Weed Control

Weed control products fall in two major categories: pre-emergent herbicides and post-emergent herbicides. Post-emergent herbicides are applied after weeds have surfaced, pre-emergent herbicides are applied before weeds are present.

Both types of herbicides can be either selective, or non-selective. A selective herbicide will kill only weeds. A non-selective herbicide will kill ALL vegetation. Use the type of herbicide that best suits your needs.

Applying herbicides to your lawn
When applying any type of herbicide, be sure to wear rubber gloves, safety goggles, and a breathing mask (if recommended by label). It is also a good idea to wear an old pair of shoes. Be sure to read the herbicide label completely. There may be certain factors to take into consideration before application begins.

Granular herbicide: Granular herbicide can be applied with a lawn spreader. Several types of spreaders may be available at your local garden center or rental agency.

There are two important things to remember when applying granular herbicide. One, be sure the lawn is wet. This will allow the granules to stick to the leaves. To save time, the herbicide can be applied early in the morning. The morning dew will provide enough moisture.

Secondly, be sure to apply the herbicide in a crisscross pattern. Going back and forth, as well as left to right. This will avoid striping the lawn.

Liquid herbicide: Liquid herbicide can be applied with a canister sprayer or hose-end sprayer.

When using a canister sprayer, be sure to read the instructions on the herbicide - the herbicide-to-water ratio will vary from brand to brand. Be sure to fill the canister with water first. This will help prevent foaming and reduce the chance for a harmful chemical splash.

Hose-end sprayers will eliminate the problem of measuring herbicide amount. Use a hose-end sprayer equipped with a dial, which regulates the amount mixed. A dial hose-end sprayer will save you time and prevent the frustrations of mathematical figures.

When applying any type of liquid herbicide, it is not necessary to drench the soil. As long as the foliage is wet, the herbicide will be effective.