UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- If, upon closer inspection, your parched lawn is comprised of more weeds than grass, there's no time like the present to treat your turfgrass for broadleaf weeds.

"The best way to control weeds is to keep your lawn adequately fertilized," says Peter Landschoot, associate professor of turfgrass science. "Never let weeds get a foothold into your lawn. You can reduce weeds by maintaining a dense turf."

Landschoot explains that broadleaf weeds include such plants as dandelions, clover, knotweed and ground ivy. "Weed grasses, like crabgrass, will die soon after the first frost, so there is little point in trying to control those weeds in the fall," he says. "Crabgrass and other weeds can be controlled by using a pre-emergence herbicide in the spring."

Landschoot says homeowners can treat broadleaf weeds using one or a combination of three methods:

--Weed-and-Feed. Landschoot says products that contain granules of herbicide mixed with fertilizer are usually an effective means of weed control. "The herbicide controls the broadleaf weeds and the fertilizer helps the turf grow more densely."

Landschoot recommends waiting for a dew-laden morning to apply a granular product, because moisture must be present on the plants to make the granules stick to the leaves. "Make sure the label says the product is for broadleaf weed control," Landschoot says. "If it says 'crabgrass control' on the bag, do not use it."

--Liquid Application. In small areas, Landschoot says a 1.5- or 3-gallon hand sprayer is very effective for treating weeds. However, if not applied carefully, the herbicide will damage trees, shrubs, garden plants, perennials and other plants.

"You have to know what you are doing with liquid application," he says. "If you use too much, it will kill your lawn."

--Pulling Weeds Manually. "Pulling weeds is labor-intensive unless there are just a few weeds," Landschoot points out. "Many times it is ineffective because pulling weeds often leaves the tap root in the ground, allowing the weed to grow again."

Once a liquid herbicide is used in small areas, or weeds are pulled, a fertilizer can be applied to help the lawn fill in. If large areas have been treated with an herbicide, there is a waiting period of at least four weeks before the lawn can be reseeded.

"If you think you need to apply liquid herbicide and then reseed, make sure you leave enough time to get the turf established," Landschoot says.

He warns that herbicides can have environmental consequences if over-used or applied incorrectly.

"Always follow the directions on the label," he emphasizes. "Read them twice to make sure you understand them. If you're in doubt, ask the garden center manager or call the manufacturer's customer service phone number and talk to a product representative."

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EDITORS: Contact Peter Landschoot at 814-863-1017 or e-mail pjl1@psu.edu.

Contact: Jeff Mulhollem jjm29@psu.edu 814-863-2719 814-863-9877 fax #246