Do you spray for weeds?

Question

I saw the fertilizer question and thought oh no I should be having the yard sprayed for weeds.

It's by no means a high end rental - but far from slum.

Should I be spraying for weeds?  I just figured that feel into lawn maintenance and the tenet would do it if they wanted less weeds (less time mowing)

Bill Gulley · Answer

I have on my home, never a rental as they aren't that bad here. I have used Ortho Lawn and Weed a granular type, it sticks better than running off if think.

I know not all investors do, but I think Josh and Brandon just harvest theirs. :)

Deborah Burian · Answer

As an Oklahoma City landlord I'm going to jump in after the fact and say that while we normally don't spray, a few times we've had the grass burrs get away from us and completely ruin the lawn.

For those that don't have them (they're pretty Southern, I think) they are an annual weed that is not only invasive but a menace.  They have sharp spurs/burrs and stick to everything including dogs, children, socks, fingers, etc, and draw blood (and curses).

After the invasion, the only permitted solution is spraying and one has to regularly spray for 1-2 years to eliminate... ask me how I know. Burning is effective but for some reason, the cities frown upon setting one's lawn on fire.

So - we now monitor for burr infestations and if needed will spray.

Colleen F. · Answer

Felicia, this is one where I would do it if I saw it was an issue for the property. For example a brick walkway where the weeds make your property look poorly maintained.  You need to be careful that you let tenants know because some people are very sensitive when it comes to using chemicals.

@Matthew Paul , charging the tenants is an interesting way to go. How do you work this?  Do you give them the option of self maintenance? We have a property for which we don't long term want to mow (i.e. avoiding kid toys). but at the moment there is no lawn mower storage so I think we are going to have to include the mowing.

Matthew Paul · Answer

I use roundup all the time , I still have some commercial lawn equipment so I cut my properties and charge the tenants , I spray roundup anywhere I would need to use a weedeater . Saves lots of time

Roy N. · Answer

We do not water, fertilize, or spray (illegal here) our lawns.

About a year ago we started experimenting with using native species in our landscaping, so they do not require special care, feeding and protection to survive.   So far we are happy with the results.

Lynn McGeein · Answer

I spray for weeds in the driveway, sidewalk and around the house perimeter (especially heat pump area) when we inspect properties, as I've found the tenants usually mow the lawn but don't edge or keep weeds out of those places.  I used to offer tenants up to $100 rent credit each year (depending on size of yard) if they wanted to send receipts for grass seed, weed & feed, crabgrass preventer, hardwood mulch, etc., (no labor, just materials) but not since I bought out-of-town rentals and use a property manager.   It actually worked well, though.