4 Pesky Florida Weeds – and How to Defeat Them

Here is South Florida, we enjoy a year-round growing season. Although there may be a few weeks during which cold weather shows up, for the most part we can grow plants and trees all year long, maintaining a thriving property full of color and beauty. Unfortunately, the plants we love are not the only things which can survive throughout any season. Weeds can grow just as easily, and in the Sarasota and Tampa area there are plenty of native and invasive weeds to contend with. Here are five of the peskiest weeds that Floridian homeowners will face.

5 Weeds We Want Gone

While we understand that many people are reluctant to use chemicals on their lawn and garden, the reality is that some of these weeds cannot be killed organically.

1. Kudzu: This import from China may not seem all bad at first glance. After all, it is useful for erosion control, can be used to feed goats and cattle, and is even completely edible – some say it is delicious! But kudzu is so fast-growing that it will rapidly overtake virtually anything in its path, from your gardens to your structures – including your home! If you live in an agricultural community, you can control kudzu by letting the animals graze on it. Otherwise, the only way we know of to kill this hyper-growth weed is with Roundup.
2. Nutsedge (Nutgrass) : This weed grows in lawns which are overwatered and poorly drained, as well as over-mowed. Therefore, if your lawn is being overrun it is likely due to the fact that you are not properly maintaining your lawn. If you grow in a thick layer of healthy grass, you can crowd out the nutsedge over time; or you can treat with a weed control product containing imazaquin and labeled for your type of grass. If nutsedge is growing in the garden, pull up as much as you can and then cover the soil with a thick layer of mulch. Stay on top of any new growth, and your persistence will eventually pay off.
3. Sandbur: This pesky weed is a problem in dry, sandy soils – like here on the Gulf Coast – and is especially problematic in sparse lawns. The seedpod of the sandbur sticks to clothing, and it known to be a “hitchhiker” – just walking close to this bur may find you covered. They are painful if stepped on with bare feet, and are very difficult to get out of pet hair. This weed’s tenacious burs mare challenging to control and defeat; but mowing your lawn often will help to continually remove the seedheads. The weed also spreads by those hitchhiking burs, so destroying them helps to prevent the spread of the plant. However, chemicals are often the only viable and permanent solution for those frustrated by this clingy weed.
4. Southern Crabgrass: This invading species of grass has numerous names, but all indicate trouble for your Zoysia or Bermuda grass. Crabgrass grows aggressively and steals the nutrients your desired grass needs to grow in a healthy manner. It can grow to 3 feet tall, and is actually spread by mowing – meaning that it is very difficult to stop the spread of this undesirable grass. The best way to deal with crabgrass is to research and apply the best pre-emergent weed control product before the growing season. (July through October)

Big Earth Landscape Supply can offer the best pre-and-post emergent weed control products, as well as the advice you need to successfully combat these unwanted plants. Shop our products online today, or stop into one of our 4 area locations for more helpful information.