Weed Control for Home Lawns
Herbicide Application
When using herbicides accurate distribution is essential. If too little
herbicide is used, poor weed control will result, and if too much is applied,
desirable plants may be damaged
Granular Herbicides
The commonly used granular applicators are drop spreaders and centrifugal
spreaders that are carried or pushed. Many granular herbicides may also be hand
applied using a shaker can.
Apply granular herbicides in two directions to increase the chances of
uniform distribution. Determine the total amount of herbicide to be applied,
divide it into two equal portions, apply one-half in one direction and the other
half perpendicular to the first application.
Centrifugal spreaders cover a wider area faster with fewer missed areas than
drop spreaders. But a centrifugal spreader may not apply the herbicide evenly
across the swath. The outer edges of the pattern will probably receive less
herbicide.
An advantage of drop spreaders is that they are less likely to have their
distribution pattern disrupted by wind. Another advantage is avoiding
application of herbicides to walks and driveways. When using a drop spreader,
make the swaths meet without overlaps or skips. Skips will allow patches of
weeds to survive, and overlaps may injure desirable plants due to a double rate
of herbicide. An overlap of one wheel width is a good rule of thumb. Remember to
close the spreader when pulling out from under trees and shrubs to avoid double
applications. Operating the spreader across the long dimension of the lawn is
best.
Liquid Herbicides
Two of the most readily available devices for applying small amounts of
liquid herbicides are the hand sprayer and the hose end sprayer. To accurately
apply herbicides the size of the area must be determined. The most common unit
of area in lawn care is 1,000 square feet. Length times width gives you square
feet (for example: 20 ft X 50 ft = 1,000 sq. ft.).
Example: A home lawn contains 8,000 sq. ft. of turfgrass. The recommended
amount Fertilome Bermudagrass Weederâ is 2 ounces per 1,000 sq. ft. How much
Fertilome Bermudagrass Weeder® is needed to treat the lawn?
8,000 sq. ft. X 2 oz./1,000 sq ft = 16 oz (1 pint of Fertilome Bermudagrass
Weeder®).
Liquid formulations should be applied in at least one gallon of water per
1,000 sq. ft. Before mixing the herbicide, practice applying one gallon of water
to 1,000 sq. ft.
Back to Weed Control for Home Lawns
|
