WILD VIOLETS - WEEDS OR PRETTY GROUND COVER?
Wild violets are a type of weed that can invade your property and spread quickly. They grow low to the ground and have vibrant purple, purplish-white, or even yellow violet flowers, which is why they can often be mistaken as flowers or even a common ground cover such as periwinkle.
They can thrive in almost any type of condition, but prefer to grow in shady, moist areas. They spread through seeds and root growth and the best way to control them is by signing up for a weed control program from trusted lawn care professionals. Continue reading to learn more about wild violets and how you can prevent them from taking over your lawn.
What do wild violets look like?
Wild violets are low-growing weeds whose heart-shaped leaves contain a waxy coating. Its leaves have pointed tips and slightly cupped scalloped edges. Many homeowners might end up adoring its undeniably gorgeous flowers that come in purple, white, and sometimes yellow. While they can be pretty, don't be fooled! They are weeds that need to be dealt with before they take over your lawn.
Are they a ground cover?
Wild violets have a low growth habit, so they are often confused with vinca or periwinkle ground cover. Because of this, most homeowners might end up using wild violets as ground cover, but doing this can affect your plants and the overall look of your lawn. Wild violets are invasive perennials that will quickly invade your yard. If they are not removed, they can easily take over your lawn, which can lead to serious problems when it comes to the health of your grass and plants.
Where are they found?
Wild violets can be found in almost any lawn since they are so adaptable and resilient. While they prefer growing in shady, moist areas, they are drought-tolerant, allowing them to grow in sunny, dry areas as well. So, no matter how shady or sunny your property is, you will want to be on the lookout for these invasive weeds.
How do they spread?
Wild violets spread through seeds and their vigorous root system. The roots of wild violets have rhizomes underground that will continually produce new shoots while growing. Meanwhile, it also has seed pods that grow near the soil, and these pods will split open and spread their seeds across your lawn.
Each seed pod contains about two dozen seeds.
How can you control them?
Controlling the growth of wild violets can be done, but it takes some work. If you're looking to control their growth, you'll want to:
Regularly fertilize your lawn to ensure it is receiving enough nutrients to combat weeds and diseases.
Aerate and overseed your lawn to ensure it will grow thick and full, so there won't be any space left for weeds. Aerating your lawn also allows the roots to absorb necessary nutrients it needs to remain strong.
Enroll in a weed control program that will properly tackle tough weeds like wild violets. Look for a company that offers both pre-emergent and post-emergent weed control products. That type of program will not only help to prevent these weeds from growing in the first place but will also take care of any existing weeds.
Call us today to sign up for our weed control program!
Here at Sam's Turf Care, we can help you get rid of weeds through our weed control program. We use both pre and post-emergent herbicides to effectively remove wild violets and other types of weeds from your lawn. We serve properties in Independence, Gladstone, North Kansas City, MO and surrounding cities. Call us today at (816) 886-1121 to get an estimate for our weed control services.
