Maintaining a nice looking yard and garden can take lots of work. However, there are those times you wish to pull your hair out when you spot you are under attack from weeds.
You can pull some out to see them reemerge as if by magic. It is a struggle, and you may have the temptation to head off and purchase some weed killer.
However, even this isn’t as simple because certain weed killers deal with specific weeds. Besides, you can apply weed killer only to find you have killed your lawn, or your weed control efforts haven’t worked.
Here you can learn all you may need to know about what will work best and how to make sure you use the best weed killer to kill weeds. (Read How Long Does Weed Killer Last)
Are Weed Killers Safe?
When you apply weed killer in the way, it is intended, and you care for the bottle when not in use. Then, generally speaking, a weed killer is safe.
However, no matter which weed killers you purchase, you need to read the label. There are clear warnings and directions for correct use. One of the foremost being keep children and pets away. Also, they may mention wearing protective gear.
Roundup is one of the most popular weeds spray you can get, and used by homes and farmers. The main ingredient is Glyphosate. Roundup is a non-selective herbicide that kills anything it touches; hence, be careful on your grass.
While this Glyphosate is safe for humans, there can be many other chemicals in a weed killer spray you don’t know. Some studies show links between some weed killers and illnesses. So, it is wise to check what is on your bottle.
Weed Killer That is Safe
If you are wary of using commercial products, you can make your own effective weed killers.
One of the most effective spray for weed killer is:
- Take 1-gallon of white vinegar
- Add 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap
- Add 1 cup of salt (only add salt if you don’t wish to grow anything in that particular area. salt changes the chemical composition in the soil)
Spray on the weeds and roots on a sunny day. The dish soap helps the liquid stick to the leaves at the solution dries them up.
Like with any weed killer, use gloves and protect your eyes. Also, this can kill anything you spray it. (Read Spraying Vinegar on Weeds)
Weed Killer When to Spray?
Before you spray weed killers, there are things you need to know to get the best effect. This is the same with commercial or a homemade spray for weeds.
You can find some weed killers don’t harm grass while they kill the weeds. The reason they do this is weed killers stop protein production, or they attack the roots from forming.
Also, you will see that herbicides are not as harmful to humans as pesticides.
The Difference Between Pre-Emergence and Post-Emergence Herbicides
Pre-Emergence Herbicides
Use these on established lawns in an attempt to disrupt the life cycle of the (summer) weeds. Benefin and Dithiopyr are the main compounds.
You use these before weeds can germinate, such as early spring, and follow this up with a second does 8-weeks after the first spraying.
Post-Emergence Herbicides
Glyphosate is used and becomes absorbed by the plant tissues. You find this weed control works best to kill weeds, which are still young.
Seasonal Application of Weed killers
- Spring – Spring is the best season when to apply weed killer as it is warm, and there is a chance to use your pre-emergent where you can stop weed seeds germinating.
- Summer – Spraying here has to be at the tail end of the summer. By doing this, you can minimize the problem come the following spring. Use herbicides that kill pest grasses and apply in the late morning or early afternoon to stop evaporation.
- Fall – Weeds are most vulnerable at this time of year, and they won’t survive the winter. October is the best month, and you apply two treatments separated by two weeks.
- Winter – You can apply in the winter if the temperature rises, although they can lose their impact in freezing conditions.
Roundup When to Spray
It’s not just Roundup, which needs consideration when spraying weed killer. Most weed killers will need applications at certain times of the day. One thing often an oversight is how local climate affects the best time to spray weeds.
Warm Climates
When you look to spray your weeds, this will be either any time later in the morning or afternoon.
The temperatures won’t rise above the mid-’80s, and the temperatures at night will be around 60 to low 70’s.
Cold Climates
If you live in these sorts of climate, it isn’t the right time to spray if there is dew on the grass and weeds because it will weaken the solution. Nighttime cold weakens the impact, so you can only spray weeds if there is no snow or frost around mid-day when the sun is highest.
Temperate Climates
In these areas, your plants are least active from early evening until the following morning. It is here where the best times are toward the late morning or the early afternoons, and avoiding the hottest parts of the day. (Find the Best Liquid Fertilizer for Grass)
Is Weed Killer Safe
One thing not mentioned here is if you suffer from broadleaf weeds such as dandelions in your lawn.
In these instances, you may need a granular weed killer to spread on your lawn. Just be sure not to use Glyphosate-based and keep it away from your plants.
- Using a broadleaf killer, you can use these following steps rather than spraying weeds in your lawn.
- Apply to grass in the morning when there is dew on your grass
- Make sure there is no rain predicted for the next 24-hours
- Apply when the weeds are in active growth
- Apply granular weed and feed weed killer lawn treatment when the wind is calm as it stops it blowing on your plants
- Apply when the temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit
Here you have all the options of spraying for weeds or using the granulated option. Spray weed killers can be the easiest solution, yet they may not offer the best results for grass.
Your lawn will be very different from other areas of your yard. Your lawn will require a treatment that will kill weeds, yet it won’t harm your lawn or nearby plants.
Read more: How to Get Rid of Chickweed
