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| Green & Growing (Fall 2006) |
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Time to kill tough perennial weeds
For some tough perennial weeds, autumn is the time you should go for the kill. “In the spring many tough weeds such as poison ivy, bind weed, and creeping charlie emerge well rested and ready to grow,” notes Mary Ann deVries, horticulturist with Iowa State University Extension, Polk County.
“That makes them tough to control early in the growing season. But in fall, these perennials are moving their reserves from the foliage to the root. Herbicides applied to the leaves at this time of year are carried to the root zone where they can be truly effective.”
Beware of herbicide drift
deVries advises you identify the problem weed and then check with local plant experts for the best herbicide and timing. Beware of herbicide drift that can kill nearby desirable plants. Drift can happen on windy days, or on still hot days.
“Some herbicides, especially 2,4-D compounds, volatilize when temps hit 85 degrees,” deVries notes. “Volatilized herbicides can drift and injure nearby plants, even if there is no wind.”
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