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Fall is a great time to fertilize, eradicate weeds

November 04, 2009|By Frank Hicks

2009 has been a good year for growing grass in Clark County.

Unfortunately, it has also been a good year for growing weeds. Many home lawns and commercial turf areas, which had struggled through two dry summers, have become infested with broadleaf weeds. Left alone, many of those weeds will continue to grow until the first hard freeze.

Now is actually a good time to apply a selective herbicide treatment to broadleaf weeds that are growing in lawn areas. Many perennial weeds and most winter annuals are actively growing at this time, and therefore susceptible to herbicidal control.

Late fall is also one of the best times to fertilize lawns. The simultaneous application of fertilizer and "weed killer" may seem strange, but most of the available lawn herbicides are artificial growth regulators, which are most effective when the weeds are rapidly growing.

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Fall application of fertilizer will not only boost the effectiveness of the herbicide, but will also promote strong root development in the existing grass. It is important to always read and carefully follow label instructions for mixing, storing, and applying any pesticide product.

For additional information, please contact the Clark County office of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service at 744-4682.

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