Do you feel like you spent summer waging a war on lawn weeds, but lost the battle? Good news! Fall is the right time to prevent weeds from taking over in spring and summer, especially the more invasive ones. Getting ahead of the weed war in fall saves you time, money, and a lot of frustration come springtime.

Why Is Fall the Best Time to Prevent Weeds?

Perennial weeds are still active in early fall and are hard at work absorbing the energy needed to get through the long winter. Nutrients are absorbed into the plant leaves, then travel down the stem and to the root systems. It is because of this process that these pesky plants are most vulnerable this time of year. Just like the nutrients, any applied weed killer will easily reach the roots, thus eliminating the entire weed so it won’t come back to haunt you in the spring.

Understanding Weed Control Terminology

The timing is right, so what’s next? A weed or two is easy to pull by hand, but targeting an invasion or a larger area may require a chemical application. And it helps to know the terminology when finding the right product for the job.

Herbicide. A toxic chemical substance that kills or prevents weeds from growing. Herbicides are classified in two categories: selective and non-selective. These chemicals have three characteristics: persistence, or how long the herbicide is effective; mechanism of action, or how it accomplishes the task; and method of uptake, or how the plant absorbs it.

Sometimes called total weed killers, non-selective herbicides kill on contact any plant they touch. Therefore, use them carefully and only for spot treating. This type of herbicide is often used to clear the ground for the construction of commercial properties.

Selective herbicides are designed to kill a particular weed. For example, a selective herbicide may only target broadleaf weeds.

Pre-emergent herbicides are a preventative measure. They are applied to the lawn in spring and fall to stop seeds from germinating.

Use post-emergent herbicides on already existing weeds. They are best applied in the fall while the weed is still actively growing and in the process of storing nutrients for winter. This product usually kills the entire plant on contact.

Call the Experts

As with all chemicals, be sure to follow the directions on the label carefully and always wear protective clothing and gear. Consult an expert if you have any questions. A thorough, year-round maintenance program is required to prevent weeds. If you are short on time or patience, we can help. Contact Free Spray Lawn Care today at 419-529-5296.