Applying Weed Killers in Your Lawn's Optimal Time Frame

Applying Weed Killer Optimally in Your Lawn's Context

Noticeing unwanted intruder plants in your lawn? You might opt for hand-pulling some weeds, a safe and effective method. Alternatively, you could straight-up use a weed killer to eradicate these unwanted guests. Weed killers, also known as herbicides, are chemical-based products that can negatively impact not just your lawn, but also wildlife and the environment. When considering the use of herbicides, there are several factors to consider, such as the optimal season for application.

We spoke to two lawn experts about the ideal time to apply weed killers, alternative methods, and the importance of implementing proper lawn maintenance practices, such as appropriate mowing and watering, to avoid weed germination.

Teresa Watkins is the host of the syndicated garden radio show, Better Lawns and Gardens, on WFLA-Orlando, and the owner of Sustainable Horticultural Environments, a landscape design firm.
John Cannon is the Franchise Owner of NaturaLawn of America in Charlotte, North Carolina.

When to Apply Weed Killers

Applying weed killers should be done during a specific season, with the type of weed (annual or perennial) serving as a guide for when to take action. "Identifying the weed will help determine the timing of weed removal before flowering and seed production," advises Teresa Watkins, the host of the syndicated garden radio show Better Lawns and Gardens, on WFLA-Orlando, and owner of Sustainable Horticultural Environments.

For perennial weeds, it's best to apply a weed killer when the weather begins to cool down after the summer's intensity. "If you are going to use a control product, whether organic or chemical-based, fall is the best time of year to control perennial weeds," says John Cannon, NaturaLawn of America's Franchise Owner in Charlotte, North Carolina. The effectiveness of the application is due to how plants take in nutrients at this time of year. "In the fall, plants that are going dormant are pulling nutrients into their root system rather than pushing them out to the leaves so any control products will be pulled into the root zone faster during this time of year," explains Cannon.

On the other hand, if you have annual weeds, the best time to control them is during the spring.

Rethinking Weed Killers

Herbicides are typically made of toxic chemicals that can negatively impact humans, animals, insects, and the environment. Common herbicides include glyphosate-based products, like Round-Up, and products containing 2,4-D, which have been linked to cancer in dogs and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in children.

Not only do they contain harmful chemicals, but herbicides also require frequent application rather than being a one-time solution. "These chemical-based controls will never be a long-term solution for a weed problem, and they create other environmental issues by contaminating our groundwater, lakes, and streams," says Cannon.

Once you start using herbicides, it becomes a never-ending cycle of purchasing products and applying them to your lawn, especially when weeds can be managed in a more sustainable and cost-effective manner. Chemical weed controls can also lose their effectiveness over time, leading to more problems and the need for additional measures.

Chemicals leach into the soil, affecting the growth and health of your lawn and garden. "Soil has microorganisms and fungi that help plants grow and thrive, but using herbicides has the opposite effect," says Cannon. "Pesticides can also be damaging to the beneficial organisms in the soil, which is referred to as 'the good guy organisms that naturally help reduce other unwanted problems like turf disease,'" he explains.

Overuse or misuse of any chemical product can lead to more problems in your landscape. According to Watkins, "The overuse or misuse of any chemical product will lead to more problems in the landscape."

Before opting for a chemical weed killer, consider alternative methods that are less damaging to the environment, garden, lawn, and your wallet. A better approach is to dedicate time to managing your lawn and preventing weeds from germinating in the first place.

Preventing Weeds Through Proper Lawn Maintenance

The best way to prevent weeds is by maintaining the lawn so weeds cannot establish themselves. "Understanding how to prevent weeds with proper maintenance is more efficient than trying to get rid of weeds with chemicals," says Watkins. "If the lawn is managed correctly, there is less chance of weeds getting established."

Preventative measures save money on unnecessary products and the time and effort required to apply them. "If your goal is to control weeds by spraying pesticides, you will be doing so for the rest of your life," says Cannon. Nurture a lawn that makes it difficult for weeds to compete for resources to minimize their sprouting. Weeds are simply a plant out of place that need the same resources— sunlight, water, soil, and airflow — to grow.

"To truly defeat weeds, you need to choke them out with a dense, healthy lawn, which can be fostered through proper watering and mowing practices," explains Cannon. "Weed control is all about competition, and a properly cared-for lawn will make it much harder for these pesky weeds to take hold," he says.

The kind of turf determines the ideal length to slice during lawn mowing to prevent harm and make the grass more resilient. Excessive or insufficient trimming can weaken the grass, making it vulnerable. Two straightforward methods to achieve a well-mown lawn, as suggested by Cannon, are understanding the turf's type and length requirements and using a sharp mower blade to avoid rips or tears, which function as wounds on the plant. Incorrectly cut leaf blades weaken the lawn.

H2 Watering

Excessive watering can corrupt the root system and promote weed growth. Certain weeds, such as annual ones, thrive in lush conditions and can stunt turf growth. As stated by Cannon, "Many annual weeds have very shallow root systems, so frequent or shallow watering not only keeps the moisture where the weed roots are but also promotes a shallow root system for your turf grass." Turf with shallow roots is vulnerable in hot weather, potentially leading to its deterioration. "If you have a shallow root system, the lawn will start to die out from drought stress even if you water daily," he says. This becomes a more significant issue, specifically in the south during summer.

Establishing the lawn's water needs and appropriate watering frequency minimizes the creation of a perfect habitat for weeds to flourish in the grass. "Watering correctly will ensure a deep root system that helps maintain the turf," says Watkins.

H2 Check for Weeds

Preventive measures are essential. Early detection is the most efficient strategy to eliminate unnecessary plants lurking in the grass. Regularly inspect the lawn for potential intruders. "Walking your yard on a weekly basis will help spot the weeds before they take over and a stronger herbicide is necessary," says Watkins. Mowing weeds can restrict their growth. "If you do have weeds growing, mow them before they develop flowers and go to seed and spread," she adds.

H2 Tips for Applying Weed Killers

If you choose to utilize a weed killer, follow these recommendations and guidelines.

H3 Avoid Windy Days

Select a calm day to apply the weed killer to minimize chemical drift onto other plants, pets, and people. "Avoid applying herbicides on windy days to minimize drift onto other plants, pets, or people," says Cannon.

H3 Read the Label

Whether you opt for a chemical-based herbicide or a non-toxic alternative, carefully read the label to understand the proper application process and how to protect yourself. "That label will list all safety precautions along with PPE (personal protective equipment) that needs to be worn when working with the product," says Cannon. These potent substances can have negative consequences if not handled correctly. "Not following the labeled instructions can cause long-term serious illnesses or even death to humans and animals along with long-lasting environmental damage," says Cannon.

Teresa Watkins, the host of 'Better Lawns and Gardens' on Southern Living's WFLA-Orlando, emphasizes the importance of identifying weed types for effective weed removal, recommending a preemptive approach before flowering and seed production.
John Cannon from NaturaLawn of America in Charlotte, North Carolina, suggests that fall is the optimal time for applying weed killers on perennial weeds due to plants drawing nutrients into their root system, making the control products more easily absorbed.
To avoid over-reliance on chemical weed killers and their environmental impact, John Cannon encourages the implementation of gardening ideas like proper lawn care, focusing on appropriate mowing and watering, to hinder weed germination and promote a healthy, competitive lawn.