How to Safely and Successfully Use Chemical Weed Killers

Learning to safely and successfully use chemical weed killers is absolutely necessary for your health. Know some basic truths about caring for your lawn, garden etc. before you buy the bag or bottle.

Follow these 10 basic tips before you use chemical weed killer.

1. Read and follow all directions. You must peel back the label for more than the basic information on the back of the bottle. Each chemical and bag or bottle size is different. Don't assume that the mixing amount is equal for different brands of the same product or for similar products. Some bottles come ready to spray.

2. Use your judgment for allowing children and pets on your lawn after you spray. Some weed killers say it's safe once the spray has dried. However, if you have small children or pets or if someone has allergies, keep chemical exposure to a minimum. You may wait 24 hours prior to using the lawn area.

3. Do not place chemically treated lawn clippings into your compost pile if you will be using the compost on garden vegetables or fruits.

4. Often because of environmental regulations, the chemical industry is continually introducing new lawn and garden products and regularly removing old products. Do not keep old chemicals in your garage for long periods of time. If you do store garden chemicals for short periods, keep them on high shelves so children or pets will be unable to reach them.

5. Because products are constantly changing, it is a good idea to chat with your sales person at the garden store. Are better chemical weed killer options available than products you used last year?

6. Besides safety, cost and time can also be issues. Some weed killer products will do double duty. For example, you can buy a broadleaf weed killer that is safe to use on most lawns that won't hurt the grass. It is now possible to get the same broadleaf killer with a crabgrass killer added. This may be more expensive, but it will be less than buying two products and you will save time by having to spread it on your lawn only one time. Also, because you will be involved with spraying your yard only one time, you'll only be working with chemicals once. However, for many lawns, additional spreading of chemicals may be required. That is especially true of mature weeds such as dandelions and some others that keep returning.

7. Weed killer chemicals do not work better by using a stronger dose. The stronger dose can have negative consequences. Don't be upset if your weeds don't die immediately. Temperature and types of chemicals can have different impacts on weeds. Hot temperatures cause weeds to die more quickly and the growth rate of the plant may cause different reactions to the chemicals.

8. Sprayers used for chemicals that kill weeds should not also be used for fertilizers. Be sure to clean all residue when you are finished. Never let children handle any chemicals.

9. Remember that when using fertilizer it should be watered into the ground. Weed killer, however, must sit on the leaf and not be washed off.

10. Avoid spraying chemical weed killer in extremely hot weather. The weed killer could burn the grass and it could die.

Basic types of chemical weed killers:
Broadleaf Weed Types - Different brands have 2 to 4 active ingredients geared toward different types of weeds or with different modes of action. Always verify that the chemical you are using will be safe on your type of grass.

Grassy Weed Types - These are NOT safe to use on your lawn. If they kill a weed grass, they will kill your lawn. Use in your flower bed or ground cover areas. Grassy weeds in your lawn must be hand-pulled, or prevent them next season by using a pre-emergent weed killer.

Sedge or Nut Grass Types - These are very specific killers. One called, SledgeHammer, should be safe to use on most grass lawns and is very effective.

Some chemical weed killers have knock-off names. Round-Up is well-known, but you will find a variety of other sources for a similar product. Most every garden store has many of their own brand of chemical weed killers or you easily find the product you need at Walmart, hardware and home improvement stores. If you are in doubt, take time to find someone who is well-versed in chemical weed killer products before you purchase your lawn or garden chemical weed-killer.

http://www.earlmay.com/ Contact Earl May Garden Center if you have questions. Their sales people are very knowledgeable and will get answers for you.

Good luck with your lawn, but don't fret too much. Maybe next year will be the year your lawn will be lush and thick - and a weed wouldn't even think of growing there.