Arlington weed control services
Arlington is known for its landmarks, attractions, and aesthetic appeal. If you're a homeowner in this historical city, the last thing you want is a property that creates an eyesore. If you are unfamiliar with lawn care and maintenance, trying to deal with weeds adds another layer of complexity and frustration to maintaining a beautiful, healthy, and vibrant yard. In addition to calling the experts at Lawn Love for professional assistance, you can learn to identify the area's common weeds and even prevent them from growing in the first place.
Weeds of Northern Virginia
As with any plant, flower, or grass, Arlington's local climate conditions, and even seasonal weather patterns, largely influence the types of weeds that you might see. Of the estimated 8,000 weeds identified worldwide, less than a dozen are native to the area. This makes identification and management considerably easier. However, weeds respond differently to varying methods of control. Weed management solutions for one species might not work for another.
To help you out, we've compiled a short overview of Arlington's most prevalent weeds and how to control them.
- Hairy Bittercress
- Chickweed
- Purple Deadnettle
- White Clover
- Crabgrass
- Wild Violet
- Spotted Surge
- Broadleaf Plantain
Hairy bittercress, note the Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia (MGNV), is one of the most prevalent and aggressive weeds that appear in Arlington. MGNV adds that weeds like Hairy bittercress are opportunists, which means that they generally grow in tough conditions. They tend to grow quickly, too, and can easily rob neighboring plant species of vital resources. Hairy bittercress is primarily a winter annual. It grows in clusters called rosettes that produce anywhere from two to four kidney-shaped leaves. The weed appears in mid-late spring and can disperse seeds up to 10 feet away. In the summer, small white flowers appear on the end of long stems. Pulling out the plant and applying a pre-emergent can curtail the weed's spread.
Chickweed is another prolific weed. It can also spread seeds quickly and reproduce quickly. At its peak, the plant can produce up to two generations' worth of seeds each growing season. This means trouble for property owners, as the seeds can embed themselves in your yard and start growing long before you realize that they are present. This stealthy growth is also a big problem for neighboring plants, as it can kill mature plants and prevent seeds from growing in the first place. The key with Chickweed, the MGNV says, is to eradicate the plant before it blooms. Since this weed has relatively shallow roots, its spread can be controlled by pulling out the plants individually.
As the name suggests, Purple deadnettle produces purple flowers that distinguish it from other weeds. Although Purple deadnettle is technically a weed, it is not as aggressive as some other common species. Purple deadnettle commonly grows in clusters of multiple plants. This also makes weed management easier. Purple deadnettle is sometimes confused with Henbit, which is another weed that may appear in the Arlington area. Henbit produces flowers of a similar color, and it has similar growing habits. Therefore, if you have one type of weed growing in an area, it's not uncommon to see the other species, too. Purple deadnettle stands out for its umbrella-like shape of light-colored purple flowers and long leaves that are about an inch long. You'll see it emerge in either spring or fall. Herbicide is the best choice for controlling its spread.
White clover might look pretty, but it is a nuisance to many homeowners. Along with its distinctive clover leaves, White clover stands out for the small white flowers that it produces in the warmer months. White clover is a perennial weed that is identifiable for its low-growing and rapidly growing nature. Although White clover can appear anywhere on your property, it favors sparse areas where there is no competition for resources. It also grows primarily in soils with a low pH level, which is not conducive for the growth of most grasses.
Wild violet is another weed that looks attractive but can also wreak havoc on your lawn or garden. Wild violet is a broadleaf weed that grows in the spring. It prefers semi-moist to moist soils and partial shade. Wild violet has deep root systems and can grow quickly, making it difficult to manage once it's established. Regular mowings and application of chemical herbicides can impede its growth.
Arlington's Landmarks and Historic Attractions
Now that you know which weeds you might see in your yard and how to control them, you can sit back and relax, knowing that you have more time to enjoy the city's beautiful historic places. Whether you're looking for a place to go or entertaining visitors, here are some top spots to check out.
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery is one of the country's most famous military cemeteries. It includes many unique sites, including the eternal flame of late president John F. Kennedy and the Memorial Amphitheater. There are more than 400,000 graves in the cemetery. Among the prominent figures in the cemetery are John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is another cemetery dedicated to military personnel. This graveyard is dedicated to soldiers who died in battle but whose remains were never identified. It opened in 1921 and remains one of the most popular sites in Arlington.
Virginia Square
Virginia Square is one of the most vibrant areas in Arlington. It contains Quincy Park and several modern attractions such as restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops. There are many hotels in Virginia Square as well, including modern and historic establishments. From here it's easy to take public transportation around the city.
Arlington is one of the most popular places in the country to live and visit. If you are fortunate to own a home here, why let annoying weeds create an eyesore for visitors and keep you from visiting the city's best sites? Knowing a thing or two about the area's common weeds and calling Lawn Love for professional lawn management is an effective way to have a healthy, vibrant property.
