A beautiful, lush lawn is the pride and joy of many homeowners. But unsightly weeds can quickly invade and take over, ruining the aesthetic and function of your yard. Getting rid of these tenacious intruders can feel like a losing battle. Thankfully, using the right weed killer makes eliminating weeds pretty easy.
When shopping for lawn weed killers, you’re sure to meet with what might feel like an endless array of options. There are pre-emergents, post-emergents, selective and non-selective herbicides… enough to make one’s head spin! Before you grab the first bottle you see, let’s break down the key things you should consider when choosing a weed killer for lawns.
Identify the Weeds
Being able to accurately identify the intruders in your lawn will make selecting the right weed killer a cinch. Common lawn weeds like dandelions, crabgrass, and clover can easily be identified through guides online or mobile apps like Picture This. Write down or take pictures of the weeds in your yard so you have a handy cheat sheet when shopping.
Warm vs. Cool Season Grass
Determining whether you have warm-season lawn grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia or cool-season grasses like fescue and rye is key. The herbicide formula needs to be tailored to your specific grass type so that it eliminates weeds without damaging your lawn. Weed killers made for warm-season varieties won’t work as effectively on cool-season grasses. Read labels to ensure the product is safe for your turf.
Pre-Emergent vs. Post-Emergent Weed Killers
Pre-emergent herbicides create a barrier to prevent weed seeds from sprouting and growing. These are ideal for early spring application before seeds germinate. Post-emergent weed killers target weeds that have already emerged from the soil and are actively growing. Post-emergents can be used anytime weeds are visible. Determine whether you want to prevent future weeds or kill existing ones.
Selective vs. Non-Selective
Selective herbicides target specific plants and weeds while leaving surrounding grass unharmed. Non-selective weed killers are indiscriminate, damaging any plant they touch. Selective weed killers are definitely ideal because they eliminate weeds without damaging your beloved lawn. Well-known brands like Tenacity and Celsius are all selective.
Liquid, Granules, or Concentrates
Weed killers mostly come in ready-to-use liquids, easy-to-apply granules or concentrated formulas that require dilution. Liquids offer precise spot-treatment of individual weeds. Granules are perfect for broadcasting evenly across your entire lawn. Concentrates allow flexibility on the dilution rate but require mixing. Consider which type of application will suit your needs.
Get The Right Weed Killer for Lawns
With this knowledge at the back of your mind, you’re certainly equipped to select the ideal weed killer for lawns. Don’t let pesky weeds steal the show. Getting a lush, well-manicured lawn is a matter of selecting the right weed-killing product.
