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PERFECT TIME FOR COOL SEASON HERBICIDE
It's finally time! Time to use the Cool Season Herbicides I've referred to from time to time on the GardenLine radio program. By the way, if you know what I'm talking about but just need the names of the products, they are Fertilome's Weed Free Zone and Bonide's Weed Beater Ultra. By the way, the perfect temperature range for usage of these two cool-season herbicides is roughly between 75 degree highs and 40 degree lows.
 
Years ago, before the advent of these herbicides, broadleaf weed control in late-November, December, January and February was pretty much non-existent, because the herbicides that are normally used for broadleaf weed control can actually kill St. Augustine and Bermuda lawns if used at the wrong times of the year.
So, along comes Carfentazone-based Fertilome's Weed Free Zone first, and the art of weed control in the cooler months is now being perfected. Then Bonide introduced their version by the name of Weed Beater Ultra. But there are some caveats that must be respected for these herbicides to work properly.
Oh, by the way, the one constant in weed control, whether it's a cool-season herbicide or a regular post-emergent herbicide, is to keep using a surfactant. If you've never heard me talk about this important aspect of weed control, then please read this tip sheet from our Archives.
But, besides the temperature range and the need for a surfactant, the other important step would have to be "HOW" it is applied. You should use either a pump-up sprayer or a hand-held trigger sprayer. Since these products are sold mostly in concentrate, it should make it easy to use a pump-up or hand-held sprayer.
 
Avoid the use of Dial-N-Spray at all possible costs because you cannot be as precise with the spray. And over-use of such products on the entire yard, can cause a yellowing of the grass. So, spot treating is paramount with these controls.
There are some concentrates available in a "Ready to Spray" formula that you hook on the end of the hose. And while I would prefer you use the pump-up or trigger sprayer method, if this is the only thing available, please do it but with extreme caution and concentrate on that spot treatment. That means you've got to be quick on the switch with the ON and OFF lever.
One final reminder about these herbicides, and that's that they are specific for broadleaf weeds. So, if you've done a poor job of following the Pre Emergent part of my Fertilization Schedule you may well have things like Clover. This means you have permission to spot treat with these Carfentazone-based herbicides. Another weed that these herbicides work well on would be Virginia Buttonweed. But they will not control any "grassy" weeds.
Until next issue, here's to Great Gardening from the GardenLine, heard exclusively, 6-10 a.m. Saturdays and 7-10 a.m. Sundays, only on NewsRadio 740 KTRH.
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