If your weed killer doesn’t seem to work, you’re nearly always doing one of three things wrong: applying the wrong product, at the wrong time or on the wrong kind of weed. Weather, misapplication, no water or even resistance to a herbicide can all cause weed control to be more difficult than anticipated.
Misidentifying the Weed
A weed killer usually doesn’t work because it’s not the right weed killer for the weed you need to kill. Different products are made to control specific types of weeds. Misidentifying what’s infesting your lawn, you might be fixing the wrong thing from the start.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Broadleaf weeds: Dandelions, clover, chickweed. Need a selective broadleaf herbicide.
- Grassy weeds: Crabgrass, goosegrass. Need another herbicide class.
- Sedges: Like nutsedge, which are notoriously hard to kill with standard products.
Attempting to control one variety of weed with a product intended for a different one is a futile effort and waste of time and money.
Choosing the Wrong Type of Herbicide
Not all weed killers are created equal. There are two major types:
- Selective herbicides: Eliminate certain weeds without causing damage to your lawn.
- Non-selective herbicides: These will kill anything they touch (i.e. your lawn).
A selective herbicide will do no good on the wrong weed. A non-selective product sprayed recklessly in a landscape setting will result in brown spots all over your yard.
Poor Timing or Weather Conditions
And even with the right product, bad timing or bad weather can foil your efforts. Weeds must be in active growth to take up the chemical. Conditions that reduce effectiveness include:
- Application during the dormant season (typically in the fall or winter)
- Spraying in extreme heat or drought
- Applying before or after heavy rain
- Spraying on windy days
Also, some require application in water for activation. Preemergent herbicides won’t help if you don’t have the proper irrigation.
Mixing or Application Errors
DIY weed control often fails during mixing or application. If done incorrectly, results will disappoint. Common errors include:
- Mixing too weak, reducing effectiveness
- Spraying too hard, killing your grass
- Using uncalibrated sprayers
- Missing the weed entirely due to poor technique
Read the label and follow directions. Rationalise your mixing rates and whether or not the product needs to be watered in.
Herbicide Resistance
Weeds can develop resistance to herbicides, especially if the same product is applied on repeat. To prevent resistance:
- Rotate herbicides each season
- Use different active ingredients
- Using herbicides with appropriate mowing, and watering
- Avoid repeated use of the same mode of action
This combined strategy makes it more difficult for weeds to adapt and survive.
Stressed Weeds or Turf
Stressed weeds are less likely to take up the herbicide and harder to kill. Stress factors include:
- Drought or heat
- Over Fertilization
- Compact soil
- Recent mowing
Wait for a better day, or use other methods. So heat and low humidity also retard the absorption of chemicals.
When to Call For The Experts
Still struggling with weeds that won’t die? You’re not alone. At Advanced Turf Care, we help homeowners across Charlotte and nearby areas solve these exact problems.
Our team knows the weeds on your lawn, and the products to apply, we spray them using commercial equipment. We time everything to the weed growth stage and local weather so you’re not just guessing.
We also rotate herbicides and tailor solutions to the season to prevent resistance. Curious what’s coming up in your yard? Head over to our post on the Most Common Summer Lawn Weeds in North Carolina to find out more.
Ready to take action? Visit our Lawn Weed Control service page to see how we can help.
Call Advanced Turf Care Today
Had it with weeds that just won’t go away? Contact us to schedule your lawn inspection today. We specialize in delivering Charlotte and select North Carolina neighbors quality, proven lawn care.
