When it comes to weeds, prevention is key. It is better to prevent weeds, even if not all weeds, than having to kill weeds in the lawn later. A great way to prevent weeds is to put down a pre-emergent in early spring when soil temperatures have reached 50°F but are still below 60°F. However, some weeds will still break through the pre-emergent barrier but they will be much easier to manage through the use of a post-emergent.
Unlike a pre-emergent, a post-emergent is any herbicide used to kill weeds after they’ve grown. Examples of a post-emergents are Weed-B-Gon or Round-up For Lawns. You can use these to spot-spray weeds in your lawn in the spring or fall. Don’t spot-spray weeds during the summer heat as it will stress your lawn or possibly kill it.
Spot-Spray Is Better Than Weed & Feed
When it comes to weed and feed products, they may make it easier to kill existing weeds in your lawn, however, you will be spreading chemicals all over your lawn, even in areas that don’t need them. Application of a weed and feed product can also get messy since your lawn will need to be wet for the product to stick to the weeds (and everywhere else).
This is why in my opinion spot-spraying weeds is a better option, you only apply it where it’s needed – targeted application. It’s also a cheaper alternative.
Post-Emergent Spot-Spray Options
There are many options when it comes to post-emergent herbicides used to kill weeds. You can purchase ready to spray post-emergents, from different brands at any big box store. There are also concentrated versions that you can purchase and mix it yourself as needed. Either option is good although going with the concentrated post-emergent will last much longer since you use very little of it each time.
What you want to make sure when you pick a post-emergent is that it contains an ingredient called 2 4-D. This is the active ingredient that kills weeds and not your grass.
How To Spot-Spray Weeds
The post-emergent I use is the concentrated version of Weed-B-Gon. I follow the recommended mix rate of 2.5 FL OZ per gallon of water. Always read the label for mixing instructions and proper safety precautions. I also add 1 OZ of baby shampoo (not the anti-bacterial kind) to the mix. It helps the solution to more effectively stick to the weeds.
I use a pump-sprayer to spray the mix on weeds as needed. Walk up and down each lawn stripe and spray any weeds you see. Be sure to not over spray, or to not spray the same spot multiple times.
I usually spot-spray weeds once or twice per season. I hope you found this article helpful and if so, feel free to share!
