Weed Control

Controlling weeds within your lawn is perhaps one of the biggest struggles facing homeowners now that many chemicals have been banned in Ontario. The frustration faced by many of our clients is in the fact that no matter what they do the weeds seem to return. In Ontario especially there are major problems with crabgrass, dandelions and clover. All three are a constant annoyance and spread rapidly once established.  Nimby specializes in the control of weeds, crabgrass, dandelions and all unwanted plants within Halton Region and the surrounding areas of Milton, Oakville, Burlington, Campbellville, Mississauga and Georgetown.  Our weed control experts know exactly how to control your areas of need and will allow you to put your mind at ease knowing your weeds will be kept at bay.

 

Why is a weed called A Weed?

 

The question of what constitutes a “weed” is often in the eye of the beholder. If you ask a child whether dandelions are weeds they’d say no, they are beautiful flowers. However, generally speaking a weed is an unwanted plant that spreads to overtake gardens and lawns. There are 3 main types of weeds in Milton, Oakville, Burlington, Campbellville, Mississauga and Georgetown:

 

Grassy weed – is a weed that is as it sounds, grassy. These weeds are very quick growing and prolific (spread fast) to surrounding areas. Good examples of grassy weeds are grabgrass and goosegrass. 

 

Grass-like weed – is a weed that grows in the same fashion as regular grass, straight up. They have a more narrow leaf.

 

Broadleaf weed – these are the remained of the “weed family” as it may be. Broadleaf weeds cover all other types of weeds including dandelion and clover.

 

How do I Identify a Weed?

 

The best way to identify weeds is via photos. A great starting point is the “weed photo gallery” offered here.  Also, you can send us a picture of your weed problems for a free evaluation by utilizing our Contact Us page.

 

Controlling Weeds using IPM – Nimby specializes in Integrated Pest Management which includes, among others, the control of weeds.   A program of weed management will use the most environmentally friendly and ecologically safe methods to control the weeds on your lawn. Our IPM program will:

 

  1. Assess your current weed problem and the extent to which weeds have invaded your property.
  2. Consult with you – how much is too much? Weeds will always exist in small quantities. We will work with you to establish a program that suits your needs.
  3. Control – based on your initial consultation we will put into place a program of weed control on your lawn.
  4. Prevention – once your weed problem is under control we will use prevenative measures to ensure they do not come back.
  5. Monitoring – part of your IPM program includes monitoring. We will assist you in watching for potential weed problems and ensuring a weed-free lawn.

 

Types of Weed Control:

 

Organic Weed Control – It’s not surprising that most homeowners are now looking for environmentally safe, organic approaches to week control. With tighter Ontario laws it is also the legal responsibility of lawn care companies such as ours to ensure potentially harmful chemicals are not used. We will use a more holistic approach when utilizing organic weed control and spray using environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical control. We will also pull weeds when possible to lessen the environmental impact of our visit to your home.

 

Controlling Weeds with Chemical Herbicides – Though many Ontario residents may still want to use chemical herbicides most are now illegal to use. The reason lies behind the inherent risks to soil contamination and, ultimately, to the human population via their link to cancer and other illnesses. There are certain situations where chemical herbicides may still be utilized but most times they are prohibited.