Kansas City weed control services
Missouri's native plants and grasses have been around for a long time. Many species you see growing in your yard, experts say, have been here since the Ice Age. Missouri was established in 1821 and relied heavily on its agriculture-based economy for years, showing the special connection that its residents have historically had with the land. Although Missouri's green spaces are no longer a vital source of income, they are still important for aesthetic reasons. One thing that can quickly detract from a yard's appeal is weed growth. If your yard has become dominated by weeds, it's time to take control.
Weeds of Kansas City
Although thousands of weeds grow nationwide, only a fraction are endemic to the Kansas City area. That makes it easier to identify which types may be lurking in your yard. After accurately identifying the weed species, you can take measures to kill the plants and prevent their future growth. Although other weed species can appear in your property, these are some of the most common in Kansas City.
- Alligator Weed
- American Burnweed
- Annual Fleabane
- Black Medic
- Broadleaf Dock
- Broadleaf Plantain
- Carolina Geranium
- Evening Primrose
- Green Foxtail
- Goosegrass
The University of Missouri describes Alligator Weed as a perennial that grows low to the ground and spreads primarily by fragmentation. It grows rapidly and prefers aquatic environments. Alligator Weed is prominent across Missouri. However, it appears in many other locations too, including Texas and California. Its leaves are long, thin, and hairless. The stems range in color from light or dark green to purple. They grow quite tall, sometimes reaching heights of up to three feet. Alligator Weed grows in water and soil. It produces small white flowers from about April through October.
American burnweed, or fireweed, is a summer annual that has a long stem and alternate leaves. It can grow on residential properties, but it is also commonly found in pastures, crop fields, and abandoned fields. The leaves range in size from two to eight inches. They are about a half-inch to two inches apart. Fully grown, burnweed's stems range from just over one foot to ten feet tall. The plant's flower heads are a white or pink color. Small (inedible) seeds may appear in the summertime.
Annual fleabane bears a close resemblance to the daisy. The plant is a dark green color with oval leaves and white flowers that look nearly identical to a daisy's. The flowers grow tall and upright. They thrive in dry, open spaces and can reach a full height of three to five feet.
Black medic has prostrate stems and compound leaves. In younger plants, a single leaf appears first, followed by a cluster of two other leaves. This compound leaf design, combined with bright yellow flowers, is a good indication that the weed you're seeing is Black medic. However, it bears a close resemblance to several other types of weeds too, including hop clover and yellow woodsorrel.
Broadleaf dock is classified as a taproot perennial. It has a basal rosette shape and forms a single stem that can reach over three feet in height. This weed is common in Missouri, as well as the East Coast, Midwest, and parts of the Southwest. Broad, heart-shaped leaves that reach a height of 12 inches are hallmarks of this plant. While the plant starts off with a green color, it can turn a red or purple color with age. Clusters of red-brown flowers also appear on the top portion of the elongated stem.
Broadleaf plantain also forms a basal rosette base. Its leaves can be either smooth or hairy in texture, and they can have either an oval or elliptical shape. A waxy surface and parallel veins are other hallmarks of Broadleaf plantain. It has flower stems that range in size from five to 15 inches and develop small white flowers. Tiny oval-shaped fruits often appear on the plant as well.
Carolina geranium is characterized by long, branching stems. Along with Kansas City, it is a common weed nationwide that is either a summer or winter annual. The leaves are covered with fine, soft hairs initially, but the hair typically disappears with age. The leaves are broad and round with palmated segments. This weed can reach a mature height of nearly 30 inches. Although it can grow quickly, its root system is relatively shallow, which makes it an easy weed to eliminate just by pulling out of your yard or garden.
Evening primrose produces long, narrow leaves from either a single stem or several stems. It can grow to a height of six feet or more. Its flowers, which average one inch across, consist of four yellow petals. The seeds can spread quickly and remain dormant for years, sometimes decades! Herbicide and pre-emergent spray is the best remedy to stop the growth of Evening primrose.
Green foxtail is a summer annual. It has a long stem and a bushy flowerhead that resembles a fox's tail. Its leaves are rolled and hairless. They are long and can reach up to 12 to inches. Along with your property, Green foxtail can appear in agricultural areas, turfs, and open areas. Even though it is not a native species, it is sometimes used in decorative landscaping.
Goosegrass is a short, persistent weed that has a sprawling growth pattern. It has spikelets with up to six seeds that can disperse over relatively long distances. The leaf sheaths are flat and smooth. They are a white or silver color and the base, while the plant's leaves are a darker green color. The plant is sometimes confused with Smooth Crabgrass, but its leaves are rolled and smooth.
No matter what kind of weed you're dealing with, it can quickly become a big problem if left untreated. Sometimes, it's best to get an expert's assistance rather than trying to manage a weed-covered property on your own. Fortunately, you can pick up the phone and call Lawn Love, your local lawn care experts, for assistance in getting your yard back to good health and optimal beauty.
