For every Las Vegas resident who looks forward to summer and the prospect of a green lawn, there is another who dreads the reality of the weeds that follow.

And this much is true: wherever organic matter grows, some weeds will follow. But this doesn't mean you’ll be waging a turf war this summer. You can gain the upper hand over weeds by taking proactive steps right now to limit the growth and spread of weeds so they don't impugn (let alone overtake) the beauty of your lush, green yard.

Take it from First Quality Roofing & Insulation. We work from what is arguably the best vantage point of Las Vegas lawns: the roofs of Las Vegas homes. Over the years, we've culled some sensible pointers from landscape professionals down below.  They recommend homeowners:

• Cultivate a healthy lawn. Just as a healthy body is better able to fight illness, a healthy lawn is better equipped to fight weeds. In this case, a thick, dense lawn can create an inhospitable environment for weeds by crowding them out. Fertilizer will help fortify your lawn. Eliminate the guesswork so often involved in choosing a fertilizer by picking up a soil tester kit at a home improvement store. The reading will tell you what type of soil you have – and which type of fertilizer it should respond to.
• Set your mower blade correctly. To encourage the growth of strong, thick grass, set your mower blade to about 2 inches (and no less than 1 ½ inches). Short grass usually equates to weaker grass.
• Install high-quality landscape fabric to work as a weed barrier. “High-quality” fabric doesn’t stretch or tear when you tug on it. It should feel stiff, not flimsy. And the pores in the fabric should be tiny – small enough for water to penetrate but not for weeds to puncture through. If this effective barrier falters, it's usually because of human error. So overlap the fabric by at least 3 inches and use fabric staples to anchor the seams. Then be sure to dig up and replace the fabric at least every several years since it most likely will fully decompose by then. 
• Lay organic mulch to stymie weeds from germinating and growing. Several inches of shredded bark around trees, bushes, shrubs and flowers also will keep your greenery cool and hydrated – and it looks good, too. 
• Know when to declare defeat – gracefully.  Poor light and soil can conspire to make grass growth a near impossibility. But those weeds; they somehow have a way of showing off their veracity. In this case, concede defeat and convert the area into a truly low- to no-maintenance zone. Top the area with mulch or stone; if you’re brave, try ground cover first. The point is, when grass doesn’t show a fighting chance, it’s time to change course because weeds will always win out. 

Taking care of your lawn and preventing weeds may be high on your to-do list, but it’s probably not the only home maintenance task that requires your attention. For help in keeping them all straight, download First Quality’s Home Maintenance Checklist. Then watch your neighbors turn green with envy --  over your organizational prowess and your lush lawn.