The Weed Challenge in North Texas
North Texas lawns face a year-round weed battle. Our long growing season, mild winters, and diverse soil conditions create an environment where dozens of weed species thrive. For homeowners in Rockwall, Rowlett, Heath, Sunnyvale, Forney, Garland, and Mesquite, understanding which weeds you're fighting and when to fight them is the key to a clean, healthy lawn.
Know Your Enemy: Common North Texas Weeds
Summer Annual Weeds (germinate in spring, die in fall): - Crabgrass — the most common summer weed in North Texas Bermuda lawns - Dallisgrass — a perennial grassy weed that's extremely difficult to control - Spurge — low-growing broadleaf weed that thrives in hot, dry conditions - Goosegrass — similar to crabgrass but prefers compacted soils
Winter Annual Weeds (germinate in fall, die in summer): - Poa annua (annual bluegrass) — light green, clumpy grass that stands out in dormant Bermuda - Henbit — purple-flowered broadleaf weed that carpets lawns in late winter - Chickweed — low-growing, spreading weed that thrives in cool, moist conditions - Rescue grass — tall, clumpy grass weed common in North Texas winters
Perennial Weeds (persist year after year): - Dandelions — deep taproot makes them difficult to eliminate - Clover — nitrogen-fixing broadleaf that indicates low soil fertility - Nutsedge — technically a sedge, not a grass. Thrives in wet areas and requires specialized treatment
The Two-Phase Approach: Prevention + Treatment
Phase 1: Pre-Emergent Herbicides (Prevention)
Pre-emergent herbicides create a chemical barrier in the top layer of soil that prevents weed seeds from germinating. They don't kill existing weeds — they prevent new ones from establishing.
Spring application (February-March): Targets summer annual weeds like crabgrass. Apply when soil temperatures reach 55°F for 3-5 consecutive days. In the Rockwall area, this typically falls in late February to early March. Timing is critical — apply too late and crabgrass has already germinated.
Fall application (mid-September): Targets winter annual weeds like Poa annua and henbit. Apply when nighttime temperatures consistently drop below 70°F. This is the most commonly missed application, and skipping it results in a lawn full of winter weeds.
Important: Pre-emergents also prevent grass seed from germinating. If you're planning to overseed or resod, you'll need to skip the pre-emergent in that area or use a product that allows grass seed germination.
Phase 2: Post-Emergent Herbicides (Treatment)
Post-emergent herbicides kill weeds that are already growing. They come in two types:
Selective herbicides kill specific weed types without harming your lawn grass. These are the products you want for treating weeds in an established lawn.
Non-selective herbicides (like glyphosate) kill everything they touch. Use only for spot-treating in cracks, along fences, or in areas where you want to eliminate all vegetation.
Weed-by-Weed Treatment Guide
Crabgrass: Best controlled with pre-emergent. Once established, post-emergent options include quinclorac-based products. Multiple applications may be needed.
Dallisgrass: One of the hardest weeds to control in Bermuda lawns. Selective herbicides have limited effectiveness. Often requires spot-treatment with non-selective herbicide followed by re-sodding the affected area.
Nutsedge: Requires specialized herbicides (like sulfentrazone or halosulfuron). Standard broadleaf herbicides won't work. Nutsedge thrives in over-watered areas — fixing drainage and irrigation issues helps prevent it.
Dandelions and broadleaf weeds: Best treated in fall when they're actively growing. Products containing 2,4-D, dicamba, or triclopyr are effective. Apply when temperatures are between 60-85°F for best results.
Poa annua: Prevented with fall pre-emergent. Once established, it's difficult to selectively remove from Bermuda lawns. It dies naturally in summer heat.
Cultural Practices That Reduce Weeds
The best weed control is a thick, healthy lawn that crowds out weeds naturally:
- Mow at the correct height: Bermuda at 1.5-2.5 inches. Taller grass shades the soil, preventing weed seed germination.
- Water properly: Deep, infrequent watering promotes deep grass roots that outcompete weeds. Frequent shallow watering favors weed growth.
- Fertilize on schedule: A well-fed lawn grows thick and dense, leaving no room for weeds.
- Aerate annually: Reduces compaction that favors certain weed species (like goosegrass).
Go Green Electric's Weed Control Programs
Our Platinum maintenance plan includes a comprehensive weed control program with both pre-emergent and post-emergent applications timed to North Texas conditions. We use professional-grade products applied by trained technicians who understand local weed pressures.
For homeowners who want a weed-free lawn without the hassle of DIY applications, our program delivers consistent results. Contact Go Green Electric Lawn Care for a free consultation.
