Fall Lawn Care

          Remember all those beautiful yellow dandelions in your yard last spring? You sprayed them and mowed them, and just made them mad, so they grew better?

Right now is a perfect time to apply a broadleaf herbicide to your lawn. As perennial weeds prepare for winter they may not be noticeable because they are not actively blooming but they are there hiding in the grass, while they absorb the sun’s energy and store it in their roots.

          The very light frosts which we have had have just been a signal for these weeds to get ready for winter. As part of that process, they are moving energy into their root systems. Herbicide applications at this time are absorbed into the plant and move into the root system instead of just burning off the tops which is what happens in the spring.

          Look for lawn weed sprays at your local hardware stores or garden centers. Carefully look at the ingredient portion of the labels for products containing at least two, preferably three active ingredients, Most effective lawn weed killers will contain a mix of 2,4-D, dicamba, and another herbicide. These mixes may be referred to as Trimec, Super Timec, or Trimec Plus.

          Always read and follow label directions carefully. Triple rinse empty containers pouring the rinsate into your sprayer. The empty triple rinsed containers can safely and legally be disposed of in your normal garbage pickup going to a landfill. Your labels will also provide information about required safety equipment and clothing. Most lawn herbicides will require long sleeved shirt, long pants, and closed-toed shoes. Do not wear leather shoes or boots. If leather is contaminated it cannot be cleaned completely and your feet will absorb chemicals every time you wear the contaminated footwear. Disposable nitrile gloves are a good idea every time you handle any weed killer.