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- Pre-emergent Herbicide
As the weather begins to cool and we progressed further into the fall, this is not an invitation to slack off in your lawn maintenance regimen. In fact, October could be argued as the most critical month for lawn maintenance. The work you put in this month may not be seen immediately but will create a healthier, more beautiful lawn in the spring and summer.
This month many of the summer weeds are beginning to finish up for the season, and winter weeds are beginning to emerge. This can be a two-fold problem. The summer weeds have created a supply of seed for next season, which will sit dormant until late spring or early summer. Simultaneously, the winter weeds are beginning to emerge to start their growing season.
Combating these issues now is a fairly simple task, but if not performed it will lead to larger problems in the future. Consider using a pre-emergent herbicide such as Dimension, Preen or Amaze in your lawn this season to prevent winter weeds from germinating. Pre-emergent herbicides are an excellent tool and controlling weeds in the lawn if used properly.
A key to understanding pre-emergent herbicides is to know how they work on the plant. This product inhibits seeds from germinating. This means, if you have existing weeds in your lawn now and apply the chemical now, it will have no effect on the weeds that are currently growing. Any weed seeds that have not yet germinated this season can be controlled with a pre-emergent herbicide.
Pre-emergent herbicides can be used in the lawn as well as the flower beds. An even been recommended use is to apply a pre-emergent herbicide in the cracks of your driveway and between slabs of concrete and foundation where pesky weeds tend to emerge.
Keep in mind when using this product, the purpose is to prevent seeds from germinating. Refrain from planting flower seeds directly into an area that was treated with a pre-emergent herbicide. The chemical will have the same effect on seed you want, such as cosmos and sunflowers, and the weed seeds you don't want.
Virginia buttonweed was a horrific pest in Southern lawns this year. You may see this weed yellowing and dying in your lawn this month as the growing season is coming to an end for Virginia buttonweed. What may seem like relief from this weed is really just the beginning for next season. There is such an abundance of seeds on this plant, you many consider hand pulling Virginia buttonweed in your lawn where it is possible. There are no pre-emergent herbicides which give reliable control of Virginia buttonweed. However, physical removal, along with chemical treatments of existing plants will offer and strong fight against the weed.