Knowledgebase
Weed killer #876307
Asked July 08, 2024, 11:07 AM EDT
Roscommon County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi, I want to make sure I understand your question correctly. Are you looking for a chemical that safe to use in the lawn? It's helpful if you can send me a photo of the area you're trying to treat. The treatment options will vary depending on the weed you are trying to control.
Pencross creeping putting green
You have a few different broadleaf weeds there: white clover, dandelion, broadleaf plantain and mouse-ear chickweed. These are all perennial species that may require more than one application to kill.
Late summer into fall (end of August-early October) will be the most effective time to start treating these species. Effective broadleaf herbicides include 2,4-D, MCPP, MCPA, dicamba, and others. Simply look for a product that contains 2-3 of these active ingredients and states that it is 'safe for lawns'.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/controlling_broadleaf_weeds_in_the_lawn_is_best_done_in_october
Penn State Extension has a very comprehensive guide on this: https://extension.psu.edu/weed-management-in-turf
Please also note that the putting green cultivar of creeping bentgrass that you mentioned does not perform very well in Michigan. You can reference this article for recommended cultivars to try. https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/236/68936/2008-Bentgrass-Cultivar-Recommendations-for-Michigan-Putting-Greens.pdf