Labor Day and Winter Weed Control (08-27-12)

Now is the time to begin doing something about preventing winter annual weeds that show up as young seedlings in the fall and become quite unsightly by mid-winter through spring.  A pre-emergence herbicide applied before these weeds germinate is the most efficient and effective way of control.  Pre-emergence herbicides have little to no effect on weeds that have already germinated so it is important to get the herbicide out soon (late August north to mid-September along the coast).  Labor Day is a good timely target date, a holiday to associate with and for those with busy work weeks a long weekend for getting this chore accomplished.  A minimum of one-half inch of water either from rain or irrigation should follow shortly after the herbicide application to ensure that the herbicide is activated and moves into the surface soil to form a uniform weed control barrier. Pre-emergence herbicides are formulated as liquids, wettable powders or water dispersible granules that are applied in sprayable form, and also as dry granules or coated on fertilizers.  Choose a formulation that is best suited for you and ALWAYS READ THE LABEL for specific application instructions, weeds controlled, and safety precautions. Uniformity in coverage and accurate calibration are essential for weed control success and avoiding turf injury. Extension publications Weed Control Guidelines for Mississippi and Establish and Manage Your Home Lawn provide information to help select the appropriate herbicides for specific weeds.  These publications can be obtained from your local extension office or downloaded from this website

Published 08/27/12

Dr. Wayne Wells is an Extension Professor and Turfgrass Specialist. His mailing address is Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Mail Stop 9555, Mississippi State, MS 39762. wwells@ext.msstate.edu