The best defense is a good offense. A healthy lawn will win out in the competition against weeds for light, moisture and soil nutrients.

Here are some tips to help win the battle with weeds:

• Set your mower height at the highest recommended for your grass type
• Water the proper amount — one inch per week
• Control pests and diseases before they get serious
• Use a shade-tolerant turf or groundcover in shady areas
• Fertilize correctly — not too much or too little
  (a professional service will make sure this is done at the right level)

Two factors are important in determining what method to use in managing weeds. The type of weed is the first. They are classified as either broadleaf, grass or sedge. The life cycle of the weed is the second factor. Annuals have a one-year life cycle, biennials have a two year life cycle and perennials have more than two years in their life cycle. Annual weeds usually get a pre-emergent treatment from a lawn care professional where the herbicide acts on the sprouting seed and keeps it from forming roots thus killing the weed before it emerges. Perennial broadleaf weeds are better treated with a post-emergent herbicide. Once weeds have emerged they are much harder to control as the herbicide will also damage turf grass.