Weed Control
The Complete Guide to Common Weeds in Central Arkansas
One of the key differences between a lush, healthy lawn and one overrun with weeds is how well you manage weed control. Central Arkansas’ climate makes it an ideal environment for a wide range of weeds, but with the right approach, you can keep them under control without compromising the health of kids, pets, pollinators, etc.
At Natural State Horticare, we take a strategic, science-based approach to weed control. Even though some weeds may appear on your property, our highly trained technicians use industry-leading products and targeted application methods to address the problem quickly and safely.
Achieving Superior Weed Control While Reducing Chemicals
We are committed to minimizing the use of herbicides while still maintaining a high level of weed control. Here's how we do it:
1. Product Choice Matters
Our approach starts with the right choice of pre-emergent products applied twice a year.
✔ We use products that are widely regarded as the safest in the industry and are effective against up to 80% of common weed varieties.
✔ Most industry-standard pre-emergents cover only about 35% of common weeds and are linked to health and environmental concerns.
✔ The better our pre-emergent works, the less post-emergent herbicide is needed later.
✔ We the occasional weed germinates, we spot-treat with the most advanced post-emergent herbicides mixed at the full label rate to ensure thorough control and eliminate the opportunity for resistances to develop.
2. Targeted Application Method
Many lawn care companies apply herbicides using a "blanket spray" method—spraying the entire lawn, whether it's needed or not. This can result in the use of hundreds of gallons of chemicals on a single residential property.
We’ve reduced herbicide use to just 4 gallons or less per year on the average property by using a targeted spot-spraying method with backpack sprayers.
✔ This method drastically increases labor costs, but we’re committed to reducing the chemical load on your lawn and the environment.
✔ By only treating areas where weeds are present, we minimize chemical exposure and maximize effectiveness.
Common Weeds in Central Arkansas
Understanding the types of weeds you're dealing with is key to controlling them effectively. Weeds fall into three main categories: Broadleaf weeds, Grassy weeds, and Sedges.
1. Broadleaf Weeds
Broadleaf weeds have two seed leaves when they germinate and are usually easy to identify by their wide leaves and colorful flowers.
Common Broadleaf Weeds in Central Arkansas:
Dandelion – Deep taproot; yellow flowers
Clover – Low-growing with white or pink flowers
Henbit – Purple flowering weed; common in spring
Chickweed – Low-growing with small white flowers
Plantain – Broad leaves with parallel veins
Control Strategy:
✅ Pre-emergent herbicides prevent most broadleaf weeds from germinating.
✅ Post-emergent selective herbicides effectively target existing broadleaf weeds without harming turfgrass.
✅ Healthy, dense turf naturally chokes out broadleaf weeds.
2. Grassy Weeds
Grassy weeds have a single seed leaf and resemble turfgrass, which makes them harder to identify and treat in their early stages of development.
Common Grassy Weeds in Central Arkansas:
Crabgrass – Grows aggressively; spreads from seed
Goosegrass – Flat, low-growing; thrives in compacted soil
Annual Bluegrass (Poa Annua) – Light green; thrives in cool weather
Control Strategy:
✅ Pre-emergent herbicides are the best defense against grassy weeds.
✅ Hand-pulling is a viable means of control for large and mature grassy weeds.
✅ Proper mowing and soil management reduce grassy weed pressure.
3. Sedges
Sedges look similar to grasses but unlike warm-season grasses, they thrive in wet, poorly drained soil.
Common Sedges in Central Arkansas:
Yellow Nutsedge – Bright green with a shiny appearance; spreads via tubers
Purple Nutsedge – Similar to yellow nutsedge but darker
Green Kyllinga – Forms dense mats in wet areas
Control Strategy:
✅ Pre-emergent herbicides have limited effectiveness against sedges.
✅ Post-emergent herbicides targeting sedges are available but require multiple treatments.
✅ Improving drainage and avoiding overwatering reduce sedge pressure.
Weed Life Cycles
Weeds grow and spread differently depending on their life cycle. Knowing the life cycle helps determine the best time to apply control measures.
1. Annual Weeds
Germinate, grow, flower, and die within a single year
Winter annuals – Germinate in fall and die in summer (e.g., chickweed, henbit)
Summer annuals – Germinate in spring and die in fall (e.g., crabgrass, spurge)
2. Biennial Weeds
Complete their life cycle over two years
First year – Form leaves and store energy
Second year – Flower, set seed, and die
Examples: Wild carrot, musk thistle
3. Perennial Weeds
Live for multiple years
Reproduce from seed and vegetative structures (roots, rhizomes)
More difficult to control due to their ability to regenerate
Examples: Dandelion, curly dock, wild garlic
Cultural Weed Control Stratagies
The best defense against weeds is a strong, healthy lawn. Proper mowing, watering, and fertilization naturally reduce weed competition.
Mow at the proper height and frequency for your grass type.
Proper Irrigation Practices
Fertilize appropriately to promote dense growth.
