Winter weed season worst in years

Winter weeds overtaking area lawns

SAN ANTONIO – Most of the customers at Schulz Nursery on Monday had similar missions.

"I'm here to solve the problem of weeds in my yard," said customer Candy Hinkle.

Hinkle, who is looking to lease out her home, said the weeds had grown out of control.

"(They're) overtaking the yard and the real estate sign," said a joking Hinkle.

"Every single day we have people coming in two or three times an hour, even on the slowest day, just complaining about weeds," said Michael Fancher, who works at Schulz Nursery.

A warmer and wetter winter than expected in addition to last year's drought has resulted in a perfect recipe for winter weeds.   

Those weeds are attacking area lawns like never before.

"This has been the worst weed weather we've ever seen," added Fancher.

Fancher recommended a broadleaf weed killer matched with a pre-emergent. It is a process that will likely not bring instant gratification, but will help over time. It is also a better option, for many, than the alternative.

"You can go pull all the weeds if you want to, but they're going to keep coming back," said Fancher.

Nurseries are not the only ones staying busy.  Many South Texans are also calling in the professionals to take care of the weeds in their yard.

"There's been a lot more calls this year as opposed to the last few years," said Mike Davison, general manager of Bob Jenkins Pest and Lawn Services.

Companies like Bob Jenkins Pest and Lawn Services often treat lawns over a full growing season, with results within a few months.  In the end, experts agree, fighting weeds means spending time in the yard.

 "The real key to weed control to begin with is starting with a healthy lawn; proper nutrition and proper mowing," said Davison.


About the Author:

Justin Horne is a meteorologist and reporter for KSAT 12 News. When severe weather rolls through, Justin will hop in the KSAT 12 Storm Chaser to safely bring you the latest weather conditions from across South Texas. On top of delivering an accurate forecast, Justin often reports on one of his favorite topics: Texas history.