Homeowners looking to improve their lawns by preventing annual weeds and burs that will pop up in the spring should prepare to apply fall preemergence herbicides, say the experts from the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center (17360 Coit Rd.). Preemergence herbicides are designed to disrupt the germination and emergence of unfavorable plants that compete with turfgrass, like annual bluegrass and broadleaf weeds like chickweed and lawn burweed.
There are several keys to success with this type of weed control:
- Choose an herbicide that’s formulated for the types of weeds common to your lawn
- Begin application based on soil temperature, not the calendar, in order to stay ahead of weeds—when soil temperatures reach approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a soil temperature probe or even a probe-style meat thermometer to measure. (If you have neither, there are weather-related websites and applications that monitor soil temperatures and give updates via notifications.)
- Apply the herbicide correctly—contact local landscape professionals if you’re uncomfortable handing chemical products. Always follow product labels and distance applications from desirable plants.
- Watering in the herbicide immediately after application using a sprinkler system is recommended, but don’t overwater to avoid runoff into streets/storm drains.
- Avoid “weed and feed” products, as nitrogen promotes growth, and a quick freeze could cause lawn damage (last nitrogen application should be no later than 4-6 weeks before the average date of first frost).
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