Surprisingly, Fall is the best time to tackle lawn weeds. Late-season herbicide applications target weeds at their most vulnerable stage, making it easier to eliminate them compared to other times of the year.
However, don’t expect immediate results. Unlike spring treatments, where you might see leaves curling within hours, fall applications work more gradually. Depending on the weed type and soil conditions, visible signs of weed death may not appear until later. Rest assured, these weeds are dying from the inside out and won’t survive the winter.
Tough weeds live ground ivy (Creeping Charlie) are much easier to control in the fall. Although you may only see some discoloration after spraying, by springtime, the weeds will be gone – or at least significantly reduced. Any carry-overs into next spring that do survive can be hit again for the final knock-out!
Tips for Fall Weed Control
October is Prime Time
The ideal time to apply weed control is throughout October, though applying anytime from mid-September into November will give good results. As long as weeds are actively growing, they will be vulnerable. For beset results, apply herbicide twice, spaced two weeks apart. During this time, weeds are in full food-storage mode, preparing for winter. The herbicide will disrupt this process, making it more effective.
Choose Between Liquid or Granules
Granule applications work well for common weeds, and take longer to work, but stubborn weeds will require liquid herbicide. We recommend our Super Brush & Weed Killer for the toughest weeds. This powerhouse product kills everything except grass!
Enhances with Turbo
Boost your weed killer’s effectiveness with Turbo, a professional-grade spreader-sticker that enhances liquid herbicide performance. Mix Turbo with Super Brush & Weed Killer for maximum results. This is especially important when treating weeds with a waxy surface including ground ivy (Creeping Charlie).
Be Cautious If You Are Seeding
If you have overseeded your lawn this fall, avoid those areas or spot-treat larger weeds carefully, ensuring you don’t spray newly seeded spots. Herbicides can damage seeds and young seedlings.
Don’t Forget to Fertilize
The best defense against weeds is a thick, healthy lawn. Fall fertilization is crucial to achieving this. Apply Earl May Fall Lawn Food in October or November, ideally around your last mow of the season, to give your lawn the nutrients it needs to stay thick and healthy – naturally choking out weeds.
While no weed control method is 100% foolproof, taking these steps in the fall will significantly reduce weeds. By next spring, any leftover weeds can be easily treated, allowing you to start the season with a healthy, weed-free lawn!
