Weed Control Methods for Your Turf

Article By: Matthew Lenhardt
Citrus County Horticulture Extension Agent
January 19, 2010

The best way to keep weeds from establishing in your lawn is to build a strong stand of turf using proper cultural methods. Thick, healthy turf will help crowd out weeds and will be able to tolerate weather and pest related stresses better than weak turf.

Florida Friendly Landscapes start by planting the "right plant in the right place" which will alleviate many problems in the future. For example, if your property has a lot of shade trees, a shade tolerant turf will be healthier than a turf that requires full sun. Other cultural methods include proper fertilization and watering techniques, and mowing your turf at the recommended height. Turf that is cut lower than recommended may have insufficient leaf blade surface to absorb sunlight and carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. This will cause the plant to put more of its energy into leaf growth and less in root growth than it should. The result is a weaker root system that won’t be as pest, wear, drought, or cold tolerant.

Proper cultural methods may not stop every weed, so if you have weeds that have encroached in your lawn, pre-emergent or post-emergent herbicides may be necessary to control them. Pre-emergent herbicides are designed to stop the root of the weed seed as soon as it germinates, not letting it grow and reproduce. Post-emergent herbicides are different from pre-emergent herbicides in that they control weeds only after they emerge from the seed or root.

Several factors that impact the effectiveness of herbicides are temperature, humidity, weed type, growth cycle, and proper mixing and application techniques. Remember that when applying any fertilizer or chemical to your lawn, always follow the label recommendations. Applying chemicals correctly increases effectiveness, is better for the environment, and is more economical as well.

I will be offering a course called "Weeds Management" at the Citrus County Extension office in Lecanto on January 14, 2009, at 1 p.m. There is a $12.00 charge for the course that includes a book entitled "Weeds of Southern Turfgrasses", which is a very useful supplement to the course for residential or commercial weed identification. Seating is limited. Anyone interested is asked to please register in advance by calling the Citrus County Extension office at (352) 527-5700. Citrus County Extension is also offering many classes this spring on a wide variety of topics available to the public. Please contact the Extension office for class descriptions and times. We are located in the Citrus County government complex at 3650 W. Sovereign Path, Ste.1, Lecanto, FL, 34461. As a part of the University of Florida we are research information based program available to all.

Citrus County Extension links the public with the University of Florida/IFAS’s knowledge, research, and resources to address youth, family, community, and agricultural needs. Programs and activities offered by the Extension Service are available to all persons without regard to race, color, handicap, sex, religion, or national origin. Citrus County – Providing Solutions for Your Life.

For persons with disabilities requiring special accommodations, please contact our office at least five working days prior to the program so that proper consideration may be given to the request. For hearing impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Center at 1-800-955-8770 (voice) or 1-800 –955-8771 (TDD).

«Back