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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Johnsongrass

Johnsongrass is considered one of the worst weeds in the United States. Controlling Johnsongrass is no easy chore. One has to be persistent and somewhat patient but it can be accomplished.  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 Johnsongrass from your lawn. Pre-emergent herbicides kill germinating seeds while post-emergent herbicides only control weeds that are already actively growing. 

Celsius is labeled as a post-emergent products to control Johnsongrass. They work very well if used in accordance with the product labels. It will normally take at least two applications 10 to 14 days apart to obtain good control. Also, the weed needs to be actively growing (May to August)—some experts claim late summer and fall applications work even better than spring applications with this weed. CAUTION: Make certain the product you select can only be in the turf grass you have without harming it.

Unfortunately there are no post-emergent herbicides that are labeled for controlling Johnsongrass in St. Augustinegrass. The ones that will control it can cause a tremendous amount of damage to your St. Augustinegrass. The only solution is to do one or a combination of the following: dig out the Johnsongrass by hand and use pre-emergent herbicides like Pendulum 2G to kill out germinating seeds.  

Best Management Practices courtesy of:

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

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Mustard Weeds

There are several Mustard weeds and examples include: Shepherd’s-purse, Hairy Bittercress, Swinecress, Tansymustard, Pepperweed, and Rockcress. They usually have a strong pungent odor when crushed. Since these are cool season annual plants, they only come back from seed each year, usually germinating in the fall season and possibly into the winter.  Pre-emergent herbicides work well to kill these germinating seeds. Timing of application is critical so as to have a herbicide barrier in place at germination. Normally, an application of a pre-emergent in early/mid September will work well. 

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

Herbicides can be effective if used when the mustard weeds are very young/immature and actively growing. In other words, 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. CAUTION: Make sure you read the labels carefully for the tolerance level of your specific turfgrass for all herbicides and for the specific mustard weed you are trying to control.  

                                                                           Best Management Practices courtesy of:

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

Best Management Practices:

Prostrate Knotweed

Prostrate knotweed is a warm season, annual broadleaf weed that has prostrate, mat-forming, branched stems. Its leaves are smooth, alternate, and somewhat blue-green in color. These linear/oblong leaves join to the stems by a sheathing membrane and its dull brown seeds stay viable for many years. Its presence is usually considered a sign for compacted soils as well.  

Prostate knotweed begins its life by germinating in the early spring from seed. Pre-emergent herbicides work by killing germinating seeds from weedy plants like prostrate knotweed.  Normally, an application of a pre-emergent like Pendulum 2G or Anderson 11-3-11 (Pendimethalin) or Balan 2.5 G in late February will work well. Remember, though, that this weed may germinate into the summer—so, a second pre-emergent application in the month of May is recomended.

If your weeds escape 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 prostrate knotweed is very young/immature and actively growing. Do not wait until late summer when these annual broadleaf weeds are flowering and mature. Examples of an effective product to be used are: Weed Free Zone and Trimec Southern. 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:

Puncturevine (Goathead)

Puncturevine, also known as “goathead”, is a warm season, annual broadleaf weed. This weed is well known for having seeds that remain dormant for several years; thus, building a seed bank that has to be dealt with for several growing seasons. 

A quality pre-emergent will kill the germinating seeds as they attempt to emerge. A pre-emergent program should include applications in middle February, middle May and middle September, the critical applications for controlling puncturevine are the applications in February and May.  

There are several pre-emergent herbicides that can be used to control puncturevine 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 puncturevine that was not controlled by pre-emergent, you may need to apply a post-emergent herbicide. These herbicides can be effective if used when the puncturevine is very young/immature and actively growing. Effective products are 2-4-D Amine #4, Weed Freezone, and Trimec Southern. They work very well if used in the correct manner. It may require multiple applications to obtain  control with these post-emergent products. 

Make certain you read the entire lablel when using any pesticide to insure it is safe for the type lawn you have. 

Best Management Practices courtesy of:

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

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Rescuegrass

Rescuegrass is a cool season, annual grassy weed that normally has dense hair on the leaves and a flattened spikelet in the seedhead, which is made up of several branches. Rescuegrass only comes back from seed each year, usually germinating in the fall season. 

Rescuegrass can be controlled with a quality Pre-emergent herbicide program. Normally, an application of a pre-emergent in late September is appropriate for winter annual weeds.  Remember, though, that this weed may germinate into the winter—so, a second pre-emergent application in November may be warranted.  pre-emergent herbicides do a fair job with this weed.  Examples of quality pre-emergent herbicides to be used are: Pendulum 2G or Anderson 11-3-11, and Balan 2.5 G. Revolver and Celsius are post emergent herbicides that will work effectively to control rescuegrass that has escaped a pre-emergent application. These herbicides should be applied when the rescuegrass is very young/immature and actively growing. 

These products work well if used in the correct manner. READ THE LABEL very carefully prior to application.   

Best Management Practices courtesy of:

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

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Chickweed

Chickweed is a cool season, winter annual broadleaf weed that has oval-shaped leaves that are smooth and opposite of each other.  Chickweed is a matt-forming plant that has numerous branched stems that normally lie flat on the ground. The flowers of chickweed are white with five deeply notched petals.  As an annual plant it only comes back from seed each year. 

Chickweed begins its life by germinating in the fall from seed.  Pre-emergent herbicides work by killing germinating seeds from weedy plants like chickweed.  Normally, an application of a pre-emergent in mid-September will work well but a second pre-emergent application in November may be warranted.

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

These post-emergent herbicides can be effective if used when the chickweed is very young/immature and actively growing.  Examples of effective post-emergent herbicides include:  Trimec Southern, Certainty and Weed Free Zone. These 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:

Corn Speedwell

Corn speedwell is a low growing, cool season, annual broadleaf weed that has oval or egg-shaped leaves with toothed margins and prominent veins. The leaves and stems will have fine hairs on them and the flowers of corn speedwell are light blue. It is considered a winter annual that usually germinates in the fall season and into winter.

Pre-emergent herbicides work by killing germinating seeds from weedy plants like corn speedwell. Normally, an application of a pre-emergent in mid-September will work well. 

There are several pre-emergent herbicides that can be used to control corn speedwell 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).

These herbicides can be effective if used when the corn speedwell is very young/immature and actively growing. Examples of effective post-emergent herbicides include: Trimec Southern, 2-4-D Amine #4, and Weed Free Zone. They work very well if used in the correct manner and in accordance with the product label. 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:

Crabgrass

Crabgrass is a warm season, annual grassy weed that normally has dense hair on the leaves and a finger-like seedhead with two to nine thin branches. Crabgrass only comes back from seed each year, usually germinating in the early spring season. 

Pre-emergent herbicides work by killing germinating seeds from weedy plants like crabgrass. Normally, an application of a pre-emergent in mid/late February will work well.  Remember, though, that this weed may germinate into the summer...so, a second pre-emergent application in early May is usually warranted.

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

These herbicides can be effective if used when the crabgrass is very young/immature and actively growing. Examples of effective products are Q4, Quintessential (Quinclorac) and Celsius. It may require multiple applications to obtain excellent control with these post-emergent products. CAUTION: Crab-E-Rad and Drive can only be used on bermudagrass and zoysiagrass turf sites --- NOT ST. AUGUSTINEGRASS! If you do decide to spot spray with these post-emergent herbicides in St. Augustinegrass, you can expect at least some damage to the surrounding St. Augustinegrass unless you are extremely careful not to get any on your turf.  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:

Dallisgrass

Dallisgrass is a perennial, warm season grass with short thick rhizomes. This means that it grows primarily from March to November and comes back from its root system each year, as well as from seed. A good identification characteristic is the seed head formation (3 to 7 branches with spikelets arranged in four rows).

Controlling dallisgrass is no easy chore but control can be accomplished. 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 dallisgrass from your lawn. Pre-emergent herbicides kill germinating seeds while post-emergent herbicides only control weeds that are already actively growing. 

Certainty is one of the best post-emergent products on the market used to control dallisgrass.  It works very well if used in the correct manner. It will normally take at least two applications 10 to 14 days apart to obtain excellent control. Also, the weed needs to be actively growing (May to August).   

Unfortunately there are no post-emergent herbicides that are labeled for controlling dallisgrass in St. Augustinegrass. The only solution is to do one or a combination of the following: dig out the dallisgrass by hand, use pre-emergent herbicides. One can also spot spray with a non-selective herbicide like RoundUp QuickPro (Glyphosate). If you do decide to spot spray, you can expect at least some damage to the surrounding St. Augustinegrass unless you are extremely careful not to get any on your turf. 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

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Dandelion

Dandelion is probably one of most recognized problematic weeds and grows throughout most of the United States.  It is a perennial broadleaf weed that has slightly to deeply lobed leaves with lobes that point toward the base of the plant.  Not only can they reproduce by seed but by segments of root parts as well.

Since a dandelion is a perennial broadleaf weed it comes back from its base/crown each year and reproduces by seed.  With dandelions, it will take both pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides to obtain control.

There is only one pre-emergent herbicide that can be used to help control dandelions in most turfgrass sites including bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass, Zoysiagrass, and Buffalograss.  This pre-emergent product that works specifically on broadleaf weeds is Portrait/Gallery (Isoxaben).

As stated earlier, it will take post-emergent herbicides to control this weed.  These herbicides can be effective if used when the dandelions are actively growing.  Some experts have stated that fall applications are even more effective than spring—or at least when the plant is in the “puffball” stage.  Examples of effective post-emergent herbicides include: 2-4-D Amine #4, Certainty, Weed Free Zone and Trimec Southern.  These products work well when application rates and application methods are used properly and in accordance with Product Label.  CAUTION:  Make sure you also 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:

Common Bermudagrass

Common bermudagrass is used as a turfgrass and is a perennial, warm season grass with long rhizomes and wiry stolons (both underground and above ground rooting/budding parts).  This means that it actively grows primarily from March through November and comes back from its root system each year, as well as from seed. 

Controlling bermudagrass is no easy chore.  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 bermudagrass from your lawn. 

Bermudagrass is unlike other weeds in that it can be extremely difficult to kill.  Killzall 41%, Roundup Quik Pro Dry, or Ranger Pro, (All Glyphosates) are the best solution but using this product in other turfgrass sites means taking out your own turfgrass too.  For those of you with zoysiagrass and tall fescue lawns, a good product that will not injury your turf is Ornamec 170 (Fluazifop-P-butyl).  With both Roundup,  and Ornamec 170, it will normally take several applications to obtain good control. 

Unfortunately there are no post-emergent herbicides that are labeled for controlling bermudagrass in St. Augustinegrass.  The ones that will control it can cause a tremendous amount of damage to your St. Augustinegrass.  Another method that will benefit St. Augustinegrass more than common bermudagrass is to mow at a higher height (approx. 3” to 4”) and to not exceed 3-4 pounds of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per year with your fertility program.  Bermudagrass seems to be more aggressive when mowed at a shorter height along with increased amounts of nitrogen.

Best Management Practices courtesy of:

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

Best Management Practices:

Matt Chafflower

Matt Chafflower is a warm season, perennial broadleaf weed that has opposite, elliptic to spatula-shaped leaves that are dark green and waxy. Its flowers are white and papery and are found in the leaf axils. Being a warm season, perennial plant means that it comes back from its root system each year, normally in the late spring. As with most perennials, it also can be established from its seed source that it produces each year. Another weed that is similar to matt chafflower and in the same plant “genus” is khakiweed. It, too, forms a matt but does not have the waxy coating on its leaf surface as matt chafflower does and its leaves are light green in color. 

Pre-emergent herbicides work by killing germinating seeds and these types of herbicides can assist with the control of matt chafflower, but it will take a post-emergent herbicide to accomplish complete control of this perennial weed. There are several pre-emergent herbicides that can be used to assist with the control of matt chafflower 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 . 

Remember, you need to use a post-emergent herbicide on this perennial weed. These herbicides can be effective if used when the matt chafflower is actively growing—which may be from May to July. Examples of an effective product are: Weed Free Zone and Trimec Southern but may require multiple applications, especially with Trimec.  

Read the Product Label to ensure proper application and turfgrass tolerances! NOTE: The same herbicidal program can be used to successfully control khakiweed, too.

Best Management Practices courtesy of:

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