Prevent Winter Weeds in Jenks / Bixby Oklahoma

When winter rolls around in Tulsa and nearby communities like Broken Arrow, Jenks, Bixby, and Glenpool, it’s easy to overlook lawn care. But winter weeds are a big deal! They creep in during the cooler months, competing with your grass and garden plants, making it hard for your landscape to look its best by spring. Here’s a look at the most common winter weeds found across the Tulsa metro area, plus some tips to get rid of them and keep your lawn thriving year-round.

Common Winter Weeds in the Tulsa Area

In Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Jenks and other surrounding areas, these winter weeds are known to take over when temperatures drop. Here’s what to watch for:

Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule)

Henbit is known for its scalloped leaves and pink or purple flowers. It grows in clusters and can spread quickly across lawns and garden beds in Bixby, Glenpool, and beyond, forming thick patches if not addressed.

Oklahoma Henbit

Chickweed (Stellaria media)

A frequent visitor in moist, shady areas, chickweed has small white flowers and smooth leaves. It grows in thick mats, especially in damp lawns, which can crowd out the grass in nearby communities like Sapulpa and Glenpool.

Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua)

Often mistaken for regular grass, annual bluegrass is usually lighter in color and clumps instead of spreading. It grows fast across lawns and even in neglected areas like roadside spots throughout Tulsa and Broken Arrow.

Mustard Weed (Brassica spp.)

With its bright yellow flowers and leafy green rosettes, mustard weed is another common winter visitor in the Tulsa area. It’s hardy, spreads quickly, and can be found across Bixby, Jenks, and Sapulpa once it flowers.

Purple Deadnettle (Lamium purpureum)

This weed is similar to henbit but has purple hues on its upper leaves, creating large patches in gardens and lawns. Found frequently across the Tulsa area are purple deadnettle thrives in areas with slightly neglected grass.

Why Controlling Winter Weeds Matters

Winter weeds don’t just add an eyesore to your lawn – they have a few other downsides:

• Drain Nutrients: Weeds pull nutrients from the soil, starving your grass and garden plants.

• Encourage Pests: Dense patches of weeds provide shelter for pests that could harm your plants in spring.

• Disrupt Grass Growth: Strong weed roots left from winter can make it harder for spring grass to grow well, reducing your lawn’s overall resilience.

How to Keep Winter Weeds Under Control

The best way to manage winter weeds in Tulsa and nearby areas is by getting ahead of the problem. Here are some tried-and-true methods:

Pre-Emergent Herbicides

Apply pre-emergent herbicides in early fall before winter weeds start sprouting. Products containing dithiopyr, pendimethalin, or prodiamine work well to create a barrier against weed seeds. Plan to apply pre-emergents in late September or early October in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, and surrounding areas to beat the first frost.

Post-Emergent Herbicides

If weeds are already established, a post-emergent herbicide can help. These work best on actively growing broadleaf weeds like henbit and chickweed. Look for herbicides containing 2,4-D, dicamba, or MCPP and follow all label instructions to avoid damaging surrounding plants. This method is especially helpful for larger properties or community spaces in towns like Jenks and Glenpool.

Mowing to Prevent Seed Production

Even if your grass isn’t actively growing, mowing can prevent winter weeds from seeding and spreading. Keep weeds short and prevent them from going to seed, especially in areas prone to dense growth.

Timing Matters

Timing is everything when it comes to weed control. Winter weeds in Tulsa and its neighboring communities generally germinate in late fall, so pre-emergent herbicides should be applied before this phase to be effective. Established weeds should be managed in early winter to prevent them from getting too hardy.

Proactive Lawn Care to Keep Winter Weeds at Bay

Beyond weed control, keeping your lawn in top shape goes a long way toward preventing weed problems. Here are a few tips that will help your grass in Jenks, Bixby, and other local communities stay lush and healthy year-round:

• Fall Fertilization: Fertilize your lawn in the fall to help it store nutrients for winter. This will give your grass an edge over winter weeds.

• Water Wisely: Don’t over-water, especially in the cooler months. Overly moist soil makes it easier for weeds to thrive.

• Aerate the Soil: Aerating your lawn in the fall allows for deeper root growth, strengthening your grass and helping it compete with weeds.

Wrapping Up

By taking a proactive approach to weed management in Tulsa and nearby areas, you can enjoy a healthier lawn come spring. Winter weeds can be pesky, but with proper care, you can keep your lawn and garden looking green and vibrant even through winter. From henbit in Glenpool to chickweed in Broken Arrow, a few timely steps can make all the difference in managing winter weeds and protecting your landscape year-round. Contact GreenScape Lawn Pros today for a free weed control quote!