best ahd safest weed killer - Ask Extension
If I am not using any pesti cides near the fruit and vegetables I am growing , though wanting to keep weeds out of my mulched paths and lawn, what are...
Knowledgebase
best ahd safest weed killer #870223
Asked May 27, 2024, 12:52 AM EDT
If I am not using any pesti cides near the fruit and vegetables I am growing , though wanting to keep weeds out of my mulched paths and lawn, what are the safest, most effectoive weed killers, please?
Ingham County Michigan
Expert Response
Nell, it kind of depends on the weeds. In a mulched path you could use a preemergence herbicide (like Preen, active ingredient trifluralin) to prevent annual weeds from coming up from seed. This will not control any weeds that are already present. This product is a granular, so that helps avoid drift into your sensitive areas.
If the weeds are already established, you can sometimes find products with applicators that have a foam setting. This also helps avoid movement to the sensitive areas. The exact herbicide again will depend on the weeds present. Something like a Roundup Weed and Grass Killer (active ingredients: triclopyr, fumioxazin, diquat) would be good for numerous types of weeds. Be sure to read and follow all labeled directions for maximum efficacy, as well as personal and environmental safety. The label will also advise on how long to keep people and pets out of the area after application.
In the lawn there are more options. The weed and feed type granular products (active ingredients such as 2,4-D, mecoprop, dicamba) are likely the best option so long as you can avoid the spreader flinging the granules into your sensitive areas, you also want to observe temperature limitations (usually not applying when temperatures are >80-85F. These products also come in applicators that attach to the hose, this is a heavier stream of liquid that a spray and also less likely to drift. If you have grassy weeds in your lawn, this will not be an effective strategy, these products only target broadleaf weeds.
Please let me know if you have specific weeds in mind to control to see if we can tailor this further. If you have photos those may also be helpful to attach.
Please note that I will be out of the office on vacation from June 4-19, so I may not respond right away or the question may be assigned to someone else during that period. You can also reach out to me via email (<personal data hidden>) if that is helpful...again, you'll get my away message during that time, but I'll see it when I get back.
If the weeds are already established, you can sometimes find products with applicators that have a foam setting. This also helps avoid movement to the sensitive areas. The exact herbicide again will depend on the weeds present. Something like a Roundup Weed and Grass Killer (active ingredients: triclopyr, fumioxazin, diquat) would be good for numerous types of weeds. Be sure to read and follow all labeled directions for maximum efficacy, as well as personal and environmental safety. The label will also advise on how long to keep people and pets out of the area after application.
In the lawn there are more options. The weed and feed type granular products (active ingredients such as 2,4-D, mecoprop, dicamba) are likely the best option so long as you can avoid the spreader flinging the granules into your sensitive areas, you also want to observe temperature limitations (usually not applying when temperatures are >80-85F. These products also come in applicators that attach to the hose, this is a heavier stream of liquid that a spray and also less likely to drift. If you have grassy weeds in your lawn, this will not be an effective strategy, these products only target broadleaf weeds.
Please let me know if you have specific weeds in mind to control to see if we can tailor this further. If you have photos those may also be helpful to attach.
Please note that I will be out of the office on vacation from June 4-19, so I may not respond right away or the question may be assigned to someone else during that period. You can also reach out to me via email (<personal data hidden>) if that is helpful...again, you'll get my away message during that time, but I'll see it when I get back.
Thank you - I will likely send more detail though you may be out of the office - I appreciate your careful and helpful answer - Nell
