Ten Chemical Weed Killer Tips

The benefits of using chemical weeds killers are debatable amongst many gardeners and yard enthusiasts. In this day of greener-is-better, much has been said about the damage that chemicals may cause your lawn and animals, and all of the points are valid. However, it remains one of the most effective methods of killing weeds, so if you choose to use a chemical, follow these guidelines to ensure both your own safety and the health of your lawn.

1) Do not use a chemical weed killer right after seeding your grass. This could either prolong the grass growing process, or kills the grass seeds outright.

2) Be mindful of the spray. If possible, apply spray to the base of the plant. If you must spray the leaves, do so when the wind is at it's lowest so the chemical does not spread to other plants. Remember, this isn't just a weed killer, it is a plant killer. Anything green in the vicinity could be fair game.

3) Investigate a pre-emergent weed killer. This creates a barrier in prepared soil between the seeding weed and the surface. Keep in mind that this doesn't actually kill the seed. Best time to apply pre-emergent killer is March 15th for summer weeds, and Sept 15th for winter weeds.

4) Apply the chemical halfway between your chosen mowing days. Do not apply directly before or after cutting your lawn. Give the chemical time to get in there and do its job.

5) Look for the ingredient Glysphosate. This chemical is neutralized before hitting the soil, making it a safer bet for vegetable gardens. RoundUp is a common brand. This will kill the weeds down to the roots, and prevent the next growth.

6) Read your labels. Don't automatically purchase the strongest killer on the shelf. Some are created for killing weeds the emerge in the cracks of concrete, and you wouldn't want to put this heavy-duty chemical near your flowers. Pay strict attention to any and all warnings. Some chemicals are selective, meaning they will kill certain weeds only, while others are non-selective, meaning they'll pretty much kill off anything green.

7) The younger the weeds, the better your chances.

8) Follow the directions, don't go out and mindlessly start spraying. Many chemicals must be diluted. Be aware of how much you are using. If your chemical has been in storage and is over a year old, discard it.

9) Be aware of your personal safety. Wear gloves and old clothes when spraying weed killer. If necessary, wear a face mask or tie a cloth around your nose and mouth.

10) Make sure children and animals are inside, or are safely away. Give the chemical adequate time to settle or dry before allowing them back into the yard.

If you need more tips or advice, try these sites.

www.allaboutlawns.com
www.lawncareguide.org