout from seeds deposited in the fall. Once the weather gets warm, these seeds germinate and start crowding out your grass before it has a chance to grow. Using a pre-emergent spray in the fall can help prevent this from occurring. That’s because pre-emergent sprays are used to prevent seeds from germinating by creating a barrier over your lawn, neutralizing the weed seeds, and stopping them in their tracks. Fall lawn care can set your yard up for success. 

Fall might be here, but that doesn’t mean you can stop mowing your grass just yet. Here in Minnesota, we typically have cool-season grasses, including fescues, ryegrasses, and Kentucky bluegrass. These grass types continue to grow until the daytime temperatures remain at a consistent 40 to 50 degrees. While specific heights vary, the typical range for cool-season grasses falls between one and four inches high. But be sure to mow your grass shorter for its final mow to help prevent snow mold from forming.

While it may not seem necessary because the temperatures are cooler outside, watering your grass is still important. The summer can put a lot of stress on your grass, and stressed turf can become an easy target for weeds hoping to squeeze in and crowd out your grass. Keeping it properly hydrated will help ensure your grass remains thick and robust, and healthy grass is much better able to fend off sneaky weeds that find their way in.

During the fall, your grass will try to recover from a long hot summer, so you’ll want to give it a hand by providing it with added nutrients and macronutrients. This will help sustain it while it goes dormant through the long winter ahead. Depending on your soil pH and the specific type of grass you have on your lawn, you will need to get the appropriate fertilizer with the right balance. By keeping your grass fertilized it will remain thick and healthy and prevent weeds from hosting a complete takeover in the spring.

Mulch has many added benefits, but one of its most beneficial advantages is the way it helps smother and keep out weeds. Use a layer of mulch in your garden beds and around your trees and shrubs not just as a way to keep them safe from the elements of winter, but to help prevent added weed growth. Mulch acts as a barrier keeping out the air supply and sunlight weeds need to survive.

You can even use your own raked leaves as a layer of mulch. To do so, first cut down any existing weeds as close to the ground as possible. Next, spread the newspaper on the ground around the area you wish to spread the mulch. Then, shred your leaves and pile them into two or three-inch thick layers on top of the newspaper. You now have a layer of extra weed protection.

The absolute best way to control broadleaf weeds that germinate in the fall is through a post-emergent weed killer. Post-emergent herbicides are sprays that target weeds that have already been established. The chemicals in the spray disable the plants’ ability to start photosynthesizing and kill the weed. As we mentioned earlier, weeds are still gathering up nutrients, and if they succeed, they will disperse hundreds of seeds across your lawn, lay in wait till the spring, and come to fruition. By using a post-emergent spray, you can stop them in their tracks and get a head start before the warm weather blesses us this spring.