Fall is good time for lawn weed control

Fall is the ideal time for lawn work. Here are somequestions about applying herbicides with answers from horticulturists at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Q: When is the best time to apply a broadleaf herbicide to the lawn?

Fall (late September to early November) is the best time to apply broadleaf herbicides in Iowa and Illinois. In fall, perennial broadleaf weeds are transporting food (carbohydrates) from their foliage to their roots in preparation for winter.

Broadleaf herbicides applied in fall will be absorbed by the broadleaf weeds foliage and transported to the roots along with the carbohydrates, resulting in the destruction of the broadleaf weeds. Spring applications are generally less effective than fall applications.

Q: Which herbicides are effective in controlling broadleaf weeds?

A: Effective broadleaf herbicides include 2,4-D, MCPP, dicamba, triclopyr and others. The most effective broadleaf herbicide products contain a mixture of two or three herbicides, as no single compound controls all broadleaf weeds.

Q: What is the proper way to apply broadleaf herbicides to the lawn?

A: Broadleaf herbicides can be applied as liquids or granules. Before applying any herbicide, carefully read and follow label directions.

When applying liquid formulations, apply just enough material to wet the leaf surfaces. If only a few areas in the lawn have broadleaf weed problems, spot treat these areas rather than spraying the entire lawn.

Liquid formulations have the potential to drift. Spray drift problems can be avoided by following simple precautions. Dont spray when winds exceed 5 mph. Also, dont spray when temperatures are forecast to exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit within 24 hours of the application.

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Fall is good time for lawn weed control