Lawn Care/Basics for Homeowners-Lawn Care/Weed Identification and Control/Weed Control/Controlling Broadleaf Weeds

Yellow dandelion flowers are often welcomed by children as harbingers of spring. To turf managers, however, actively growing dandelions and other broadleaf weeds signal the need for control.

Weed invasions can be minimized through proper turfgrass management. Consider use, site, and budget when selecting an appropriate turfgrass for your conditions. Follow correct selection by appropriate mowing, watering, fertilizing, and cultivating which can lead to a dense, healthy turf. Reduced weed populations result because weeds have difficulty becoming established in healthy, competitive turf.

In areas where broadleaf weeds are already a problem, initiate controls. Mechanical removal of weeds by hand pulling or hoeing can eliminate small numbers of weeds easily. Be sure to remove as much of the root system as possible to reduce regrowth of perennials.

Postemergence herbicides can also provide effective control during active weed growth. Individual herbicides, or combinations of these herbicides, are available. Be sure to read, understand, and follow the label directions for proper use of these chemicals. If mishandles or misapplied, these herbicides may damage or kill many desirable ornamental or edible plants in the landscape. Follow the general recommendations listed below when using postemergence broadleaf products.

1. Apply these herbicides when environmental conditions are appropriate for control
1. Watch wind speeds to avoid drift.
   Often, early mornings are more still than later in the day.
2. Apply these herbicides when air temperatures are between 65 °F and 85 °F.
3. Adequate soil moisture is important to maintain weed growth.
   These systemic herbicides produce best weed control when translocated throughout the entire weed.
4. Do not apply when precipitation is expected within 24 hours.
2. Do not mow for a few days prior to application or following application.
   This allows maximum leaf surface for interception and absorption of the herbicides.
3. When possible, to reduce unnecessary pesticide use, make spot applications rather than treating large areas.
4. Apply these herbicides to new turfgrass seedlings only after they have been mowed four times. Wait at least 30 days following application before seeding into areas treated with postemergence broadleaf herbicides.
5. Autumn applications provide excellent control of many perennial and winter annual broadleaf weeds.

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Lawn Care/Basics for Homeowners-Lawn Care/Weed Identification and Control/Weed Control