Weeds on your putting green are more than just ugly – they mess with your rolls and kill the joy of practice. But weed control doesn’t have to be a complex mystery. Let’s break down the practical steps to win this battle.

Know Your Enemy

Weeds LOVE putting greens because they’re manicured and lush. Here’s a likely lineup of who you’re fighting:

Crabgrass: The nemesis of summer greens. It spreads fast and can choke out your putting green grass.
Dandelions: Those yellow flowers are nice on a meadow, but they’re tough to kill thanks to deep roots.
Clover: Loves to creep in low spots, creating bumpy patches that throw off your putts.
Poa Annua: The sneaky one. Looks like your turf at first, but it grows faster and coarser, ruining the smooth roll.

Attack Mode: Existing Weeds

Pull When You Can: Small patches or single weeds are best tackled by hand. Get the whole root or they’ll be back.
Spot-Treat Like A Sniper: Bigger problems need herbicides, but DON’T use regular lawn stuff on a putting green. Get one specifically for your grass type and the weed you’re fighting.
Preemptive Strike: If you fight the same weeds every year, ask a pro about pre-emergent herbicides. They can stop seeds from even sprouting.

Herbicide Truths Every Golfer Needs to Know

Putting Greens Are Special: Wrong herbicides will kill the GOOD grass too. Always read the label!
Instructions Are Law: Too much is just as bad as too little. Follow application rates and safety instructions precisely.
Timing Is Key: Weeds on putting greens require treatment at specific times for the best results. Consult product labels or a pro can advise.

The Best Weed Control Is Never Needing It

Here’s the boring part that matters most:

Strong Turf = Weed Defense: Dense, healthy grass naturally outcompetes weeds. Proper mowing (ask about those specifics!), fertilizing, and watering are like your putting green’s immune system.
Don’t Create Openings: Overdoing aeration or topdressing gives weed seeds space to germinate.
Clean Gear Matters: Weed seeds hitchhike on mowers! Clean after EACH use, especially if you also mow regular lawns.

When in Doubt, Call in Backup

Weed ID Mystery: Some are tricky to tell apart. A pro can diagnose it, saving you wasted time and chemicals.
Severe Invasion: If it’s more weeds than green, pros have more powerful tools, tailored for putting green safety.

Learn More

Need help reclaiming your lawn from pesky weeds? Call us today at 408-723-4954 or send us a message. Aside from putting greens, we also specialize in installing artificial grass for any part of your home. Let’s get you started with a free consultation; we’d love to help you explore your options.