Are you struggling with weed invasions in your lawn or flower garden? Or wondering how often to spray weed killer? Weeds are the bane of a gardener’s existence. They choke healthy flowers and vegetables, starving them of essential nutrients, water, and sunlight.
Applying weed killer is one of the common ways of controlling weeds and works effectively to maximize your success in getting rid of the leafy invaders. However, considering that a lot of chemicals in the soil can pose a significant risk to your flowers, it is a great idea to use herbicides in moderation. So, how often should gardeners and homeowners use weed killers?
Well, how often to spray lawn weed killers depends on the herbicide you are using. Generally, most weed killers are limited to two applications per year. If you use herbicides to keep your lawn weed-free, read on to learn more about using weed killers.
Applying herbicides: How often should I spray weed killer?
Applying herbicides is not a one-time thing — it needs to happen severally to deliver results effectively. This is very important considering that different weeds grow in different seasons.
Well, when it comes to controlling weeds, a maximum of two treatments (applications) per year is recommended. However, this depends on the type of herbicide you are using.
If you are using a weed killer from a reputable manufacturer, you will likely get results with the first application. The second application is usually for eradicating any persistent weeds for the more pleasing results and should come shortly after the primary application. Most importantly, remember that each manufacturer is different, so read the label before using the weed killer. Manufacturers will recommend how often to use their products.
The most exciting thing about the chemical approach for controlling weeds is that you won’t need complete lawn treatment for several years if you have good lawn care practices.
When is the best time to apply lawn weed killer?
Applying herbicides is a common and effective way of dealing with pesky weeds. And while it sounds super simple, the truth is that it can be overwhelming. Not only do you have to identify the weeds and buy the right herbicide, but you also have to do proper timing; otherwise, your efforts might be in vain.
So, when should you spray weed killers?
The best time to kill weeds is when they are growing. For the most part, this means the best time to apply lawn weed killers is in the spring, when the weeds are actively growing.
However, you might need to wait to spray a few weeks after spring has rolled around when most weeds have emerged. This is especially true if you are using contact sprays.
On the other hand, if you are applying weed killers that work through translocation, you will need to spray when the soil is moist. The moisture in the soil will allow for the herbicides to be absorbed by the plants.
Spraying in fall is similarly effective. During this time of the year, weeds are usually very vulnerable.
Of significance, weed killers tend to work best in warmer months compared to colder seasons.
As such, spraying in summer would also be perfect timing, especially if you are targeting summer weeds, like spotted surge and Virginia buttonweed, that germinate in mid-spring and continue through summer.
Ideal weather for applying weed killer
Besides the presence of moisture in the soil, weather timing is crucial when it comes to spraying weed killers. For instance, you don’t want to spray expensive herbicides a few minutes before rainfall as rainwater can quickly dilute or rinse the chemicals off the spot you want to treat.
For the best results using weed killers, keep an eye on local weather forecasts and spray when it is unlikely to rain for at least six hours. This will allow the herbicide to work before any rain falls.
You also want to spray when it is calm, especially if you are using non-selective herbicides like glyphosate. Calm weather makes it easy for you to target areas of preference, which can go a long way to preventing you from spraying your flowers and veggies with chemicals that could kill them.
How often should I spray weed killer: Conclusion
The impact of weed killers often goes beyond the weed you are trying to control. That’s why you need to adopt a practical treatment cycle; otherwise, you may end up hurting desirable plants.
Generally, applying weed killers twice per year will effectively eradicate unwanted leafy invaders. Of importance, always consider weed killers that have minimal impacts on the environment.
Related Article: Best Ways to Remove Weeds From a Large Area