How to Eliminate and Control Henbit Weeds

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Is your lawn overrun with henbit weeds?

While Texas is home to dozens of weeds, few are as common as henbit. And with its ability to grow over 1 foot tall, it’s a major nuisance for homeowners in The Lone Star State.

The good news is that there are ways to eliminate and control henbit weeds.

What Is Henbit?

Lamium amplexicaule, or what’s more commonly known as henbit, is a type of annual weed that emerges from the soil during the fall season and begins flowering in the spring season.

When flowering, henbit produce colorful flowers with fuzz-covered leaves.

Because of its ability to grow over 1 foot tall, henbit consumes a substantial amount of moisture and nutrients from the soil.

As a result, your grass – as well as flowers, trees and other good plants – may suffer from lack of moisture or lack of nutrition.

Fill in Your Lawn

You can discourage henbit from growing in your lawn by filling open spaces containing little or no grass.

Henbit typically grows in open areas such as this. If there’s little or no grass, henbit won’t have to compete for moisture and nutrients, thereby allowing it to quickly grow.

To prevent this from happening in your lawn, you need to reseed open areas. Apply a mixture of fertilizer and seed to fill open areas so that they aren’t susceptible to henbit or other weeds.

Raise Your Lawnmower Blade

Another way to keep henbit out of your lawn is to raise your lawnmower blade.

Many homeowners assume that it’s best to use the lowest blade setting, believing it will save them time and energy. While it’s true that using the lowest blade setting will reduce the frequency at which you need to mow your lawn, it also paves the way for weeds, including henbit.

If your grass isn’t tall enough, henbit may emerge through the soil. Therefore, you should consider raising your lawnmower blade to at least 2 inches if you’re worried about henbit.

Apply Herbicide

Of course, you can use herbicide to spot treat areas of your lawn in which henbit is growing.

2,4-D Amine is a popular herbicide used in the treatment of henbit. Alternatively, you can make your own herbicide using vinegar, water and dish soap.

Whether you use store-bought or homemade herbicide, use caution when applying it to ensure it doesn’t get on your grass.

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