Ancient wisdom and popular culture have many quotes about timing. “Better late than never” and “No time like the present” are just two of the many sayings.
As is true with almost all generalities, they are applicable to only some situations. Gardening and landscape maintenance is not one of the topics where the specifics can be reduced to a pithy statement.
The details must be recognized and acted upon to get the desired outcome. Weed control is one of those subjects.
Spring is the time when warm season weeds emerge and present the best opportunity for control. The term control is used because eradication or elimination are an impossibility.
One relatively new over-the-counter product line is pre-emergent herbicides. Their function is to prevent weeds from sprouting and becoming a problem.
Purple nutsedge, also known as purple nut grass, has already emerged. No point now in applying a pre-emergent herbicide in hopes of controlling this pest.
As with most offerings on the market, there are limitations and specifics that must be considered. There is no “one size fits all” for situations involving the variety of plants and weeds in gardens and landscapes.
The first consideration is identifying the weed and purchasing the correct product. Get an accurate identification of the plant and then determine which product will work.
The label on the product will provide proper mixing and application. Always, ALWAYS, ALWAYS follow the label directions.
The urban legend of “twice as much is twice as good” does not work for herbicide application. Misuse is the first step to potential problems for both the application site and the applicator.
For pre-emergent herbicides timing is critical to success. Depending on the weed species, the emergence dates will be different.
For example: Purple nutsedge is an excellent target for pre-emergent herbicides, but only if it has not sprouted. In 2025 this tenacious weed has already begun its encroachment, and an application now will be a waste of money and time.
On the other hand, chamberbitter has not started its annual spread and there is still time to use a pre-emergent to control this pest before it sprouts. With the lengthening days and warming temperatures, the window of opportunity is soon to close.
Another consideration with this type of chemical warfare is collateral damage. While this type of herbicide can stop undesired weeds, it can also kill beneficial seeds too.
Examples could include annuals such as wildflower seeds which germinate in the same area as targeted weeds. Turf seeds or vegetable seeds can also be stopped by accidental exposure to pre-emergent herbicides.
Another popular product available in big box retailers and garden centers is weed and feed, a combination of turf fertilizer and a broadleaf herbicide. Misuse of this product can produce as much damage as it does benefits.
The idea of doing two jobs at one time seems like a good idea, but if the herbicide contacts broadleaf ornamentals, there can be cosmetic damage. The error is easy to do with spreaders which sling the mixture on to the lawn (and into the flowerbeds).
In many instances it is much more efficient (and less expensive) to spot treat or dig up the offending weeds.
As April progresses towards May everything will be growing, so “make hay while the sun shines” and enjoy the outdoors.
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