Winter Weed Treatment Strategies
Spring may be some time away, but lawns still face challenges from winter weeds. Here at American Lawnscape, we understand the importance of proactive weed control to maintain a lush, green lawn throughout the growing cycle.
In this blog series, we’ll discuss our approach to winter weed control (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weed_control) and how it sets your lawn up for success in the coming months.
Pre-Emergents
The use of weed pre-emergent products are critical to the success rate of any weed campaign . . . especially in winter. (See previous Blog Article on pre-emergents)
Planning ahead and keeping an eye on ground temperatures as they are cooling in the Fall gets you dialed into winter weed conditions. Earlier is always better than later but applying a pre-emergent right before you need it will result in the highest level of weed control success.
A misconception by many homeowners and professionals alike is that pre-emergent application is a one shot event. Not so. It’s true that some weeds germinate right away and rarely again in a cycle, but not all. Many of our weed pests go through many rounds of germination within a single season. Having a pre-emergent schedule that focuses on application every few months may save you a lot of post emergent weed spraying down the road.
Lawn Watering
You might be wondering what lawn watering has to do with weed control. If you are spraying herbicides on weeds (post-emergent) it may have little effect. If you are applying pre-emergents, it could have a great effect.
Pre-emergents (liquid or granual) need to be watered in to be effective. Prior to that, the ground needs to be supple enough for the chemical to be watered into it. Hard, compact ground cannot take on any product . . . especially pre-emergents.
For effectiveness, ensure that your lawn is hydrated long before you apply any prevention or your product may end up in the street.
Surfactants
To kill weeds in the winter, you’ll need herbicide additives that allow the product to stay on the plant but also heat the plant to allow for osmosis during colder temps.
Read the label data and ensure your surfactant choice is the correct one for your product and current weather conditions.
Right Product, Right Time
Here in Texas, we have 3 seasons of green grass but 4 seasons of weeds. Not all products treat all weeds and you’ll need to pick the correct product for the target weeds. You’ll also need to pick a product that is rated for your type of grass and the temperature range in which you’ll be treating.
Weed identification is critical. If you’re in Texas, there is no better resource than Texas A&M. Start your weed research here.
The Gospel on Product Usage
Nothing matters more than the label data provided by the herbicide manufacturer when it comes to specific product usage and application. This should be the only resource you trust.
Don’t let winter weeds steal the spotlight! Contact American Lawnscape today to learn more about our winter weed control program. Our experienced technicians will assess your lawn and recommend the most effective solution to keep those pesky winter weeds at bay.
Any Questions?
As always, please reach out with any questions pertaining to your yard. You can reply or call/text (214-308-1322). We appreciate getting to work with you and appreciate your partnership.
Throughout this Winter Weed Blog Series, we’ll drill down into weed prevention strategies as well as specific weeds that you will likely see during winter months.
Learn More Information
2024/25 Winter Weed Series (#2 of 8)
2024/25 Winter Weed Series (#1 of 8)
How do I manage my Sprinkler System during all of this rain?
Why it’s Important For Turf Health To Aerate Your Lawn
Understanding Watering is Critical to Your Lawn’s Health
What are Pre-emergent Products?