Cooler Weather and the Return of Weeds

As the temperatures drop and we transition into fall, many homeowners in Virginia begin to notice an unwelcome change in their lawns—the return of cool-season weeds. While the cooler weather may feel like a relief after the summer heat, it also creates perfect conditions for pesky weeds like poa annua, chickweed, and henbit to establish themselves.

Whether you’re a Virginia Green customer or someone new to lawn care services, it’s important to understand why these weeds are thriving and what you can do to manage them effectively.

Why Cooler Weather Leads to More Weeds

In our area, the fall brings ideal conditions for cool-season weeds to germinate. Unlike summer weeds, which thrive in heat, cool-season weeds love the lower temperatures and increased soil moisture that come with autumn rains. Additionally, areas of your lawn that may have thinned due to summer stress are more vulnerable to weed invasion. The key culprits are often broadleaf weeds and annual grasses like:

• Poa annua (Annual Bluegrass): Known for its bright green color and ability to spread rapidly.
• Henbit: This weed is common in disturbed areas and can quickly invade weak spots in your lawn.
• Chickweed: Thrives in cooler temperatures and can form dense mats if left untreated.

Focus on Aeration and Seeding to Strengthen Your Lawn

One of the best ways to defend against weeds in the fall is to focus on thickening your lawn. A dense, healthy stand of turf is the best defense against weed invasion. Aeration and seeding are crucial steps to repair any damage from the summer and promote new growth of Tall Fescue to help crowd out weeds. This is why Virginia Green emphasizes aeration and seeding during the fall months—September, October, and even into early November are the ideal times for this process.

Weed control and seed germination can be conflicting activities, which is why we pause weed treatments during aeration and seeding season. Once your new grass is established, we resume treating for cool-season weeds starting in November to ensure your lawn remains weed-free through the winter.

How Virginia Green Can Help

We understand that lawn care can be overwhelming, especially during the changing seasons. At Virginia Green, we offer tailored services to tackle cool-season weeds and keep your lawn looking its best. Our control programs include both pre-emergent and post-emergent treatments to effectively manage weeds throughout the season, as well as aeration and seeding to help thicken your lawn.

If you’re unsure of what your lawn needs or want to take a proactive approach, our team is here to help. We’ve worked with hundreds of thousands of lawns across the region and understand the unique challenges of our area's climate.

Ready for a Weed-Free Lawn?

Whether you’re already a Virginia Green customer or are simply looking for advice, fall is a great time to take control of weeds before they take control of your lawn. Contact us today for a consultation or to learn more about our fall lawn care programs.

Get started now to enjoy a healthier, weed-free lawn all year long!

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