If you use a pre-emergent, remember that it will generally prevent new weeds but won’t kill existing weeds. If you have weeds in your yard now, you will need to pull those weeds out. The weed in the picture on right is green now but it is still a weed. When a yard is full of these misplaced plants, it is time to get serious about removal.
Don’t forget that cholla stem segments lying on the ground that are full of needles should also be removed along with dying agaves that have bloomed. To avoid a problem with a stalk falling into the street you can cut the stalks before they topple and then schedule removal of the agave.
Finally, your front yard should have a granite ground cover. This is specified in the Yard Rules and Regulations. Over time gravel coverings on the yard can become quite sparse due to repeated grooming from landscapers. If you haven’t reapplied gravel in many years, review the coverage and ensure it is still adequate.
For those of you headed to cooler climates for the summer, ensure you have a weed strategy for your home while you are gone. Even though you might be absent, you are still responsible for keeping your yard weed free and looking well maintained. Here are some items to think about:
- Determine if use of a pre-emergent is right for you. The HOA maintained common areas are sprayed twice a year (January and July) to assist in keeping weeds down. This doesn’t solve the problem completely but it reduces the effort needed between sprayings. Many people prefer to avoid the use of chemicals.
- Have a regular landscaper who comes at least once a month and make sure they include weed removal in their monthly yard maintenance.
- Don’t overlook the weeds popping up between the cracks in the driveway and sidewalks! (Tip: needle nose pliers are a great tool to pull up a single weed by the root.)
- Remember that things such as Penstemon, Desert Bluebells and other native wildflowers look great when they bloom but then they dry out and simply look like brown, dead weeds. Remove dead stalks after the blooming season is over or your yard will look like it is full of dead weeds.
Please help ensure our community looks its best for you, your neighbors, friends and visitors and do your part by maintaining all your visible landscape. Notes to homeowners with weedy yards will go out end of March. Remember you can be fined $10 a day until your yard is brought into compliance.
✉ by Kathy Mitton, SMVE Landscape Chair Phone: (cell)