Avoiding Self-Inflicted Dead Spots in Your Turf
Have you ever seen a yard with random dead spots all over it? It could be an insect problem, fungus, or disease—but often times it's self-inflicted! One of the most common lawn care mistakes we see in Midlothian and Prosper is homeowners spraying Roundup (glyphosate) directly on their turf to kill weeds.
Why Roundup Kills Your Grass
Roundup is a non-selective herbicide, meaning it kills everything it touches—including your St. Augustine, Bermuda, or other turfgrass. While it's effective for killing weeds, it also destroys the surrounding grass, leaving unsightly brown dead spots that can take months to fill back in.
Better Alternatives to Roundup for Weed Control
Selective Herbicides:There are many herbicide options available that target specific weeds WITHOUT killing your turf. A little research to identify what weeds you have and what selective herbicide will kill them goes a long way! Common selective options include:
- 2,4-D for broadleaf weeds
- Atrazine for certain annual weeds
- Image or Celsius for tough weeds like nutsedge
Manual Removal:Digging up problematic weeds and patching in sod is a much better alternative to Roundup. While more labor-intensive, this method prevents dead spots and maintains your lawn's appearance.
Professional Weed Control:A comprehensive fertilization and weed control program from Vista Lawn and Pest targets weeds while protecting your grass, giving you a thick, weed-free lawn without the dead spot disasters.
If You Must Use Roundup on Your Lawn
Sometimes stubborn weeds require aggressive treatment. If Roundup is absolutely necessary, timing matters:
Wait Until Fall:It's better to wait until fall to spot-treat with Roundup. That way, the grass will be going dormant soon after the weeds die, and you won't have those dead spots staring at you all over your lawn throughout spring and summer.
Application Tips:
- Use a small brush or sponge applicator instead of spraying
- Apply only to weed foliage, avoiding surrounding grass
- Consider using a shield or cardboard to protect nearby turf
- Plan to overseed or sod dead areas after treatment
Identifying Common North Texas Weeds
Proper weed identification is the first step to effective control. Common weeds in Midlothian and Prosper lawns include:
- Dandelions and clover (broadleaf weeds)
- Crabgrass and goosegrass (grassy weeds)
- Nutsedge (sedge weeds)
- Dollarweed and spurge (moisture-loving weeds)
Each weed type responds to different herbicides, so correct identification prevents wasted time and product.
Professional Lawn Care Prevents DIY Disasters
Don't create dead spots trying to control weeds yourself! Vista Lawn and Pest provides expert fertilization and weed control services throughout Midlothian and Prosper. Our targeted treatments eliminate weeds while keeping your grass healthy and green.
Research your options before reaching for the Roundup—your lawn will thank you!
Watch the video below to see examples of Roundup damage and learn better weed control methods for your North Texas lawn.
For professional weed control and lawn care services in Midlothian and Prosper, contact Vista Lawn and Pest.
