There are many types of pesky weeds that pop up in spring. One of the few ways to control them is to get started on late winter weed control and get ahead of their growth. Most experts agree that to start your late winter weed control regimen, you’ll want to start at the end of February and or early March. Valley Green’s various weed control products are one of our top sellers. With less than two months to go until spring, our article this week will focus on late winter weed control.
Stopping spring weeds with pre-emergent herbicides
Pre-emergent herbicides are one of your best defenses against spring weed infestations. Pre-emergent herbicides are used to kill weeds before they grow above the soil. Timing is crucial with the application. You have to apply just before the soil reaches 55 degrees. This is because seeds can begin to germinate when the soil goes above that temperature. In the northeast, the temperature tends to rise to that number around late March or early April. Keep in mind the pre-emergent herbicides are designed to control weed seeds that have not germinated. If you apply it after the weeds have peeked above the soil, you’re wasting time and the product. If you’re planning on planting in the area where you apply the herbicide, you’ll have to do it six weeks after the application so the chemical doesn’t affect the growth of the plants.
Stopping weeds with post-emergent herbicides
If you miss a few seeds and they do germinate, you can use a post-emergent herbicide to kill off the seedlings. Early spring is the time when weeds are the most vulnerable because they are in an active growth cycle. That’s why treating them now can give you a head start on keeping them at bay over the summer. There are two types of post-emergent herbicides; selective and nonselective. Nonselective are usually more powerful but will kill any neighboring plants. Selective herbicides are designed to target weeds without damaging any surrounding areas. No matter what type of herbicide you’re applying, always wear personal protection equipment. If you’re not sure if the plant you’re planning on spraying is a weed, you can always bring a picture to the local nursery for identification.