Columns

LAWN CARE Weed control essential to maintain turfgrass

Many homeowners have given up on the battle to treat their lawns themselves, and many are still waging personal wars by wondering, ‘What am I doing wrong?’

Well to get ahead of the game, using a preventative pre-emergent herbicide in February is the way to go. This article provides several tips for using pre- and post-emergent products, along with fertilizers, to help achieve beautiful outcomes.

The most popular products out there that appear to have it all are weed-and-seed versions – the one-stop shop for lawn needs. I am often asked if using these products is the correct way to treat the lawn.

In central Alabama, there is not a large window of time when this product would be beneficial. But it could be used in May or early June when an extra application of fertilizer would not hurt. The application of the pre-emergent chemical in the product will help prevent weed seeds from germinating through the summer and into the fall.

The best and most effective control of weeds in the lawn may take a little more effort than the weed-andfeed products and could save money and time in the

long run by applying them separately. Pre-emergent weed killers should be selected based on the type of lawn grass homeowners have. These weed-control products are preventative, so they should be applied before the weeds are visible in the lawn, as they prevent the seeds of the weeds from germinating. These could be applied any time of year, except during green-up periods or to newly seeded or sprigged lawns.

February is a great month, as we will soon have spring-like temperatures and spring weeds will start to germinate. Do not re-seed a lawn for four to six months after a pre-emergent chemical is applied, and remember to always read and follow all label instructions when applying any chemicals. Don’t forget, a post-emergent herbicide is only going to kill a weed that has already begun to grow in the lawn.

Next, determine if grasses or broad

leaf weeds are the issue – or both? Grasses have parallel venation, and the broadleaf weeds have net venation; that is an easy way to understand the difference.

Fertilizers are generally applied twice throughout the year, first in early spring during green-up; and then, again in mid-summer. Fertilizer type and amounts should be based on soil test results, not guesswork, and any time is a good time to have a soil test. Soil tests will help determine the correct type of fertilizer and amounts needed for specific lawns. Also, if lime is needed to raise soil pH, it can be added at any time of year. A soil test will help with more accurate fertilizer application; provide grass with the exact nutrients it needs; and save money down the road.

For information on proper care of turfgrass, visit aces.edu and search for the type of grass you have.

mallory kelley

GARDEN TALK

Mallory Kelley is a Regional Extension Agent for Alabama Extension and covers central Alabama for home grounds, gardens and pests.