How to be successful and safe
It seems natural to use weed killer, even if you have the best intentions or opt for organic methods that work.
Common options include grabbing a bottle or bag of Weed & Feed when it is on sale in any retail store.
This may be true to some extent. However, things can go wrong for anyone who doesn’t read the label.
Would you rather know what chemicals you are using around your pets or family?
Do you want to know the basic facts about weed killers: the good, bad and exceptions?
This article focuses on herbicides for lawns. Most of the information will be useful in spraying weeds elsewhere in your garden or yard.
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FACTS ABOUT WEEDKILLERS & CHEMICALS
You can be satisfied with any product if you have reasonable expectations.
Although it may appear like the best product, it SHOULD kill all your desired things in one application.
This is unrealistic. Here’s what you need:
WEED DURABILITY (OR IMMORTALITY) )
Lawn weeds may die after one application of weed killer. For perennial weeds that have stronger root systems or those with stubborn types (e.g., those with waxy or hairy covers), additional spraying may be necessary.
Definitions:
Mature Weeds = The large ones on your lawn because you waited too much.
Perennial Weeds are weeds that can withstand the elements, such as dandelions. They keep coming back. They are resilient by their nature and can survive from season to season unless they are removed.
Stubbborn Weeds = cannot absorb herbicides or consume it down. They are probably genetically modified by mad scientists to produce the ugly coverings that are waxy or hairy.
Is MORE better? …
A stronger concentration of weed killer will not work better. Spraying again is better than spraying with a higher dose, which can lead to negative effects.
You will find additional reasons to avoid this below. However, this is the most common mistake gardeners make when they think that killing weeds will be a good idea.
You will probably need to spray twice if the weeds win, so why waste product you don’t want? )
TIME TO KILL
It takes time to kill weeds. Some are quick and you might see the effects within hours. Others work slowly, and it may take several days for you to notice any difference.
(Fast does not always win the race. This is not a race. )
A non-selective weed killer kills all weeds, even the lawn.
It is important to find the most effective way to kill a specific weed.
Many weeds react to chemicals differently depending on their growth rate and temperature.
(Cool weather = slower results. )
WET OR DRY
A liquid weed spray is more effective than a granular one.
You can either cover the entire area or treat a specific spot with liquid.
Instructions for dry weed killers, such as Weed & Feed types, say that granules perform better if they stick to the leaves. Here’s an example:
- When weeds are still young and active, apply when the dew is still on the grass.
- Sprinkle lightly with water if the grass isn’t moist when you apply it. This will hold the material in place and prevent dust from settling on non-target plants.
- Wash weed leaves only for 1 to 2 days following application.
Also, it means “No Sticky, No Worky.” If your lawn is severely overgrown by weeds, you may need to pre-treat it.
This is a way to acknowledge that these products do not guarantee weed killing. It is possible to have low expectations.
EASY
You can buy liquid weed killer as either a ready-to-use product or a concentrate.
Sizes of ready-to-use containers range from quarts up to a gallon. Some containers have hand trigger nozzles while others have spring-loaded pump mechanisms and some are battery-operated. Each level of convenience will cost more.
You can use weed killer concentrates in your own spray bottles, a pump up tank sprayer, or a sprayer with a hose end. When you shop online or in retail, pay attention to the price of different sizes bottles. Even though the labels may look identical, certain weed killers might be available in different concentrations.
You should always refer to the label for the recommended dilution rate. Different lawn grass varieties and adjacent plants might require different dosages.
CAUTION: A Miracle-Gro fertilizer sprayer does not have a pre-set dilution. The sprayer must attach to a gardenhose so that it can be adjusted to adjust the concentration.
Ready-to-use products can cost anywhere from 4-10 times more than mixing your own. So consider how much you’ll use and how convenient convenience is for you. )
NON-COMPATIBILITY
Be aware that not all lawns are the same.
Some grass lawns have a higher level of sensibility than others.
St. Augustine and other varieties of grass can behave as if they were a broadleaf grass instead.
Some grasses may tolerate your chemical under certain conditions but are susceptible to stress from insects, disease, or prior chemical application.
Manufacturers have established Re-Application Intervals after testing. These stipulations must be followed.
LAWNS & LIVES SAVED
Follow all instructions
You should not just glance at the information on the back of the container. You can peel the label off most garden chemical bottles to access additional information.
Every chemical is unique. You shouldn’t assume the amount of each chemical is the same for different brands or similar products. You may notice a different dosage when you repurchase weed killer than the one you bought the first time. This could be because the active ingredient percentage has changed.
Do not trust your neighbor’s wisdom, or a friend who says he achieved great results by doubling the mixture. Sometimes people lie, get lucky or pay the price for their stupidity. It’s possible. (My gardening shop experience often dealt with people who needed help to repair their lawn after a bad weedkiller job. )
Don’t add any other ingredients to the mixture unless you have verified from a trusted source (the manufacturer, label, or professional landscape publications), that they won’t have a negative compound effect on your lawn.
CLEAN-UP
Failures to remove spray residue or other equipment from plants can cause them to die.
Sprayers that are used to kill weeds shouldn’t be used as fertilizers. If the product was not designed to be selective or for a specific purpose, it could cause adverse effects when applied to another weed application.
Any leftover weed killer must be disposed off in a responsible way (usually on additional plants elsewhere), and not spilt out randomly or allowed to reach storm drains. For proper disposal, make sure to check the product labels.
The mixture can lose its potency if it is left in the tank. Mix the whole mixture within one day. If you need to mix it again, do so immediately. )
PETS PEOPLE
Common restrictions on weed killers will say that it is safe to use on lawns once they have dried.
This should be confirmed. You may be subject to more strict exposure restrictions for some weed killers.
You can use your judgement to minimize chemical exposure. Keep in mind that tolerances to chemicals vary.
Avoid putting lawn clippings in your compost pile if you don’t want the compost to end up on your fruit or vegetable plants. )
ORGANIC WEED KILLERS
These “safer” products can be used for different purposes in the garden, but they don’t work on weeds and will not harm your lawn.
Many organic weeder products do not have a selectivity or are limited in their application. Be sure to read the label.
Even these natural products can still be harmful if they are not used correctly.
SELECTING THE CORRECT WEED KILLER
Are you wondering what happened to the old-fashioned stuff that worked for your Dad?
New products are being introduced to the garden by the chemical industry.
They often remove products that are no longer in use, due to environmental regulations or because it is not financially feasible to maintain a label registration.
If you’ve been careful with your choices, trust the new ones.
When you’re in a garden department that offers a wide selection, it pays to take a look at all the options.
Double-Duty weedkillers can be an effective solution to multiple problems.
A basic herbicide, for example, is safe to use on most lawns but would not harm crabgrass. You can now get the same broadleaf killer but with a crabgrass kill.
Although this may be more expensive than the original formula, it is still cheaper than getting two separate products and requires less labor.
Neighbor Ned’s claim about making his own garden cocktails is a warning sign. Combining chemicals can lead to phytotoxicity, which is an increase in plant sensitivity and reaction.
Even though the combination of chemicals is not harmful, it could be dangerous for plants. You should also not increase the chemical dosage in your spray mixture.
THE BASICS TYPES OF CHEMICALWEED KILLER
BROADLEAF WEEDTYPES
It will kill broad-leaf and other weeds, but not harm grass. There are a variety of active ingredients in different brands. Each brand has a different mode or geared towards different types of weeds. It is important to verify that the product will work on your particular type of grass.
GRASSY WEEDTYPES
These are not safe to use on your lawn.
It will kill any weed grass that it touches. It can be used to kill grassy weeds in your ground cover or flower beds. Hand-pulling grassy weeds from your lawn is recommended. Pre-emergent weed killers can also be used to prevent them from returning next year. There are some exceptions depending on the type of lawn. Check out the other articles.
SEDGE OR NUT-GRASS Types
This is a specific killer. SedgeHammer (formerly Manage) is safe for use on most grass lawns. It is also very effective.
While some older weed killers claim to kill nutgrass (the active ingredient in MSMA is used more often to kill crabgrass), there are still other products that claim to do the same. While it may be effective, make sure to verify the safety of the grass variety you are using.
The roots of the nut-sedge produce corms, which are tiny bulbs. They are hard to kill, even with repeated sprayings. It is almost impossible to pull these plants without digging up the soil and sifting through it. )
This sedge killer can not be found in all retail garden departments. Get it at Amazon or at Do Your Own Pest Control (link previously).
NON-SELECTIVE TYPES
Round-up, the most well-known example of this is. Many generic versions offer the same active ingredient but not the same surfactant that aids absorption.
All these non-selective herbicides are available.
will kill your grass.
If you want to eliminate all weeds before you plant a new lawn, they may be of use to you. You may also consider using this type if you have a lot of weeds and the grass is too dense to be replanted.
SPECIAL NOTE
Bermuda grass is a creeping grass and is often used as a lawn grass. It can invade fescue, bluegrass or rye lawns and become a problem.
One weed killer that was specifically designed to control broadleaf weeds has been proven to be effective in Bermuda grass management in turf.
The Turflon Ester product is ideal for anyone who needs to remove Bermuda. It takes several applications, each 30 days apart. Start early in the growing season.
It would be impossible to eradicate Bermuda in regular turf. So, check out . Also, read the warnings and limitations about certain grass types.
This problem is being addressed in a new series of articles. These articles provide detailed information about how to kill bermuda on a cool-season grass yard.
FINAL TIPS FOR USING
WEED KILLER ON THE LAWN
Grass is constantly under stress and still grows. We love grass because it can withstand constant stress and still grow. It is unlike any other plant that can withstand constant pruning, being walked upon, having its soil compacted around its roots, heat, cold, and still grow!
- Do not spray in very hot weather Temperatures over 85 degrees can increase the stress on grass and cause it to become damaged. It is better to wait until temperatures drop below 80 degrees.
- Lawns can be damaged by chemicals, especially during hot weather. The amazing plant will grow through the lawn and should not be seen after several mowings.
- Do not apply any chemical products to young grass. It is not as resistant to chemicals as mature grass and may die. It is best to wait three months before you try it. Don’t overdose on the concentration. Unless the manufacturer suggests otherwise, it is best to wait for 4-5 months before trying it.
- No rain or irrigation for 24 hrs is often posted because many weed killers must remain on the leaves that long. Make sure you check this information before spraying. To give your lawn more resilience in hot weather, you might water it the day before spraying.
- You should not mow your lawn for at least two days before spraying. Shorter weeds absorb more chemical. Spray at least two days before you mow. Do not mow until several days later. This can make it easier for more chemical to reach the roots.
It is easier to eradicate weeds if you act quickly. Be persistent if it happens later in the season.
Preemergent is a great way to keep weeds away next year.
For more information, visit the Lawn Care website!
