Why are we talking about weeds in winter?

Winter is all about mittens and hot cocoa and sledding, right?

Can’t we take a break from weeds?

If it’s past October, yes, take a break. Here in Wisconsin and Minnesota, we don’t treat weeds past mid-October.

But realize your weeds aren’t always taking a break.

Can you kill winter weeds? Should you bother?

Here’s a look.

What the Heck are Winter Lawn Weeds?

Winter annual weeds germinate in the fall and grow through the winter. You might catch a glimpse of them when the snow melts.

Weeds aren’t only sneaky, they’re stubborn. You’d think they’d enjoy a chance to relax a bit after all the hard work of growing and annoying you all summer. But no.

The seeds of some weeds can lurk underground for years. They hang out like underground thugs, waiting for the right conditions to sprout and ruin your day.

Meet Poa Annua: the Most Common Winter Lawn Weed

Also called annual bluegrass, Poa Annua is one of the most common grassy lawn weeds, and a real weed super villain.

This winter annual germinates in the late summer/early fall once soil temperatures fall below 70 degrees, grows throughout the fall, then flowers the following spring.

The only real option to try to control this weed is to spray it multiple times with a non-selective weed killer while it‘s actively growing and then renovate these areas with grass seed.

But remember, it’s a super villain —it might still reappear, sprouting from seeds that are dormant in the soil beneath.

Other Weeds That Lurk in Winter

While you’re happily sipping eggnog this winter or catching up on episodes of Ted Lasso, some weeds are still out there, waiting to strike when the time is right.

Many of the peskiest spring weeds actually germinate in the fall. They’re out there now, laughing little evil weed laughs.

Dandelions aren’t technically an annual winter weed — it’s a perennial — but it doesn’t completely take the winter off.

It spreads through tiny seeds on those fluffy puffy seed heads.

Most people think dandelions originate in the spring, but dandelion seeds actually germinate in late summer and early fall.

Those seeds can last for decades, sprouting long after you blow on that puff ball. They’re likely in your lawn soil right now, waiting for the warmth of spring.

Crabgrass seeds hang around, too, ready to germinate in the spring. Even crabgrass seeds that don't germinate right away can hang around to sprout in future years.

Should You Pull Winter Lawn Weeds?

Let’s say it’s a fairly mild sunny day midwinter, and you notice weeds poking through your dormant winter lawn.

Should you yank them?

Nah, don’t bother. This time of year they’re brittle, and would likely snap off above ground rather than pull out smoothly by the root. Then they’ll still need to be sprayed in the spring.

Relax and go spend some quality couch time.

The Spring Weed Attack

Once April rolls around, no more resting. It’s time for crabgrass pre-emergent. This timing is crucial. You want to target those weed seeds as they germinate and take root in the soil so they don’t become more seed-producing plants.

Here at RainMaster, you get two crabgrass treatments — one in early spring and another in late spring. This extends protection.

Next up, May, which means your first round of weed control. Your goal should be to have this first round done by Memorial Day.

But weed control isn’t a one-time thing. It’s a continuous process.

Different lawn weeds in Wisconsin and Minnesota are active at different times of year.

Choose a complete, proactive lawn care program that includes both preventative and curative treatments to target winter lawn weeds, spring, summer, and fall weeds.

Battling weeds throughout the seasons will be part of a great company’s plan for your lawn. Just as important is nourishing your lawn so it grows healthy and thick. A thick lawn can better crowd out those dastardly weeds.

Ready to Battle Weeds? Trust RainMaster

You have better things to do than worry about weeds invading your lawn.

If you’re reading this while snowy white drifts blanket your lawn, relax about weeds for now.

But let’s gear up to battle the invaders in early spring.

That includes creating a custom nutrition plan for your lawn, so the roots will be nourished, the soil packed with nutrients, and your grass so thick and healthy, lawn weeds will have a tough fight ahead.

But when they do show up, let's be ready for them.

Are you ready to stop battling weeds on your lawn in Eau Claire, WI or the Minneapolis area? Request a quote today! We’ll review your options together so you can make a great choice. Then, you can finally enjoy your lawn and stop worrying about it.

Image Source: Poa Annua, Dandelion