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If you see weeds pop up in your otherwise pristine yard, you might think that blasting them with a weed killer spray will fix the problem. Unfortunately, there’s more to getting rid of weeds than that. First of all, you need to know what kinds of weeds you’re dealing with—perennial, biennial, or annual—and then you need to use that information to find the right weed killer, and learn how to apply it correctly.
There are two main types of herbicides: pre-emergent and post-emergent. A pre-emergent treatment is most effective when weed seeds haven’t germinated, whereas a post-emergent treatment should be applied only when your lawn is actively growing. Here’s everything you need to know about how and when to spray weed killer to get rid of weeds fast.
The Best Time of Year to Spray Weed Killer
There are two key times when controlling weeds is most effective: fall and spring.
Skye Durrant, co-founder of LawnGuru, explains, “In early spring, you want to get ahead of things. That means applying treatments before weeds even show up.”
That said, the best time to control weeds is the fall, especially perennials, when they are actively growing and preparing for winter, which makes them take up more of the herbicide and die off.
Spring Is Best for Most Lawn Weeds
In the spring, you’ll begin noticing weeds start to pop up from the ground. Acting at the right time will ensure that you tackle the weeds before they fully develop. A pre-emergent treatment will prevent weed seeds from germinating if applied at the right time. The key to effectively treating weeds is to identify them and choose the right weed killer treatment.
If your lawn has crabgrass or other annual weeds, such as knotweed or yellow foxtail, a pre-emergent treatment should be applied when temperatures reach 55 degrees. That’s the average temperature when they start to germinate.
Related: The Right Way to Weed Whack for Cleaner Lawn Edges and Healthier Grass
Fall Is Ideal for Perennial Weeds
“Treating in the fall can be very effective and often leads to better results the following spring,” notes Durrant.
During the fall, perennial weeds, including dandelions, ground ivy, and white clover, are actively growing and taking up nutrients, making it the best time to apply a post-emergent treatment to effectively kill these weeds.
Should You Spray Weed Killer in Summer?
Most lawn weeds are most effectively treated in the fall or spring. In the summer, the grass is growing more slowly and likely experiencing stress, so applying a post-emergent treatment can make things worse. In the summer, you could use cultural methods to prevent additional stress on your lawn, such as changing how often and how high you mow the grass, pulling weeds by hand, or using a hand tool.
Can You Apply Weed Killer in Winter?
It all depends on where you live. In the northern part of the country, which experiences freezing temperatures, grass goes dormant and weeds aren’t growing either. However, in the southern part of the country, conditions can differ due to warmer temperatures. It is best to act in the fall to tackle weeds that grow during this period of time. Bluegrass (Poa annua), chickweed, henbit, purple deadnettle, and bittercress are among the weeds that grow during the fall and winter.
Related: Don’t Make This Watering Mistake With Your New Grass Seed
Best Time of Day to Spray Weed Killer
When spraying a weed killer, there are a few factors you need to take into consideration before you get to work. Mornings are generally the best time to spray your lawn, when your grass is dry and you’ll avoid the heat of the day to limit evaporation.
On the other hand, here are conditions when you should never spray weed killer:
On windy days. The herbicide can spread to your garden or trees. When there’s rain in the forecast. Applying a weed treatment when there’s rain in the vicinity is just a waste of money and time. The treatment will be washed away. During the heat of the day. Always aim to spray in the morning or in the evening, when the sun is less intense. When temperatures are above 85 degrees. Once temperatures are over 85 degrees, weed killer becomes less effective.
Should You Mow Before Applying Weed Killer?
“You don’t want to cut [the grass] right before applying weed killer. You need enough leaf surface for the product to absorb properly,” recommends Durrant.
If you have just mowed your grass, wait at least two full days before applying a weed killer. On the other hand, the general rule is to wait two to three days before cutting your grass after spraying a weed treatment.
Imagesines / Getty Images
Pre-Emergent vs Post-Emergent Weed Killer Timing
When you have two methods to choose from, knowing when to use them is the key to success. Here is what you need to know when to use one over the other.
When to Apply Pre-Emergent Weed Killer
“Pre-emergent is preventative. It stops weed seeds from germinating in the first place and can be one of the most effective tactics for long-term weed control,” explains Durrant. You need to act at the first sign of weeds popping out of your lawn.
When to Apply Post-Emergent Weed Killer
If the weeds are fully out and visible on your lawn, the best time to apply a post-emergent weed killer is when your grass is actively growing, so it can better handle the stress of the treatment. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to apply a weed killer properly and effectively.
Fall is one of the best times to apply a post-emergent weed killer; it will not only be more effective, but you’ll be setting yourself up for success for the following spring.
Related: Don’t Recycle That Box—Use It to Kill Weeds Instead
Common Weed Killer Timing Mistakes
Weed killer can be effective in managing unwanted plants in your grass; however, you have to be careful, as it can also damage your lawn. Avoid making these mistakes:
Spraying during a drought. During a drought, your grass is already in a fragile stage; it is best to minimize extra stress. Applying before heavy rain. Rain will wash the pesticide away.Mowing too soon. A weed killer is most effective when your grass is on the long side. Using pre-emergent too late. Once weeds are in full swing, a pre-emergent treatment won’t work.
Tips to Make Weed Killer Work Better
Lawn experts recommend identifying the kind of weeds you’re dealing with first to properly get rid of them. Durrant suggests using a plant-identifying app to know what kind of weeds you’re dealing with and getting a pesticide that kills those specific weeds. Other tips you can follow are:
Follow label directions carefully. It pays off to spend a little time reading the right way to apply a spray weed killer. Spot-treat young weeds early. The sooner you act, the better results you’ll get. Mow consistently. Build a solid schedule and don’t cut your grass too short when it’s too long.
Related: The Biggest Mistakes People Make When Planting Grass Seed (and How to Avoid Them)
FAQs
How long after spraying weed killer does it work?
You’ll see results soon after you spray the weed killer. The weeds will start to die completely between one and two weeks, depending on the type of weeds you have on your lawn.
Can I spray weed killer after rain?
Yes, you can, but you need to wait until the weeds’ body and flowers are completely dried. If moisture is still present, you need to wait to spray a treatment. To be safe, allow enough time after the rain to avoid getting the pesticide washed away.
Is it better to spray weeds before or after mowing?
You can spray weeds before and after mowing; however, there’s a crucial waiting period in both cases, usually about two days. The reason is that you want to have enough leaf exposure so the weeds can absorb the treatment more effectively.
What temperature is too hot for weed killer?
The ideal temperature to apply any post-emergent is between 65 and 85 degrees. Once temperatures exceed 85 degrees, the effectiveness of the weed killer decreases. It is best to spray early in the morning to avoid the heat of the day, especially when temperatures are too high.
Can I seed grass after applying weed killer?
No, you must wait at least four to six weeks, if not longer, after applying a weed killer. The best recommendation is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and see when they suggest seeding your grass after spraying the treatment.
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