Fall Broadleaf Weed Control

Dr. Kevin W. Frank
Assoc. Professor & Extension Turf Specialist

The summer of 2013 was one of the best in recent memory for growing turf and unfortunately also one of the best for growing broadleaf weeds.  The turf thrived with favorable temperatures and timely precipitation throughout much of the summer and so did broadleaf weeds.  Summer herbicide applications likely burned down the top-growth of many perennial broadleaf weeds but recently weeds such as white clover, dandelion, ground ivy, and black medic have magically reappeared.  

White clover in turf.

The challenge with the summer herbicide applications is that they are very effective at burning down top-growth but in some cases they are not effective at killing the entire plant.  In contrast, fall is the ideal time to control weeds because unlike the summer when weeds are focusing on top-growth, in the fall weeds are storing energy in their root system and are more susceptible to herbicide applications.  So if your turf has been overtaken by a bevy of broadleaf weeds, applying a herbicide in late September or early October will make a difference in what you battle next year.  Apply the herbicides on a sunny day when rain is not in the forecast for 24 hours.  We want the herbicides to dry on the leaf surfaces and not be immediately washed off.  There are many different herbicides that could be used including the most common three-way broadleaf weed control mixtures.  As with any pesticide application always make sure to wear the appropriate safety attire and follow all label recommendations.  As many have lamented over the years, the only shortcoming of fall broadleaf weed control is that you really don’t get to watch them die.  You generally won’t see the twisting, shriveling, and discoloration that often accompany herbicide applications but next spring the weeds will be gone or at least their numbers will be significantly reduced.

With fall herbicide applications we often miss the site of weeds dying.