Getting Rid Of Dollar Weed In St. Augustine
What is Dollar Weed?
Dollar weed, also known as pennywort, is a common weed found in many lawns and gardens in St. Augustine. It is a creeping perennial weed that thrives in damp, shady areas and can quickly take over your lawn if not controlled.
Why is Dollar Weed a problem?
Dollar weed is a problem for several reasons. First, it can quickly take over your lawn, choking out other plants and grasses. Second, it is unsightly and can ruin the appearance of your lawn. Finally, it can be difficult to get rid of once it has established itself in your lawn.
How to Get Rid of Dollar Weed
Getting rid of dollar weed requires a multi-pronged approach. Here are some steps you can take:
1. Improve Drainage
Dollar weed thrives in damp, shady areas. If you can improve the drainage in your lawn, you will create an environment that is less favorable for dollar weed to grow. You can do this by aerating your lawn, removing thatch, and adding compost or sand to the soil.
2. Reduce Shade
Dollar weed thrives in shady areas. If you can reduce the amount of shade in your lawn, you will create an environment that is less favorable for dollar weed to grow. You can do this by pruning trees and shrubs, removing overhanging branches, and thinning out any dense areas of vegetation.
3. Maintain Your Lawn
Maintaining your lawn properly is key to preventing dollar weed from taking over. This includes regular mowing, fertilizing, and watering. A healthy lawn will be less susceptible to dollar weed infestations.
4. Use Herbicides
If you have a dollar weed infestation, you may need to use herbicides to get rid of it. There are several types of herbicides that are effective against dollar weed, including glyphosate, dicamba, and 2,4-D. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully, and wear protective clothing and gloves when applying herbicides.
5. Pull Dollar Weed By Hand
If you only have a few dollar weed plants, you may be able to pull them by hand. Be sure to wear gloves and pull the entire plant, including the roots. Dispose of the plants in a trash bag, as dollar weed can re-root if left on the ground.
Preventing Dollar Weed
Preventing dollar weed from taking over your lawn is much easier than getting rid of it once it has established itself. Here are some steps you can take to prevent dollar weed:
1. Improve Drainage
As mentioned earlier, improving drainage in your lawn can help prevent dollar weed from taking hold. Aerate your lawn, remove thatch, and add compost or sand to the soil.
2. Reduce Shade
Reducing shade in your lawn is also important for preventing dollar weed. Prune trees and shrubs, remove overhanging branches, and thin out dense areas of vegetation.
3. Maintain Your Lawn
Maintaining your lawn properly is key to preventing dollar weed. Mow regularly, fertilize as needed, and water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth.
4. Use Pre-Emergent Herbicides
Pre-emergent herbicides can be effective at preventing dollar weed from germinating in the first place. Apply these herbicides in the spring and fall to keep dollar weed at bay.
Conclusion
Getting rid of dollar weed in St. Augustine requires a multi-pronged approach that includes improving drainage, reducing shade, maintaining your lawn properly, using herbicides, and pulling dollar weed by hand. Preventing dollar weed is much easier than getting rid of it, so be sure to take steps to prevent it from taking hold in the first place.