Types

• There are three basic types of weeds in southern Florida grasses, broadleaf and sedges/rushes. Grasses are monocot plants, meaning they develop from one seed leaf; these plants have thin, hollow stems. Broadleaves are dicot plants, forming from two seed leaves; these weeds have wide, flat leaves with net-like veins. Sedges are weeds with a triangular stem, while rushes have round stems.
  
  

Life Cycle

• Weeds can be annual, biannual and perennial plants. Annuals complete their life cycle in one growing seasons, biannual in two growing seasons, and perennials three or more years. Annuals have cool and warm seasons; summer annuals have a life span of spring to fall and winter annual plants live from fall to spring.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• Weed prevention begins with a healthy lawn; a hardy, full lawn covers the soil keeping germinating weeds from establishing. Natural methods of weed control include mowing, hand pulling and mulching. Herbicides are chemicals that harm and kill plants; this is an effective tool in the management of weeds.