Postemergence control of weeds in cool-season lawns
Summer weed control in turf is difficult. Grassy and broadleaf weeds with differing lifecycles and susceptibility to herbicides can be present. High temperatures and marginal drought stress can increase the chances of phytotoxicity of applied herbicides making summertime weed control complex.
- Cultural control – maintaining a dense turf is critical for limiting weeds. If a site has constant problems with weeds or any other category of pest, evaluate the growing conditions for soil fertility, compaction, thatch, shade, drainage, etc., and mitigate as needed
- Pay special attention to label precautions – effective summer weed control comes with some risk of injury to turf, so read and follow all label instructions
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Sedges
- Recent research from the University of Nebraska suggests earlier applications to control sedges are far more effective than previously thought
- Most sedges continue to germinate almost all summer, so multiple applications will be needed for most effective control
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Summer annuals
- Can germinate all summer so apply a POST early in the summer and combine with a labeled PRE for most effective control or use multiple applications of POST herbicides
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Winter annuals
- Applications now are ineffective. Apply in early to mid-fall for most effective control on young plants with warming temperatures for adequate speed of control and combine with a PRE for extended control
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Perennials
- Broadleaves – fall applications are most effective, but still may require additional applications. Spring or summer applications will require multiple applications for most effective control
- Grasses – usually fall applications prior to dormancy are most effective, but may vary with weed species. Multiple applications are required with spreading weeds
- Need more info? – Read and follow all label directions and contact your Envu area sales manager for assistance
Envu options for postemergence weed control in lawn and golf turf.
| Weed type and life cycle |
Example | Preferred Envu POST herbicides | Notes |
| Summer annual broadleaves | Purslane, knotweed, etc |
Terradex™ Crabgrass & Broadleaf, Terradex Quick Strike |
Applications to young weeds are most effective |
| Winter annual broadleaves | Henbit, deadnettle, chickweed |
Terradex Quick Strike,
Terradex Power Premix, |
Fall applications to young plants most effective |
| Perennial broadleaves | Wild violets, clover, ground ivy, etc | Terradex Power Premix, | Multiple applications are likely needed, fall applications prior to dormancy are most effective |
| Summer annual grasses | Crabgrass, Goosegrass |
Terradex Crabgrass & Broadleaf (crab), Acclaim® Extra (goose & crab), Acclaim Accelerate (crab) |
Applications to young weeds are most effective, combine with a PRE to extend control |
| Winter annual grasses | Annual bluegrass | Prograss® | Fall applications most effective |
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Solution sheet - Sedges |
White clover is a perennial and thrives in summer in cool-season lawns (Envu)
Crabgrass often populates hot spots next to walks and drives where cool-season turf is under stress (Envu)
Birdsfoot trefoil is a perennial with pretty yellow flowers in mid to late summer (Envu)
