Post-Emergent Weed Control: A Lawn Care Guide

Spring is almost here, so it’s time to start thinking about lawn care and weed control! But with all the different types of herbicides and weed killers out there, it might be hard to know where to start. So today we’ll go over post-emergent herbicides -- what are they and how to know what is best for you.

A question we get a lot is, “What is the best type of herbicide for my lawn?” The answer: it really depends. Around this time of year, you might put down pre-emergent or a post-emergent herbicide.

A pre-emergent is an herbicide that is used as a protective barrier that prevents weeds from germinating come warmer temps. If weeds have already germinated and have sprouted on your property, then it’s time to use a post-emergent herbicide.

WHAT IS A POST-EMERGENT?

A post-emergent herbicide is essentially a weed killer. It will kill weeds that have sprouted or emerged from your lawn.

WHEN DO I APPLY POST-EMERGENTS?

Weeds start to germinate once your soil temperature is over 55 degrees, so you will typically need post-emergent weed control starting in Spring and going through Fall. But really, the best way is to walk around your property and check for weeds.

WHAT KIND OF POST-EMERGENTS DO I NEED?

It really depends on your lawn type and which weed(s) you are trying to control. Most post-emergents are formulated for specific grass types. If you don’t know which type of weed you have, it is sometimes best to pick a post-emergent that is labeled for different types of weeds. Just make sure that your grass type is listed on the label.

SELECTIVE & NON-SELECTIVE:

Post-emergent herbicides are broken down into two types: Selective and Non-selective. A selective herbicide will be labeled to kill and control specific weeds. We recommend Top Shot. This is incredibly easy to use, will kill many different types of broad leaf weeds, and each ampule treats 2,500 square feet.

A non-selective herbicide will kill ANY leafy plant. These are best used for maintenance roads, driveways, walkways, or anywhere that you don’t want vegetation. For this, use Eraser. This is a powerful concentrate that has a built in surfactant so that it will stick to the leaf surface and be more effective.

With any kind of pesticide or herbicide, you MUST read the label. And with a post-emergent herbicide it is critical. You would not want to accidentally kill your yard or favorite flower trying to kill clover. Again, make sure that your grass-type and the weed you hope to control is listed on the label.

HOW TO APPLY POST-EMERGENTS:

Post-emergent herbicides can be formulated differently. Generally, post-emergent herbicides that can be applied with water in a sprayer are easier to use because you get the benefit of more even application, more flexibility in terms of the level of concentration, and it’s easier to put down the solution.

Again, it is critical that you read the label of any post-emergent herbicide to know what you are treating, which grass it is intended for, and the proper mix rates and application.

One final tidbit: You cannot mix a non-selective and selective herbicide. So say you want to kill clover in your yard, but you also want to kill weeds sprouting up through the cracks in your driveway; you will have to use two separate sprayers for your treatment. You will need two because you would not want to use a non-selective herbicide in a sprayer, and then later on use it with selective because you could potentially torch your yard.

And that is post-emergent herbicides in a nutshell. If you have any questions about post-emergent herbicides or any other DIY pest control, please don’t hesitate to give us a call, send us an email, stop by one of our stores, or visit our website!

[ERMAC]

With the weed killer you recommended how much water do you use with it in a q gallon sprayer ? Or none just raw ?

[sumerbc]

I keep hearing a little liquid dish soap in the sprayer works as a surfactant in most herbicide sprays... is this true...?

[joshuaallen]

How soon after application of a broadcast Post-Emergent (Trimec Bentgrass Formula) can you put down fertilizer?

[rutalaa]

Hello i have a question, i had my front yard and back yard redid back in january as it was full of weed mostly crab grass...back and front yard was redone with seed only, not sod but as it started to grow, its weeds all over again he planted bermuda as that is what i had prior. Ive mowed the lawn only once since the grass/weeds have grown in i live in california how would i use the preemergent and post emergent on my yard? my crab grass that i have is adult no young ones.

[jackdwyer]

In NC here, and have bermuda grass. Which post emergent would you recommend?