By the team at Abel’s Lawncare – Slidell, Louisiana
Weeds are a constant battle for homeowners across Southern Louisiana, and lawns in Slidell are no exception. With a warm, humid climate and a long growing season, weeds have plenty of opportunities to spread if not properly managed. What makes weed control in this region even more challenging is the variety of invasive species that thrive in the area’s sandy, acidic soils. The key to managing weeds effectively is understanding the types of weeds common to the region, how they grow, and how to target them without damaging the turf.
Understanding Weed Types
Weeds fall into three main categories: broadleaf, grassy, and sedge. Each type requires a slightly different approach when it comes to control.
- Broadleaf weeds like clover, dollarweed, and Virginia buttonweed are easily identified by their wide, flat leaves.
- Grassy weeds such as crabgrass and goosegrass resemble turfgrass, which makes them harder to identify and treat.
- Sedges, particularly nutsedge (also known as nutgrass), have triangular stems and thrive in wet, poorly drained soil.
Understanding which category a weed falls into helps determine the best control method—whether mechanical, cultural, or chemical.
Prevention First: Cultural Practices That Limit Weeds
The most effective weed control strategy is a healthy, thick lawn that leaves no room for unwanted plants to grow. A properly maintained lawn creates dense turf that shades out weed seeds and limits their ability to germinate. Core cultural practices that contribute to weed prevention include:
- Proper mowing height: Cutting the lawn too short weakens the grass and allows more sunlight to reach weed seeds. Each grass type in Slidell—St. Augustine, Centipede, or Zoysia—has an ideal mowing height that should be maintained.
- Consistent watering: Overwatering or underwatering stresses turf and creates gaps for weeds to thrive. Deep, infrequent watering is preferred to keep roots strong.
- Fertilizing at the right time: Feeding the lawn when it’s actively growing ensures that turf outcompetes weeds. Over-fertilizing, however, can encourage both weed and turf growth.
- Aerating and dethatching: Compacted soil and heavy thatch create poor growing conditions for grass but favorable conditions for weeds.
A solid maintenance schedule is the first line of defense against weed infestations.
Pre-Emergent Herbicides: Stopping Weeds Before They Start
Pre-emergent herbicides work by targeting weed seeds before they germinate. These products form a barrier in the soil and are especially effective against annual weeds like crabgrass and goosegrass. Timing is crucial. In Slidell, pre-emergent applications should be made:
- Late February to early March to prevent summer annuals
- Late September to early October to block winter annuals
A common mistake is applying too early or too late, which allows weed seeds to germinate before the product becomes active. Rainfall or light irrigation after application is necessary to activate the barrier.
Pre-emergents should not be used on newly seeded or sodded lawns, as they can interfere with turf establishment.
Post-Emergent Herbicides: Tackling Established Weeds
Once weeds are visible, post-emergent herbicides are needed to kill them. These products are designed to target specific types of weeds without harming the surrounding grass. It’s important to choose a product labeled for both the weed type and the grass type in the lawn.
For example:
- Selective herbicides work on broadleaf weeds without affecting St. Augustine or Centipede grass.
- Sedge-specific herbicides are required to treat nutsedge, which often resists standard treatments.
- Non-selective herbicides like glyphosate kill all plant matter and should be used only for spot treatments in non-lawn areas.
Applications should be made on calm, dry days with temperatures between 60°F and 85°F. Applying in extreme heat can damage turf, while applying before rain may wash the product away.
Dealing with Persistent Weeds
Some weeds are particularly stubborn in Southern Louisiana’s climate. Virginia buttonweed, for example, spreads through both seeds and underground stems and often survives standard herbicide treatments. Manual removal combined with repeated applications of targeted herbicides may be necessary to reduce infestation over time.
Dollarweed is another common issue in overwatered lawns. Improving drainage and reducing irrigation is often more effective than chemical control alone.
Other aggressive weeds may require a full-season management plan with multiple treatments spaced several weeks apart.
Organic and Manual Weed Control Options
For homeowners who prefer a chemical-free approach, there are organic alternatives. Corn gluten meal acts as a natural pre-emergent and can help suppress some annual weeds, although it requires precise timing and repeated use. Manual removal remains a reliable method for small infestations, particularly in flower beds or near walkways.
Mulching around borders and using landscape fabric can help block weed growth in non-lawn areas, reducing the need for repeated hand-pulling.
The Importance of Consistency
Weed control is not a one-time event—it’s an ongoing process. Lawns in Slidell require regular observation and quick action to keep weeds from taking hold. Building a year-round weed management plan that includes proper mowing, watering, fertilization, and timely herbicide use is the most effective strategy for long-term success.
A weed-free lawn in Southern Louisiana is possible, but it takes attention, timing, and the right tools. Identifying weeds early, choosing the correct control method, and reinforcing healthy lawn practices go a long way toward creating a lush, green yard that holds its own against even the most persistent invaders.