Control of winter annual weeds - Ask Extension
In Southeast Michigan can I apply pendamethalin for control of winter annual weeds?
If not, what can I apply and what is the timing/Temp?
Can I us...
Knowledgebase
Control of winter annual weeds #928516
Asked April 15, 2026, 4:33 PM EDT
In Southeast Michigan can I apply pendamethalin for control of winter annual weeds?
If not, what can I apply and what is the timing/Temp?
Can I use the GDD tracker for this fall application?
Bev
Wayne County Michigan
Expert Response
Bev, where are you trying to control the winter annuals? That will impact what you can apply.
Usually, you can use a preemergence herbicide, but it has to be put down in the late summer to control winter annuals because they germinate then or in the fall. Making an application now will not have any impact (though it may help with summer annual weeds).
I have written this article to try to help address some concerns with winter annuals in lawns and gardens, but I'm happy to answer more specifically once I hear back about your setting.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/spring-blooming-lawn-and-garden-weeds
Usually, you can use a preemergence herbicide, but it has to be put down in the late summer to control winter annuals because they germinate then or in the fall. Making an application now will not have any impact (though it may help with summer annual weeds).
I have written this article to try to help address some concerns with winter annuals in lawns and gardens, but I'm happy to answer more specifically once I hear back about your setting.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/spring-blooming-lawn-and-garden-weeds
