Weeds are a frustrating reality of owning a lawn. You may feel like you’re doing everything right to take care of the grass, and they’ll arise anyways. Not to mention, weeds seem to multiply faster than you can control them. If it’s any consolation, you’re not the only one– homeowners across North Texas are also dealing with lawn weed control.
The good news is you can manage common lawn weeds in Texas. Controlling them starts by properly identifying the weeds so that the right treatments can be applied to the lawn at the right time. Without proper weed identification, any weed control effort is just a guessing game. So, keep reading as we dive into the different types of weed control available to help manage the most common types of lawn weeds in North Texas.
Pre-emergent Weed Control
Pre-emergent weed control is applied as a liquid spray or spread applied across the lawn as a granular formulation. This weed control addresses weeds after germination but before they emerge above the surface. The purpose of pre-emergent weed control is to reduce the likelihood of weeds from growing in the lawn. In North Texas, pre-emergent weed control products are generally applied in late fall, later winter, and early spring.
Post-emergent Weed Control
Post-emergent weed control is applied to weeds that have already appeared on the lawn. There are various types of post-emergent weed control products used to address specific weeds, which is why proper weed identification is crucial for getting the desired results.
Liquid Weed Control
Liquid weed control is applied as a spray on to the lawn. This weed control tends to cover weed leaves more uniformly and requires that you avoid watering your property for several hours so that the application can dry on the weed and do its work. It also suggests not mowing for up to 24 hours after weed application so that the weed control can work its way through the plant’s system and get to the source of the problem before it’s cut off.
Granular Weed Control
Granular weed control is a dry applicant that is applied by using a spreader. It’s effective once it seeps down into the soil and watered in either by rain or running an irrigation system. Granular weed control may be mixed with other kinds of lawn care products like fertilizer. It’s a broadcast application and is generally meant for pre-emergent applications.
Selective Weed Control
Selective weed control is designed to target weeds without damaging surrounding grass. Specific treatments are chosen depending on which type of weed is taking over your lawn. For example, some products will kill broadleaf weeds, like dandelions, and won’t kill your beautiful turfgrass in the process.
Non-selective Weed Control
As the name implies, non-selective weed treatments impact any plants they encounter, including grass. This weed control can be helpful for killing weeds among fence lines or small crevices. Special care must be taken to prevent these products from touching other plants and grass that you want to keep alive.
Application Quick Tips
Once you’ve purchased the correct weed control for your lawn, follow these tips to help ensure a safe and effective application process:
- Read all labels and follow directions carefully.
- Spray when there’s no wind to prevent herbicide drifting from affecting other plants.
- Wear protective clothing, including gloves and eyewear.
- Don’t mow immediately before or after applications.
- Keep pets and children indoors until it dries.
- Cover young plants to protect them from applications, as they may not be mature enough to handle even selective weed controls.
And of course, if it all seems like more than you’re willing to do or if it feels out of your comfort zone, be sure to check in with a certified landscape specialist near you to handle all of your yards weed control and fertilization needs.