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'Tis the season to zap those pesky weeds
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Published: August 29, 2008
If Bermuda, violets, wild strawberries and other perennial weeds are a major problem in the lawn, now is an excellent time to evaluate it and plan to get it back in good shape again.
Better to do it around fall instead of spring.
A lawn with less than a 60percent stand of desirable grass requires attention. One will hope that the tough weeds are isolated rather than dispersed throughout.
Lawns that had a severe case of brown patch disease, loss of grass due to drought or invaded by a high weed population are also good candidates for fall work. The month of September is recommended for seeding which means a lot of planning needs to start now.
If only annual grasses and weeds were present there is no need of using a weed killer first. These weeds include crabgrass, chickweed, goose grass and henbit. Spraying with glyphosate (Roundup) is highly recommended if there is white clover, ground ivy, bermuda grass and other perennial weeds or grasses.
Treating early will allow time for soil samples to be analyzed in addition to reapplication of Roundup in about 2 to 3 weeks if good control is not achieved after the first spraying.
Skipping a mowing to allow problem weeds to become healthy and actively growing will give better control with Roundup. The more foliage above ground the more uptake to move into the root system.
Two to three hours or more without rain is also extremely helpful after the weed killer application.
These conditions are critical because this weed killer is systemic and has to move down into the roots, which requires about two weeks.
Overseeding as well as maintenance fertilizer and lime should be applied in early September. Any blend or mixture of varieties will look better than a single one. Bluegrass will complement tall fescue such as K-31. There are special blends for shaded areas, or creeping red fescue can be planted into a sparse stand of grass.
Soil samples taken now should have results back in adequate time for planting. Containers are available at the Extension office as well as some farm supply dealers. A soil sample report from the N. C. Department of Agriculture is free and will give a recommendation for fertilizer and lime. You have to collect and submit you own samples.
A common mistake when planting a new lawn is poor soil preparation, lack of organic amendment in heavy clay and shallow soil incorporation of fertilizer and lime. Some nutrients needed for plants are extremely slow to move into the root zone where they can do the most good.
Even plugging or lawn aeration should be done as deeply as possible.
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