Fall is an essential time for taking care of your lawn, and controlling weeds during this season helps keep your yard green and healthy. This guide will walk you through the process of fall weed prevention and strategies for fall lawn weed control.
Why Fall is a Good Time to Control Lawn Weeds
Fall is often considered the best time to control weeds in the lawn and for good reason. As the summer heat gives way to cooler temperatures, the conditions become more favorable for weed control. Let's check out all the reasons why fall is the best time.
Weed Behavior
As fall arrives, many weeds store energy in their roots to endure winter, unintentionally making them more susceptible to treatments. The stored energy heightens their root sensitivity, allowing chemicals to more effectively reach and impact the plants.
Temperature and Moisture
Fall's cooler weather and increased moisture helps weed killers work better. Unlike the hot, dry summer months, fall provides a more moderate climate that helps herbicides adhere to the leaves and penetrate to the weed's roots.
Preparation for Spring
Controlling weeds in the fall helps reduce their numbers in the spring. By tackling them before winter, you can prevent them from spreading and taking over the lawn when the growing season begins again.
Efficiency
You usually need fewer chemicals to control weeds in the fall than in spring or summer, especially for broadleaf perennial weeds. Since weeds are more vulnerable, you can achieve better results with fewer applications.
Integration with Other Lawn Care Practices
Fall is also a time for other essential lawn care practices like overseeding, fertilizing, and aerating. Integrating weed control with these practices creates a comprehensive approach to lawn care, setting the stage for a lush, green lawn.
How to Control Fall Lawn Weeds
Fall weed control is more than just a seasonal chore; it's a strategic approach that can lead to a healthier and more beautiful lawn all year round. Let's look at how to control weeds in the fall, giving you a complete guide to keeping your lawn weed-free during this important season.
Identify Weeds
The first step in fall weed control is identifying the common weeds that thrive during this season.
Some of the most notable fall lawn weeds include:
Recognizing these weeds and their growth patterns will enable you to target them effectively.
Lawn Care
General lawn care, such as proper mowing, watering, raking, and aerating can significantly impact fall weed prevention. These non-chemical practices favor grasses over weeds and are vital for a holistic fall lawn weed control approach.
Choose the Right Fall Weed Control Product
Herbicides play a crucial role in weed control in the fall. Pre-emergent herbicides prevent weed seeds from germinating, while post-emergent herbicides target existing weeds.
Preen Lawn Weed Control is an ideal choice for controlling weeds in the fall. This product focuses solely on controlling lawn weeds and contains no fertilizer which eliminates the risk of harming any existing grass.
Looking to fertilize your lawn while controlling weeds? Opt for GreenView Fairway Formula Weed & Feed and Crabgrass Preventer. This product can be applied anytime weeds are actively growing and contains our patented slow-release nitrogen technology to feed your lawn for up to 12 weeks.
Apply Fall Lawn Weed Control Products
When applying herbicide be sure to follow the instructions on the product label for application timing and safety precautions. Fall herbicide applications should generally be done between August and November.
Overseed and Fertilize
Early fall is an ideal time for overseeding and fertilizing. Seeding fills in bare spots and introduces resilient grass, while fertilizing provides essential nutrients. These practices are integral to a comprehensive fall weed control strategy.
Conclusion
Taking care of weeds in the fall is essential to keeping your lawn looking great. By knowing what types of weeds you're dealing with and using the right tools and methods, you can control them effectively. Follow our step-by-step plan for fall weed control, and you'll be on your way to a beautiful and healthy lawn.