Your lawn is terrific; it’s thick with green foliage that draws everyone’s attention and makes them want to take a nap on it. Despite all of your efforts to keep it healthy and lovely, you begin to notice weeds developing.
A weed invasion on a gorgeous lawn is as infuriating and unpleasant as the Ukraine crisis.
A Weedkiller is the only way to keep weeds at bay on your new, gorgeous lawn. However, correctly applying weed killer to a lawn is a difficult task. You must exercise extreme caution so as not to destroy your beautiful grass.
There are numerous dos and don’ts when it comes to weed killer applications. Fortunately, this article will explain how to apply weed killer on lawn.
Contents
- Identify the Weed Before Attacking
- Understand the Type of Weed Killer
- When to Apply Weed Killer
- How to Apply Weed Killer on Lawn
- 1. Your safety
- 2. Pick a suitable method
- FAQS About How to Apply Weed Killer on Lawn
- Should I apply weed killer before or after mowing
- Can you spray weed killer on grass?
- Should you use weed killer before it rains
- Author
Identify the Weed Before Attacking
Even before finding the ideal weed killer, the first step is to identify the type of weed that has infested your yard.
Based on their botanical characteristics, weeds are classified into three groups: broadleaves such as dandelions, grassy such as crabgrass, and grass-like like wild onions.
Additionally, you should understand how the weed spreads; some use flowers, and others spread via roots.
To achieve a great outcome, you must first recognize the type of weed on your lawn, as different types of weeds require various forms of treatment. When broadleaf weeds sprout on your lawn, they are unmistakable.
They are also available in three varieties: annual, biennial, and perennial. They also function admirably in soil deficient with critical nutrients.
The tricky part happens when you have a grassy weed invasion on your lawn and a grass-like weed invasion; they both have the appearance of grass.
You’ll have to look closely to notice the difference; for example, grass-like weeds have more tube-like and triangular leaves. While grassy weeds, such as Foxtail, develop one at a time.
Understand the Type of Weed Killer
Now that you know what kind of weed you’re dealing with let’s find you the best weed killer. Herbicides are classified as either pre-emergent or post-emergent. You must understand them to get a beneficial outcome.
Pre-emergent herbicides are effective against weeds such as crabgrass because they create a chemical barrier that prevents plants from sprouting. It will not, however, destroy established plants.
To get a good outcome when using a pre-emergent weed killer, make sure the weed killer is on the lawn before the weeds begin to sprout. Pre-emergent weed killer is effective in controlling annual weeds.
For example, to prevent annual summer weeds, you will need to apply a pre-emergent weed killer in early spring.
However, if you discover weeds on your lawn, apply a post-emergent weed killer rather than a pre-emergent weed killer. The post-emergent weed killer works well on active emerging weeds.
The pesky dandelions won’t stand a chance against the selective post-emergent.
When to Apply Weed Killer
When it comes to weed killer, timing is essential. Weed killers’ effects are highly influenced by the seasons. In the early spring, look for weeds on your lawn because this is the optimum time to apply post-emergent weed killer.
This is because the weed killer works best in warm, moist weather. You don’t want to use the weed killer if it’s raining heavily. It will be washed away, rendering it ineffective.
You should also avoid using weed killer on a drought-stressed lawn, especially post-emergent weed killer since this will result in a dead lawn.
Also read: Different types of sticker weeds
How to Apply Weed Killer on Lawn
1. Your safety
The Weed-killer should be used with extreme caution. They are dangerous to humans and pets, so make sure your children and pets are safe and away from the weed killer before using it.
The next critical step is to ensure that you are adequately shielded from the chemical.
You should have safety eyewear, gloves, footwear, and overall protection if you have a large lawn. Then you can read the manufacturer’s instructions.
Remember that adhering to the manufacturer’s instructions will determine the life or death of your grass.
2. Pick a suitable method
You can apply your weed killer in various ways; choose one that is comfortable for you. For example, when using a liquid weed killer, you can use a spray applicator.
A spray applicator is convenient and cost-effective; however, you should be cautious when spraying, especially on a windy day.
To avoid the weed killer drifting to your healthy plant, you must spray precisely or place the spray applicator closer to the ground. Using a spray applicator makes the job easier, but I wouldn’t use it on a windy day, particularly if the weed killer is non-selective.
You can also utilize a wick applicator; it is commonly used to administer a non-selective weed killer. It entails using a wick dipped in herbicide and carefully rubbed over the weed.
The procedure is cost-effective yet labor-intensive, and it is not ideal for an expansive lawn.
Also read: What herbicide kills all weeds but not Bermuda?
Another option is to utilize a pusher spreader. When applying granular weed killer, this is the best tool to use. It is speedier, but not many weed killers are available in the form of granules.
FAQS About How to Apply Weed Killer on Lawn
Should I apply weed killer before or after mowing
Applying a weed killer soon after mowing exposes your grass to the chemicals. So, never spray weed killer immediately after mowing; instead, wait 2 or 3 days.
Can you spray weed killer on grass?
This is determined by the sort of weed killer you use. A weed killer that is not selective can be harmful to your lawn. As a result, make sure you know what kind of weed killer you wish to use.
Should you use weed killer before it rains
Avoid spraying weed killer before it rains, as the rain reduces the absorption and action of the chemicals on the weeds.
Also read: Ways to eliminate dead weeds after spraying
You’ve noticed that no matter how hard you try to get rid of the weeds on your lawn, they keep coming back like the undead. Perhaps it has something to do with how you apply your weed killer. Understanding how to apply weed killer on a lawn is critical.
Fortunately, this article has covered everything you need to know about weed killer and how to use it. To stop the invasion, you will need every skill you can muster.