Weed Prevention

Weed prevention

It’s that time of year again….time to think about controlling weeds before they take hold of your lawn or garden. I’ve been so busy that I didn’t get my pre-emergence down as early as I like but late is better than never! If you live further north you still have time to apply your pre-emergent for the best control. Preventing weeds before they make an appearance is the best idea to control weeds. Let’s review the types of weed control.
Herbicides
Chemicals that prevent or kill existing weeds are known as herbicides. While all herbicides control weeds, the key is to know which one is most efficient for your weed problem. First it’s important to properly identify the weed you wish to do away with and understand its growth cycle. This will enable you to choose the proper herbicide product and correctly time its application to achieve best weed control.
Herbicide products can be classified several ways. One is by their activity - selective or non-selective. Generally most herbicides are selective, meaning they will only control specific weed species without damage to nearby grasses and ornamentals. When controlling weeds in lawns, it is also important to know your variety of turf grass, since their tolerance to herbicides does vary.
Non-selective herbicides will kill or damage all vegetation, so it is important to apply them precisely to avoid injuring desirable plants and grasses. These are commonly used in landscaping for lawn renovation and for controlling weeds and brush along highways.

Pre-emergence herbicides
Another classification for herbicides is based on the time they are applied in the weed's life cycle. Pre-emergence herbicides are most effective when applied a few weeks prior to the germination and emergence of weed seeds. They will not control established weeds. These herbicides create a weed control zone on the soil surface, preventing seeds from germinating. Because most pre-emergents have a long residual, they are not recommended for newly seeded turf grass. Annual weeds such as crabgrass, annual bluegrass and goose grass are normally controlled by pre-emergence herbicides.

Post-emergence herbicides
Post-emergence herbicides are applied after the weed is established and actively growing. While a some products work through soil application, most of post-emergents work on contact. They are absorbed through the surface of leaves and translocated throughout the plant. It is recommended that applications be made during a dry, eight-hour period, since rain can wash off the material and lessen control. Most broadleaf weeds are controlled by post-emergent herbicides.
Remember before you buy and apply any herbicide, carefully read the entire label for exact weed species controlled and places where it can be safely used. It is important to review precautionary information and restrictions, follow directions for use, and store and dispose of empty containers as indicated on the label. Unfortunately some people feel that is a little product is good, a lot will be even better. This is not true and can be very harmful to you, your lawn and the environment.
If you don’t want to use any chemicals you can always pull or hoe your weeds. When using this method remember to start early to stay ahead of the weeds!

Spotted Spurge

I’ve been battling an invasion of spotted spurge from a neighboring yard all summer. It started with just a small patch near our property line and another next to the street 2 years ago and I was able to control but this summer it went crazy! Must have loved our hot dry summer! If you have a similar problem with this weed here are some suggestions. Whatever you try you will probably have to retreat many times if you do not get to this weed early.

Spotted spurge weed can quickly invade a lawn of garden bed become a nuisance. Using proper spotted spurge control cannot only eliminate it from your yard but can also help prevent it from growing in your yard in the first place. Keep reading to learn how to get rid of spotted spurge.

Spotted spurge is a dark green plant with red stems that grows low to the ground in a mat like fashion. It will grow outwards from the center in a rough wagon wheel shape. The leaves will be oval shaped and has a red spot in their center (which is why this spurge is called spotted spurge). The flowers on the plant will be small and pink. The entire plant has a hairy appearance.Spotted spurge has a milky white sap that will irritate the skin if it comes in contact with it.


Killing spotted spurge is relatively easy. The hard part is keeping it from coming back. The tap root of this plant is very long and its seed are very hardy. This weed can and will grow back from either root pieces or seeds.
Because of the spotted spurge weed’s mat like nature, hand pulling is a good option for removing spotted spurge from the lawn or flower beds. Be sure to wear gloves due to the irritating sap. Make sure that you pull this weed before it has a chance to develop seeds, otherwise it will spread rapidly. After you have hand pulled the spotted spurge, watch for it to start growing again from the tap root. Pull it again as soon as possible. Eventually, the tap root will use up all of its stored energy trying to regrow and will die completely.

Heavily mulching with either newspaper or wood mulch is also an effective method of spotted spurge control. Cover ground with spotted spurge with several layers of newspaper or several inches of mulch. This will prevent the spotted spurge weed seeds not to germinate and will also smother any plants that have already started growing.

You can also use herbicides, but many herbicides will only work for spotted spurge control while the plants are young. Once they reach a mature size, they can resist many forms of weed killers. When using herbicides for killing spotted spurge, it is best to use them in late spring or early summer, which is when spotted spurge will first sprout.
One of the few herbicides that will work on mature spotted spurge is Roundup. But be careful, as Roundup will kill anything it comes in contact with. Even with this, the spotted spurge may still regrow from the roots so check frequently for regrowth and treat the plant as soon as possible if you see it.

Pre-emergent sprays or granules can also be used for spotted spurge control, but these will only be effective before the seeds have sprouted.
As a last resort, you can try solarizing the area where the spotted spurge has taken root. Solarization will kill the spotted spurge and its seeds, but will also kill anything else in the soil.