Colubrina Texensis

Benefits of Using Pre-Emergent Herbicide on Your Lawn

Introduction: Pre-emergent herbicides are a valuable tool for maintaining a healthy and weed-free lawn. Applied before weed seeds germinate, these products prevent weeds from establishing themselves, leading to a cleaner and more vibrant lawn throughout the growing season.

Benefits:

1. Weed Prevention: Pre-emergent herbicides create a barrier in the soil that inhibits weed seed germination. This means fewer weeds sprouting up in your lawn, reducing the need for manual weeding later on.

2. Long-lasting Control: Properly applied pre-emergents can provide control for several months, effectively targeting weeds at their earliest stage of growth.

3. Preserve Lawn Health: By preventing weeds from competing with your grass for water, nutrients, and sunlight, pre-emergent herbicides help your lawn stay healthy and lush.

4. Cost Efficiency: Investing in pre-emergent herbicides can save money on labor-intensive weed control methods and lawn restoration.

5. Environmental Benefits: Targeted application reduces the need for broad-spectrum herbicides, minimizing environmental impact.

Application Tips:

• Timing is Key: Apply pre-emergents before soil temperatures consistently reach the optimal range for weed seed germination, typically in early spring or fall.

• Even Coverage: Ensure uniform application to maximize effectiveness. Follow manufacturer instructions regarding application rates and methods.

• Watering In: Water the product lightly after application to activate it within the soil.

Conclusion: Using pre-emergent herbicides is a proactive step towards maintaining a weed-free lawn, promoting healthier turf growth, and reducing maintenance efforts throughout the season.

Discover the Benefits of Pre-Emergent Herbicides. Prevent weeds before they sprout and enjoy a healthier, more vibrant lawn. Visit BES-TEX Supply for expert advice and products.

Start your weed prevention today! Call 325.653.1300 or visit us at 4512 Adobe Dr., San Angelo, TX 76903

Best Management Practices:

King Ranch Bluestem

King Ranch Bluestem (KR Bluestem) is a perennial grassy weed that shoots up a seed head on a long stem within a couple of days after mowing. The seed head formation is usually a purplish/maroon color that has several small branches that form the shape of a hand. Another good characteristic is the fuzzy hair at the nodes on the foot long stem.

Unfortunately, pre-emergent herbicides alone will not control this perennial weed. Remember, this plant comes back from its roots each year, so it will take both pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides to take out King Ranch Bluestem from your lawn. Pre-emergent herbicides kill germinating seeds while post-emergent herbicides only control weeds that are already actively growing. So make sure that you select your herbicide carefully.

Unfortunately there are no post-emergent herbicides that are labeled for controlling this weed in St. Augustinegrass. The only solution is to do one or a combination of the following: dig out the King Ranch Bluestem by hand; use pre-emergent herbicides like Balan 2.5 G, Crabgrass Control or Pendulum 2G.

KR Bluestem can be extremely invasive in Pastures and Costal Bermuda Fields. KR Bluestem begins to emerge from the root structure when the soil temperatures reach 60 degrees and the seeds will germinate at 70 degrees. Pastora Herbicide, by Bayer, has been shown to be effective in the control of KR Bluestem when used in accordance with the Product Label during mid summer, i.e. in July and again in September. Applications should be made after Cutting, baleing and the removal of hay. The KR Bluestem will be the first growth to appear after hay has been cut.  Application rate is one ounce per acre plus surfactant. Control is most effetive when applied both in July and again in September. The maximum application of 2 1/2 ounces per season is recomended.    

All Pesticides must be used in accordance with the Manufaturers Product Label.
 

Best Management Practices courtesy of:

Bes-Tex Supply, LLC P.O. Box 664 San Angelo, Texas 76902 Ph. 325-653-1300

Best Management Practices:

Bluegrass

Annual Bluegrass, referred to as Poa Annua is a cool season, annual grassy weed that normally has small white seed heads and a canoe-shaped leaf. Annual Bluegrass comes back from seed each year, usually germinating in the early fall season.  Annual bluegrass creates havoc in lawns because it will germinate seeds throughout the winter as well. Annual bluegrass begins its life by germinating in the fall from seed.  Pre-emergent herbicides work by killing germinating seeds from weedy plants like annual bluegrass.  Normally, an application of a pre-emergent in early/mid September will work well.  A second pre-emergent application in November may be needed.

There are several pre-emergent herbicides that can be used to control annual bluegrass in most turfgrass sites including bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass, zoysiagrass, and buffalograss.  Examples include Pendulum 2G or Anderson 11-3-11 (Pendimethalin) and Balan 2.5 G (Benefin). 

If you have annual bluegrass that escapes the pre-emergent or you do not apply a pre-emergent, you may need to apply a post-emergent herbicide.  Post-emergent herbicides can be effective if used when the annual bluegrass is very young/immature and actively growing. Examples of effective products are Revolver and Certainty.  These products works very well if used in the correct manner and it may require multiple applications. CAUTION: Read the labels carefully for the tolerance level of your specific turfgrass for all herbicides. 

Best Management Practices courtesy of:

BES-TEX Supply, LLC    P.O. Box 664    San Angelo, Texas 76902    325.653.1300

Best Management Practices:

Spreading Dayflower

Spreading dayflower is a rather unique plant that grows in moist areas in Texas. It is a warm season, annual lily-like herb that has parallel-veined, alternate, lance-shaped leaves. The flowers of dayflower are blue in color with three petals and normally only last one day—hence the name. Being a warm season, annual plant means that it comes back from seed each year, usually germinating in the spring season and possibly into the summer.  Dayflower can also propagate from stem fragments as well. 

The best defense against weeds like dayflower is a healthy, dense turf---and it takes all of these components to create this beautiful, weed-free lawn that you desire.

Dayflower begins its life by germinating in the spring from seed. Pre-emergent herbicides work by killing germinating seeds. Unfortunately, this particular weed is relatively tolerant to most pre-emergent herbicides. So, trying to control dayflower this way may be frustrating. An application of a pre-emergent in late February and May can help, but ultimately you will need to control dayflower with post-emergent herbicides.

The most effective way to control spreading dayflower is with post-emergent herbicides. These herbicides can be effective if used when the dayflower is very young/immature and actively growing. Trimec Southern and Weed Free Zone are excellent choices to control dayflower. Each of these works very well if used in the correct manner. Make sure you READ THE LABEL very carefully prior to application. It may require multiple applications to obtain excellent control with these post-emergent products. CAUTION: Make sure you read the labels carefully for the tolerance level of your specific turfgrass for all herbicides. 

Best Management Practices courtesy of:

Bes-Tex Supply, LLC P.O. Box 664 San Angelo, Texas 76902 Ph. 325-653-1300

 Best Management Practices:

Spurges

Spotted spurge is a warm season, annual broadleaf weed that has prostrate branched stems with red-spotted, opposite leaves. Its stem contains a “milky sap” and very similar but will not have the spotted leaves. Being a warm season, annual plant means that it only comes back from seed each year, usually germinating in the spring season and possibly into the summer. 

Spurge germinates in the spring from seed. Pre-emergent herbicides will to kill the seed. Normally, an application of a pre-emergent in late February will work well. This weed may germinate into the summer and a second pre-emergent application in the month of May is required.

There are several pre-emergent herbicides that can be used to control spurge in most turfgrass sites including Bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass, Zoysiagrass, and Buffalograss. Examples include Pendulum 2G or Anderson 11-3-11 (Pendimethalin) and Balan 2.5 G. Post emergent herbicides can be effective if used when the spurge is very young/immature and actively growing. Effective post-emergent herbicides include: Weed Free Zone and Trimec Southern work very well if used in the correct manner.

Make sure you READ THE LABEL very carefully prior to application.  It may require multiple applications to obtain excellent control with these post-emergent products. CAUTION: Make sure you read the labels carefully for the tolerance level of your specific turfgrass for all herbicides. 


                                          Best Management Practices courtesy of:

Bes-Tex Supply, LLC P.O. Box 664 San Angelo, Texas 76902 Ph. 325-653-1300

Best Management Practices:

Field Sandbur (Grassbur)

Field sandbur, also known as “grassbur”, is a warm season, annual grassy weed that normally has "reddish" stems at the base of the plant, sandpapery but smooth leaves, and a spiny bur in its seed head. Being a warm season, annual plant means that it only comes back from seed each year, usually germinating in the mid/late spring season. Grassbur also creates havoc in lawns because it will germinate seeds throughout the summer as well. 

Pre-emergent herbicides work by killing germinating seeds from weedy plants like grassbur.  Timing of application is critical so as to have a herbicide barrier in place at germination. Normally, an application of a pre-emergent in late February or early March will work well. Remember, though, that this weed may germinate into the summer—so, a second pre-emergent application in early May is warranted.

There are several pre-emergent herbicides that can be used to control grassbur in most turfgrass sites including bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass, zoysiagrass, and buffalograss.  Examples include: Pendulum 2G or Anderson 11-3-11 (Pendimethalin) and Balan 2.5 G .   

If you have grassbur that escapes the pre-emergent or you do not apply a pre-emergent, you may need to apply a post-emergent herbicide. These herbicides can be effective if used when the grassbur is very young/immature and actively growing. Examples of effective products are Celsius and Pastora. They work very well together if used in the correct manner.  It may require multiple applications to obtain excellent control with these post-emergent products. CAUTION:  MSMA can only be used on bermudagrass and zoysiagrass turf sites --- NOT ST. AUGUSTINEGRASS!  Image, on the other hand, can be used on St. Augustinegrass, but may not perform as well as MSMA.  So make sure there is no wind to avoid drift and set your sprayer to where the droplet size is much larger (not a fine mist).

Best Management Practices courtesy of:

Bes-Tex Supply, LLC P.O. Box 664 San Angelo, Texas 76902 Ph. 325-653-1300

Best Management Practices:

Goosegrass

Goosegrass can also grow in highly compacted soils like walkways and parking lots. In fact, goosegrass growing in turfgrass sites is usually a sign of heavy compaction. It is a warm season, annual grassy weed that has a white to silver color at the crown/base, individual plants/tillers originating from the base and a seed head with spikelets. Being a warm season, annual plant means that it only comes back from seed each year, usually germinating in the spring season. 

Goosegrass begins its life by germinating in the spring from seed. Pre-emergent herbicides work by killing germinating seeds from weedy plants like goosegrass. Normally, an application of a pre-emergent in late February to early March will work well. Remember, though, that this weed will germinate into the summer—so, a second pre-emergent application in May will be warranted.

There are several pre-emergent herbicides that can be used to control goosegrass in most turfgrass sites including bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass, zoysiagrass, and buffalograss. Examples include: Pendulum 2G or Anderson 11-3-11 (Pendimethalin) and Balan 2.5 G .  

If you have goosegrass that escapes the pre-emergent or you do not apply a pre-emergent, you may need to apply a post-emergent herbicide. These herbicides can be effective if used when the goosegrass is very young/immature and actively growing.

CAUTION: Read the labels carefully for the tolerance level of your specific turfgrass for all herbicides.

Best Management Practices courtesy of:

Bes-Tex Supply, LLC P.O. Box 664 San Angelo, Texas 76902 Ph. 325-653-1300

 Best Management Practices:

Henbit 

Henbit is a cool season, annual broadleaf weed that has greenish to purplish four-sided stems. Its egg-shaped leaves surround the stem and will have toothed margins with prominent veins on the underside. The flowers of Henbit are reddish to purplish and may have dark colored spots on the lower petal. Henbit comes back from seed each year, usually germinating in the fall season and possibly into the winter. 

Henbit begins its life by germinating in the fall from seed. Pre-emergent herbicides work by killing germinating seeds from weedy plants like henbit. Normally, an application of a pre-emergent in early/mid September will work well. This weed may germinate into the winter—so, a second pre-emergent application in November may be warranted.

There are several pre-emergent herbicides that can be used to control Henbit in most turfgrass sites including Bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass, Zoysiagrass, and Buffalograss. Examples include Pendulum 2G or Anderson 11-3-11 (Pendimethalin) and Balan 2.5 G. 

If you have Henbit that escapes the pre-emergent or you do not apply a pre-emergent, you may need to apply a post-emergent herbicide. These herbicides can be effective if used when the Henbit is very young/immature and actively growing. Some examples of effective post-emergent herbicides are Weed Free Zone, and Trimec Southern. They work very well if used in the correct manner. It may require multiple applications to obtain excellent control with these post-emergent products. CAUTION: Make sure you read the labels carefully for the tolerance level of your specific turfgrass for all herbicides.  
 

Best Management Practices courtesy of:

Bes-Tex Supply, LLC P.O. Box 664 San Angelo, Texas 76902 Ph. 325-653-1300

Best Management Practices:

Hop or Bur-Clover

Bur and Hop Clover are cool season, annual broadleaf weeds that have round stems with leaves made up of three leaflets. These leaflets are somewhat oval or egg-shaped and the tops of the leaves are normally rounded with a very small indention in the middle. The flowers of hop and bur clover are numerous and yellow in color. Being a cool season, annual plant means that it only comes back from seed each year, usually germinating in the fall season and possibly into the winter. 

Pre-emergent herbicides work by killing germinating seeds from weedy plants like bur or hop clover. Normally, an application of a pre-emergent in mid-September will work well. Remember, though, that this weed may germinate into the winter—so, a second pre-emergent application in November may be warranted.

There are several pre-emergent herbicides that can be used to control bur or hop clover in most turfgrass sites including Bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass, Zoysiagrass, and Buffalograss.  Examples include: Pendulum 2G or Anderson 11-3-11 (Pendimethalin) and Balan 2.5 G. 

If you have bur or hop clover that escapes the pre-emergent or you do not apply a pre-emergent, you may need to apply a post-emergent herbicide. These herbicides can be effective if used when these winter clovers are very young/immature and actively growing. Do not wait until late winter when these annual broadleaf weeds are flowering and mature. Examples of effective post-emergent herbicides include: Weed Free Zone and Trimec Southern. It may require multiple applications to obtain excellent control with these post-emergent products. CAUTION: Make sure you read the labels carefully for the tolerance level of your specific turfgrass for all herbicides.

Best Management Practices courtesy of:

Bes-Tex Supply, LLC P.O. Box 664 San Angelo, Texas 76902 Ph. 325-653-1300