Begin annual winter weed control now (08-8-2005)

If your lawn was full of winter annual weeds this past spring, then now is the time to begin doing something about preventing this from happening again next spring.

Winter annual weeds, those that show up as young seedlings in the fall and become quite unsightly by mid-winter through spring, will begin germinating in only a few short weeks. A preemergence herbicide applied before these weeds germinate is the most efficient way of control.

Preemergence herbicides have little effect on weeds that have already germinated, so it is important to get the herbicide out soon (late August north to late September along the coast). A minimum of one-half inch of water either from rain or irrigation should follow shortly after the herbicide application. This ensures that the herbicide is activated and moves into the surface soil and form a uniform weed control barrier.

Preemergence herbicides are formulated as dry granules, wettable powders or water dispersible granules, liquids, and coated on fertilizers. Choose a formulation that is best suited for you and ALWAYS READ THE LABEL for specific application instructions, weeds controlled, and safety precautions.

Extension publications Weed Control Guidelines for Mississippi and Establish and Manage Your Home Lawn provide information to help select the appropriate herbicides for specific weeds. These publications can be obtained from your local extension office or downloaded from this Web site.

Published August 8, 2005

Dr. Wayne Wells is an Extension Professor and Turfgrass Specialist. His mailing address is Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Mail Stop 9555, Mississippi State, MS 39762. wwells@ext.msstate.edu