Last week’s frost might have given us the impression that the growing season is coming to an end – but that’s not quite the case for many of our troublesome broadleaf weeds in lawns.
In fact, late October to early November is the most effective time to control broadleaf weeds in lawns. Dandelions produce new plants in late September, and henbit and chickweed should have germinated in October. Right now, they are small and fairly easily controlled with herbicides that contain active ingredients (alone or in combination) like 2,4-D, MCPP and Dicamba. Even established dandelions are more easily controlled now than in the spring because they are actively moving materials from the top portion of the plant to the roots in the fall. Herbicides will translocate to the roots as well and will kill the plant from the roots up.
For best results, choose a day that is 50 degrees or higher, so that the herbicide is more readily moved from leaves to roots. Cold temperatures will slow this process but these products will still work at lower temperatures.
Another active ingredient, carfentrazone, is also now available in multiple products. It will provide a quicker response than the products mentioned above, especially as temperatures move below 50 degrees.
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Charges filed against former Valley Falls Police Chief
Separate wrecks injure teens, dump truck driver
Driver of stolen truck arrested
"A substantial amount" of fake cash recovered in Atchison
Man missing from Jefferson Co found in OK
10-year-old St. Joseph child shot, hospitalized
Holton Community Hospital asking for community support
Nemaha Co Administrator resigns
One injured, one arrested, after Atchison fight
Five injured, including two critically, in St. Joseph crash
Troy man convicted of sexual battery
Topeka woman arrested in Jackson Co on meth charge
A Saturday of celebrations planned in Atchison
Richardson County Fair royalty crowned
Pentagon funds test drilling at NioCorp mine site
Saturday special session reschedules Atchison Co budget hearing
Funding awarded for Doniphan Co bridge project
Hiawatha City Commission adopts 2026 budget
LATEST STORIES
Two local lakes added to public health advisory list
Senator Moran tours Kickapoo Nation School
Flags fly in KS for political violence remembrance
K-9 field survey planned in Nemaha Co
Five injured, including two critically, in St. Joseph crash
Troy man convicted of sexual battery
Atchison's International Forest of Friendship to celebrate 49th