The cooler temperatures mark the end of another growing season. The heavy work of the summer is over but there are duties yet to be done. Perennials are preparing to go dormant, oaks are becoming heavy with acorns, and summer annuals are getting ready to set seed.
Here are the basics to a successful pre-emergent program:
—Timing. Most pre-emergence herbicides will not control weeds that have germinated prior to application. Therefore, try to apply these herbicides several weeks before germination. If they are applied too soon before germination, the herbicide may lose its effectiveness. For the fall a good rule of thumb is to apply a pre-emergent the third week of August to mid-September. Specific dates for applications of pre-emergence herbicides are difficult to give due to varying environmental conditions for each location and year.
—Turf preparation. To ensure the pre-emergence herbicide of getting into the soil where weed seed is located, remove excessive layers (thicker than 0.5 inch) of thatch, and also remove debris such as leaves and grass clipping before you apply the herbicide.
—Amount. Always read the label and apply the recommended amount on your lawn. Check the label to see that the herbicide is safe for use on your lawn.
—Coverage. Achieve a complete, uniform coverage by dividing the recommended amount of granular herbicide into two equal portions and spreading each in opposite directions. For adequate coverage, make spray applications at approximately three quarts per 1,000 feet.
—Activation. Water the pre-emergence herbicide area if 0.5 inch of rain does not occur within 24 to 48 hours following application. All pre-emergence herbicides are soil applied and must be “washed” into the soil where weed seeds are located.
—Second application. A second application may be required for season-long control. This will depend on the particular herbicide and environmental conditions, but pre-emergence herbicides generally remain effective for 60 to 110 days.
Come by and prepare your garden for fall today.