Jacksonville mowing services
Mowing in Jacksonville, FL
Historically, Florida's population growth has been attributed mainly to the orange tree. Today, citrus products remain one of the state's most significant sources of revenue. Naturally, Florida's oranges and their byproducts couldn't survive without healthy growing conditions. But even if you are not planning to produce citrus products on a commercial scale, you can still benefit from having a weed-free yard. This makes your yard more aesthetically appealing and gives you more free time to experience Jacksonville's excellent events and attractions.
Weeds in Jacksonville
Weeds, as the popular saying goes, are simply plants (or wildflowers) that grow out of place. This is certainly a fitting description of the pesky invaders that you commonly find in northern Florida. Some may already be a nuisance in your yard. But if you're not dealing with weeds already, you might be soon. Like grass and other plants, weeds can grow prolifically under the right conditions. Some can be difficult to manage, which means that early intervention and elimination is the best cure. Properly managing the weeds in your yard requires first knowing what species are growing, and secondly how to properly eliminate them.
Jacksonville's Weeds
Jacksonville has many native plants, grasses, and flowers. It also has common weeds. Once you know what to look for on your property that can indicate trouble, you can learn how to effectively manage weeds so that they don't continue to be a nuisance in the future. Whether you're a new homeowner or a seasoned gardener, be on the lookout for these species that can quickly become a nuisance in your yard.
- Bull Thistle
- Quackgrass
- Broadleaf Plantain
- Clover Rabbitfoot
- Nutsedge
- Pennywort
- Spurge
- Matchweed
Bull thistle, as its name suggests, is a robust and hardy weed. It appears as a rosette-shaped base with a spine-covered stalk and prickly leaves. At the top, a flowering stalk yields a cluster of purple or rose-colored blossoms. It is very similar in appearance to the Canada thistle. However, Bull thistle does best in warmer temperatures. It also produces more flowers than Canada thistle, and its flowers are more fertile.
Quackgrass spreads relatively quickly, which means that it can be challenging to control once it has established roots in your yard. Quackgrass has long, firm stalks and leaves rolled into a bud. It also has feathery seed heads at the top. The weed is sometimes mistaken for perennial ryegrass. It can be controlled by applying fertilizer, but it is best to curtail its growth as soon as possible since it can spread quickly.
Broadleaf plantain belongs to a larger category of broadleaf weeds. These weeds include several other species native to the Jacksonville area, including pennywort, oxalis, and matchweed. Broadleaf plantain, along with the others the broadleaf weed family, can be managed by pulling out the plant at its roots. You can also apply an herbicide to eradicate the plant when temperatures reach 85°F or higher, notes Valencia College. Broadleaf plantain also takes the shape of a rosette that reproduces from seed. Its leaves are large, round, and have deep veins.
Clover Rabbitfoot is an annual that appears during the winter. Its leaves and stems are typically covered with hair. It is identifiable for its long, alternating leaf patterns. The leaves generally have jagged, tooth-like shapes at the tip. This weed is common to Florida, but it also grows across the Southeastern US and west towards Louisiana and Missouri.
Nutsedge is a perennial that reproduces using seeds. Its leaves appear in clusters of three, and it has triangular-shaped stems. Nutsedge highly resembles many types of grasses, which gives it the nickname of "nutgrass." It is not a true grass, however, and it can spread across your lawn or garden if not treated.
Pennywort is a perennial with scalloped leaves. It grows in dense clusters and spreads low across the ground. Pennywort is a moisture-loving weed that thrives in areas with plenty of moisture. It also grows in swamps and wetlands. Pennywort is common in the Jacksonville area as well as other parts of Florida. It is also found in other states of the South and Southeast, too.
Spurge is also a summer annual. It starts growing in full force when temperatures reach approximately 85°F. Its leaves vary in color from bold green to red and spotted brown. The stems are long and thin and start spreading out from the base of the plant. Spurge creates a dense groundcover and produces seeds prolifically. In just a few days, with the right conditions, the plant can grow from a seedling to become a mature plant.
Matchweed is another weed with a sprawling growth pattern. Its leaves appear in an opposing pattern on hairy, branching stems. The leaves are covered with small, sharp teeth. The plant produces picturesque white and purple flowers when it reaches maturity. The weed is spread primarily by seeds that blow on the wind.
Jacksonville's Annual Events
As predictably as your favorite flowers (and hopefully not weeds), Jacksonville has many significant annual events worth checking out. Once your yard maintenance is under control, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy these special events.
Jax Boat Show
Each year in January, the Jacksonville Marine Association hosts a three-day festival dedicated to boating. Seminars and boat rides are part of the popular annual event.
Community First Seawalk Festival
Jacksonville has a great community spirit, which is evident in events like the Seawalk Festival. Each year, you'll find family-friendly activities and plenty of live music at this ever-popular festival. Food is offered for sale, and local artists gather to display their finest creations.
Sea and Sky Air Show
Each year, Jacksonville combines its important nautical and aeronautical history in one special, action-packed event. The Sea and Sky Air Show, held each year in October at the Jacksonville Beach, features hair-raising demonstrations by military personnel and civilians.
Maintaining a healthy yard in Jacksonville takes work. But having a professional lawn care team on your side makes things much easier. This year, leave the difficult work to Lawn Love so that you can get out and enjoy all that Jacksonville has to offer.
