Now is a good time for lawn weed control

By Nathan Winter, University of Minnesota Extension

Many homeowners start forgetting about their lawn this time of year. This is the ideal time for using post-emergence chemical applications for weed control.

According to the University of Minnesota Extension, post-emergence herbicides may be applied any time the weeds are actively growing, the air temperature is 60 to 80 degrees, there are no winds, and there is no rain in the forecast for 48 hours. Most effective control of perennial broadleaf weeds is obtained when applied in early fall (Aug. 15 to Oct. 15) or in spring (May 1 to June 1). For some weeds, repeated application at 20 to 30 day intervals may be required for control.

For dandelions, use 2, 4-D or a combination of 2, 4-D, MCPP (Mecoprop), and dicamba can also be utilized. The ideal timing for applying these products for dandelion control is September. If your weed control approach is to control dandelions in the spring, apply chemical after they have finished blooming in May. The non-chemical option is to manually dig out the plants. A weeding fork or dandelion digger may be a couple of options for that task. Get as much of the dandelion root as you can so the dandelion does not start growing again.

For creeping charlie, use a combination of 2, 4-D and MCPP or a combination of 2, 4-D, MCPP, and dicamba. The ideal timing for applying these products to creeping charlie is in September or autumn. once temperatures have cooled to the 60s and 70s. If your weed control approach is to control creeping charlie in the spring, apply chemical while the temperature remains cool and the plant is actively growing in the beginning to middle of May. The non-chemical approaches are to pull the plant out or utilize a de-thatching rake. It may be necessary to start over with the lawn if the creeping charlie gets out of control.

Most other broadleaf weeds can be controlled by herbicide applications of 2, 4-D and/or a combination of 2,4-D, MCPP, and dicamba. It is always a good idea to know what you are spraying to be sure that the herbicide will control the desired pest. The herbicide label should list the weeds it will control. Another herbicide option is to utilize a non-selective herbicide like glyphosate. Use of these types of products should only be used when spot spraying targeted weed pests. Drift on to lawns and ornamental plants will injure or kill the desired plants as well as the targeted weed pests.

A healthy lawn is very important to limit the competition of lawn weeds. Work on improving the lawn while trying to slow down and eliminate weed competition. Try to seed grass into bare areas of the lawn, fertilize and aerate your lawn this fall to help it compete against the weeds. When using chemicals, read and follow all of the directions for using the specific product.

For more information, call the Extension Office in McLeod County at (320) 587-0770 or Meeker County at (320) 693-5275.

(Nathan Winter is an agricultural educator for McLeod and Meeker counties with the University of Minnesota Extension.)