Weed killers come in various forms and formulations, so your choice depends on the types of weeds present in your lawn. Some types of weed killers target only above-ground parts (contact herbicide) while others penetrate deep to kill off all aspects of a plant from within (indirect herbicide).
Weeds are an invasive species
Weeds are non-native plants that pose a threat to native ecosystems. They compete with crops and natural vegetation for resources and have a detrimental impact on biodiversity, reducing property values as they reduce economic benefit; as well as contributing to erosion, riverbank clogging and stream pollution. Furthermore, their presence requires constant treatment.
Weed control can play an integral role in supporting biodiversity and sustainable agriculture. Proper weed management can prevent the spread of invasive species while upholding desirable landscape and garden plants – saving time and money in the process. Weed management also brings time- and cost-saving benefits.
Weed killers may cause irreparable harm to landscape plants as they do not discriminate between valuable landscape species and weeds. Since most weed killers are contact herbicides that kill all plant contact they make, proper use and precaution must be taken when using any herbicide as the active ingredient, usually glyphosate, does not distinguish between desirable and undesirable plants or weeds; to minimize spray drift impact it is wise to apply post-emergent weed killers prior to spring growth of new weeds.
They can damage your lawn’s roots
Weeds can have a devastating effect on the grass in your yard, which is why it’s vitally important to control them. You can do this through regular spraying with high quality weed killer as well as dethatching – both methods will remove dead grass and organic material that accumulates on top of soil layers that block air, water, and nutrients from reaching your lawn’s roots.
When applying a liquid weed killer, always follow the directions on its label. Some products require mixing them with water prior to application; others may specify specific weather conditions for optimal use. Avoid spraying dry grass areas and do not irrigate within 48 hours after spraying!
Be sure to wear long-sleeved clothing, rubber gloves and goggles when handling or spraying weed killers to protect yourself and your children from their chemicals, which could pose health threats. Wind speed and direction also have an impactful influence on spray patterns which could potentially reach plants or you.
They can damage your family’s health
Weeds can be an unwelcome presence on any lawn, but the chemicals used to kill them may have serious repercussions for your family’s health. Many weed killers contain carcinogens which have the potential to cause cancer and other diseases if they come in contact with skin; children and pets are particularly vulnerable, since they could come into contact with them by touching or eating the products.
Ideally, spring or fall are the optimal times to apply weed killer. Before making this decision, however, always double check that the product label indicates whether it will work effectively for your turf type and location.
Spraying weed killers during windy conditions should also be avoided, as this airborne spray could spread and harm nearby plants. After applying weed killer, wait 48 hours before mowing grass; also keep family and pets off of the lawn until its surface has dried completely.
They can damage your pets’ health
As soon as weeds begin taking over your lawn, it may be tempting to reach for the nearest weed killer on display at the store. But before using any chemicals on your pets and family members, be sure to read and understand their labels carefully first.
Weed killers contain chemicals that can disrupt your pet’s hormones and lead to digestive issues. Additionally, they could possibly contain carcinogenic agents. If a dog ingests any amount of weed killer or contaminated grass they could become sick immediately and require immediate veterinary assistance.
Wind speed and direction should also be carefully considered when spraying weeds. Strong breezes can send the chemical off course, potentially harming other plants as well as harming neighbor gardens. To avoid this scenario, it is wise to spray when the weather is calm; furthermore, it would be wise to wait 24 hours before allowing pets back onto your treated lawn.