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The low-down on lawn weeds
Weeds in your lawn are usually the result of poor grass growth.
They invade lawns that are not thick enough to choke them out, so
the first step in keeping weeds out of your lawn is correct maintenance
of the grass. First, determine why your lawn hasn't been growing
well. Perhaps it needs a good feeding with some Your
local Southern States dealer can provide the soil
testing services you need to determine exactly what mix of fertilizers
your lawn needs. Your lawn may also need core
aeration if the soil has become too compacted.
When the growing conditions for your grass have been improved,
it's best to follow up with a broadleaf weed killer. The best time
to apply it is in early May because the weeds will be growing rapidly
then and will absorb it quickly. The next best time is in September.
Temperatures should be in the mid 70's. Do not apply weed killers
at temperatures higher than that. Make sure that you choose a weed
killer designed specifically for lawn weeds. Others may kill the
grass as well.
Apply granular weed killers or weed and feed fertilizers with a
spreader to wet grass and weeds. the granules must stick to the
leaves of the weeds in order to work properly. If you have recently
re-seeded your lawn, and you wish to apply a granular pre-emergent
weed killer in very early spring, make sure to choose one labeled
specifically for newly seeded lawns.
If you use a liquid weed killer, follow the directions exactly
when mixing it and apply only the amount specified with a sprayer.
It's also a good idea to have a set of measuring spoons which are
only used for weed killers and insecticides. Never use the same
measuring spoons that you use in the kitchen. Apply liquid weed
killers on calm days to avoid the spray blowing onto desirable plants.
Broadleaf weed killers cannot tell the difference between a dandelion
and your prize winning tomatoes.
Some pre-mixed weed killers contain the active ingredients Banvel
and Dicamba. While very effective on tough weeds, they are also
harmful to trees and shrubs with shallow root systems. Keep herbicides
with these ingredients away from trees and shrubs.
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