Have you experienced a lawn overrun by weeds in the past and want to avoid that experience this year? Controlling weeds is easier with a little bit of knowledge. Spraying your weeds with weed killer during the right time of year as well as the right time of day will ensure that the weed killer is at its most effective.
This also means if done right, you won’t have to reapply your treatments as much as in the past.
Read on to learn the best time to kill weeds, the best time to put down weed killer, along with more of our top recommendations for a pristine lawn!
What is the Best Time to Kill Weeds?
It’s true that weeds are a year-long battle that we all fight, but planning ahead can help you control them more effectively. Many experts suggest that the best time to spray weed killer is in the warmer months because the chemicals aren’t as effective if they’re allowed to freeze. However, this doesn’t mean that weed killer will be equally effective during any warm season.
Weedkiller works by interfering with the growth of weeds. It blocks their ability to produce protein as well as the development of roots. This is why the summer isn’t the best time to apply weed killer, as the weeds will most likely already be growing and germinating.
Aim to spray your weed killer during the spring when it’s warm and the weeds are just beginning to grow. You can also apply the weed killer during the fall in October, as the weeds will be the most vulnerable. If the weeds don’t die immediately, you can wait till the spring to reapply the treatments.
What is the Best Time of Day?
Now that you know that you should spray your weeds either in the spring or fall, you may be wondering if there’s a best time of day as well. The best time to kill weeds on the lawn is when the sun is out and the day is at its warmest. You’ll want to avoid mornings, especially when there’s dew on your lawn, as this will dilute the weed killer and make it less effective.
Weather Conditions to Consider
Even if you’re spraying your lawn during the right season and the right time of day, it’s important to keep track of certain weather conditions. Water is known to make herbicides less potent. We recommend waiting a day in order to avoid this.
You’ll also want to consider the wind. Spray drifting across the lawn is possible if it’s windy in your location, leading to other plants in your yard or your neighbor’s yard unintentionally dying. You may have to wait for a less windy day or wait for the wind to calm in the morning or night.
Weed Killer Application Tips
Applying your weed killer with the right technique as well as during the right time will also increase its effectiveness. Pre-emergent herbicides are best used in areas of your lawn where you’ve seen weeds before, but they haven’t grown yet. Post-emergent herbicides are best used on young weeds that have already grown and emerged.
Make sure you read the guidelines for the herbicide thoroughly and calibrate your sprayer so you’re spraying the weeds at the recommended rate. You’ll also want to use protective equipment such as gloves, long shirts and pants, hats, and goggles in order to protect yourself from the chemicals.
As you spray, make sure the height is about two feet above the plant for maximum coverage. You’ll also want to use the nozzle that the manufacturer recommends and clean it before every new application.
If you’re having difficulty targeting the weeds you want, switch to a foam applicator so that you’ll have an easier time spraying the weeds precisely.
Keeping Weeds in Check
Once you apply your weed killer, there are also other ways to control the growth of weeds for the longterm. It’s important to consider these methods if you don’t want to use as many chemicals in the future. For instance, weeds often grow in areas with bare soil. In order to avoid this, consider planting perennial flowers or shrubs over those areas in order to compete with the weeds.
Mulching also helps inhibit weeds by smothering them. You can do this by composting bark, wood chips, newspaper, cardboard, and more before applying it to bare soil. You’ll also want to make sure you’re regulating the amount of water and food you’re giving your plants. If you’re not paying attention, you may be watering and feeding weeds that are germinating nearby.
A Pristine Lawn for You
It may seem overwhelming to deal with weeds, especially after they’ve grown and overtaken your lawn. However, by knowing the best time to kill weeds, you’ll be able to take care of them before they become a nuisance. It’s also important to remember to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and pay attention to the weather conditions of the day.
Rain or dew on your lawn will reduce the effectiveness of any herbicide you’ll use. You’ll also want to remember that windy conditions can cause the chemicals to drift across your yard, which may kill or harm plants other than the weeds you’re focused on.
Do you want a healthy, lush lawn without the stress of choosing and applying herbicide yourself? As one of the top-rated weed control companies in the Rockwall area, we have no contracts and our results are guaranteed. Contact us today to schedule a service!
