What’s the Difference Between Annual Weeds & Perennial Weeds?

Weeds are a nuisance that can drag down your lawn's curb appeal and steal nutrients and resources for themselves. However, weeds are classified as either annual or perennial. Annual weeds have a life cycle of one growing season, meaning they germinate, grow, and produce seeds before dying. Meanwhile, perennial weeds regrow year after year, meaning they can remain dormant in your lawn through the winter and return the following growing season. While their growth cycles and persistence differ, they're equally problematic, so the best way to control both annual and perennial weeds on your lawn in Tennessee is by enrolling in a weed control program.

What are annual weeds?

Annual weeds are those that have a life cycle of one growing season. These weeds germinate, grow, and produce seeds before dying once they finish this cycle. They are also further classified as summer or winter annual weeds; the former germinate in the spring and emerge as the weather warms up, while the latter germinate in late summer or early fall, grow during the winter, and die once the hot summer months set in.

Annual weeds primarily spread through seeds and are typically easier to control since their root systems aren't as extensive as perennials. However, they can still be difficult to manage if you don't consistently stay on top of the weed population. Some common annual weeds include crabgrass, chickweed, and henbit.

What are perennial weeds?

While annual weeds only live for one growing season, perennial weeds live for many years, going dormant in the winter and regrowing the following spring. They are able to do this because they establish expansive root systems, as well as rhizomes and stolons. Not only do they spread through seeds, but also their rhizomes and stolons. Because of this, they're prolific spreaders and highly aggressive, making them challenging to control and eliminate once they've established on your lawn. Some common perennial weeds include dandelions, nutsedge, and creeping Charlie.

What's the best way to control annual and perennial weeds on your lawn?

While annual and perennial weeds may have different life cycles, they're equally problematic for your lawn. After all, they drag down its curb appeal and steal vital nutrients and resources from your grass for themselves. Because of this, the best way to control both annual and perennial weeds is by enrolling in a weed control program. When you do, pros will visit your property several times throughout the year to administer pre- and post-emergent weed control treatments. Pre-emergents will prevent newly germinated weeds from surfacing and causing problems in the first place, while post-emergents will eliminate any existing growth. With these treatments, you can ensure your lawn stays weed-free and has optimal access to everything it needs to thrive.

Call us today to sign up for our weed control service!

If you want to achieve a weed-free lawn, you've come to the right place! At Herbi-Systems, we offer a weed control service that includes seven visits throughout the year to apply pre- and post-emergent treatments. That way, we can get ahead of newly germinated weeds and stop them from surfacing while eliminating any existing growth. What's more, this service also comes with routine fertilization applications to provide vital nutrients that bolster healthy, verdant growth. Our team will utilize only the best products to yield equally exceptional results, and we'll give your lawn everything it needs to thrive and stay pristine year-round. We've been keeping weeds at bay since 1984, so you can trust that you're in good hands with us!

Our weed control service is available to residential and commercial properties, as well as HOAs, in Memphis, Collierville, Germantown, TN, and throughout the surrounding areas. Call us today at (901) 382-5296 to sign up for this service, and say goodbye to pesky weeds on your lawn!