Weeds are a nuisance for property owners in Iowa. They steal nutrients from your grass and drag down the curb appeal of your property. The two main types of weeds that grow on lawns in our area are grassy weeds and broadleaf weeds. As the name implies, grassy weeds resemble grass and have narrow leaves and rounded or flattened stems. Broadleaf weeds have wider, broader leaves that grow in different directions. Some common grassy weeds that grow in our area are foxtail and crabgrass, while some common broadleaf weeds are creeping Charlie, clover, and dandelions. If you want to keep both grassy and broadleaf weeds off your lawn, you should sign up for a professional weed control program. Professionals will visit your property multiple times throughout the year to apply pre- and post-emergent weed control treatments to prevent new weeds from sprouting and eliminate any existing ones.

What are grassy weeds?

Crabgrass weed on a lawn in Ankeny, IA.

Grassy weeds are weeds that resemble grass, hence their name. They have narrow leaves and rounded or flattened stems. Grassy weeds are monocots, meaning a seed grows a single leaf. Some common grassy weeds that grow in our area are:

  • Foxtail - This annual weed gets its name from its seed head, which resembles a fox's tail. This weed can reach a height of 3 feet if left unchecked!
  • Crabgrass - This annual weed grows close to the ground and has a spiky seed head. It will start to germinate in the spring and will continue to grow until the fall.

What are broadleaf weeds?

Clover weeds in a lawn in Ankeny, IA.

Broadleaf weeds are easy to identify because they don't resemble grass. Broadleaf weeds have wider, broader leaves that grow in different directions and have veins that branch out across the leaf. Some common broadleaf weeds that grow in our area are:

  • Creeping Charlie - This perennial weed grows low to the ground and has square stems. It also has small, round leaves that grow in opposite pairs.
  • Clover - This perennial weed has small, oval-shaped leaves that grow in pairs of three. It also produces small, white flowers.
  • Dandelions - This perennial weed is known for its bright yellow flowers. It also has long, jagged leaves that grow in a rosette pattern.

What's the best way to control grassy and broadleaf weeds on your lawn?

Weeds are relentless and will take any opportunity to invade your lawn. To keep both grassy and broadleaf weeds off your lawn, you should sign up for a professional weed control program. When you do, pros will visit your property multiple times throughout the year to apply pre- and post-emergent weed control treatments. Pre-emergent treatments are designed to prevent weeds from sprouting, while post-emergent treatments are designed to eliminate any existing weeds. By signing up for a professional weed control program, you can rest easy knowing that both grassy and broadleaf weeds won't have a chance to take over your lawn.

Some weed control programs also include fertilization treatments to provide your lawn with the nutrients it needs to thrive.

Give us a call today to sign up for our weed control program!

If you want to keep both grassy and broadleaf weeds off your lawn, we are the team to turn to. At ETCH Outdoor Living, we offer a weed control program that includes both pre- and post-emergent weed control treatments to keep your lawn weed-free. What's more, this program also includes fertilization treatments to supply your lawn with the nutrients it needs to thrive. We offer our weed control program to property owners in Ankeny, IA, and throughout the surrounding areas like Johnston, Urbandale, West Des Moines, and Waukee. Give us a call today at (515) 735-3338 to sign up for our weed control program!