Here in Carteret County, we mostly grow warm season grasses. It’s important to give them a good start in the spring with little to no competition from winter weeds.  This is the month to plan a post emergence winter weed control application to control any vetch, henbit, chickweed, hawksbeard, dandelion, lawn burweed or any other cool season weeds that may be seen in the lawn. When selecting the herbicide, remember to look for the weeds you need controlled and make sure the product you select is labeled to control that specific weed. This year weeds that seem to be the most trouble in my lawn are Creeping Jenny in the front and Florida betony in the back.

Pick a day to make the application when there is little to no wind, the temperature is over 50, over 60 if possible, and the ground is moist from a rainstorm a day or two before. Make sure the chemical application will have time to dry before any further precipitation is anticipated. Picking these conditions should guarantee a successful application when the label directions are followed for how much to apply.

Don’t worry if you don’t see immediate results. It may take a few days or even a couple of weeks for the chemical to be fully effective.