October and November are important months for your Texas lawn.Most annual winter grasses and weeds that plague lawns in late winter and early spring begin to germinate in September and October.
The best way to stop them in the lawn is to apply a pre-emergence herbicide before the weed seeds start to germinate. Now is a good time to work on this problem as well. Pre-emergent herbicides are chemicals that kill weed seedlings as they germinate. They are not effective once weeds grow beyond the seedling stage. They should be applied according to the label in a uniform broadcast treatment, followed by at least 1/2 inch of rain or irrigation to move the product down to the soil where it is activated.
Post-emergence herbicides are used for weeds which have already begun to show up. You have to be careful with these because most of them can damage St. Augustine grass if temperatures are in the mid to upper 80’s. There is a “window” of time in the fall to catch the broadleaf winter weeds. The earlier you catch them the better. Just watch out for days which are too warm. Also be careful not to get them on desirable flowers, shrubs, etc. They don’t know the difference between a broadleaf weed and a broadleaf ornamental!
Over-seeding is generally not recommended on St. Augustine lawns. It competes with the grass for sunlight, nutrients and water. The additional competition from over-seeding slows spring recovery of the turf. If your turf is stressed or weak already, avoid over-seeding altogether. It will only make the problem worse.
Remember to reduce your watering as temperatures start to cool off over the next few months. Turf will not need the typical 1” per week watering. Excessive water will only be wasted. Reducing or turning off irrigation will not only save water but will reduce your water bill.
If you need help with your pre and post emergent application, call First Response Lawn Care Rockwall today at (214) 701-7622.