Whether you’re dealing with weeds growing through your concrete or pavers or these pesky plants have invaded your garden or lawn, eliminating them quickly is crucial.
In this guide, we will walk you through the process of using weedkiller efficiently to solve the problem and prevent future weed growth.
What is weedkiller?
But first, let’s look at what we mean when we talk about weed killer spray.
Dealing with weeds can be incredibly annoying and challenging, especially when they keep coming back. Traditional methods of weed removal can be quite labour-intensive and exhausting, so there needed to be a more effective solution.
Weedkillers, also known as herbicides, are specially formulated chemical solutions designed to target and eliminate specific types of weeds efficiently. No matter what kind of weed problem you're facing, there's a weedkiller available that will get the job done.
What weedkiller should you use?
Before we discuss how to use weedkiller, it’s important to select the right product for your specific needs.
Various weedkillers are available, ranging from household remedies to commercial herbicides. Choosing a product that aligns with your weed needs will give you the best chance of success.
There are six types of herbicide that you can use. Let’s look at each:
Selective herbicides
Selective herbicides target specific types of weeds without harming surrounding grass or plants. These herbicides work by exploiting the biological differences between the weeds and the plants you want to protect.
For example, selective herbicides might inhibit the growth of a weed, by preventing a specific enzyme used for photosynthesis that is not found in desirable plants. Disrupting these processes effectively kills the weed without harming other plants.
They are ideal for use on lawns or agricultural areas, where vegetation preservation is essential while controlling weeds.
However, selective herbicides can still have unintended consequences. The selective process for targeting weeds can both affect plants with similar biological characteristics, and ignore resistant strains of weeds.
Non-selective herbicides
These provide a broad-spectrum solution, killing almost all vegetation they come into contact with. Non-selective herbicides act quickly, often showing results within a matter of days, or even hours. They are suitable for use on various applications, and can handle multiple weed species.
They are best used in areas where total vegetation clearance is needed, such as driveways, walkways, or for initial clearing of overgrown garden areas.
However, non-selective herbicides are non-discriminatory, meaning they will kill all vegetation, regardless of species. Overuse can lead to soil degradation, and can be considered harmful to humans or animals. Also, while they kill existing weeds, they do not prevent new ones from sprouting.
Contact herbicides
Contact herbicides work only on the parts of the plant they come into contact with, causing damage to visible foliage quickly. This targeted approach makes them effective for annual weeds or young weeds without extensive root systems.
The chemicals break down quickly and don’t linger in the soil, which minimises the environmental impact of the herbicide. They are safer to use in florally busy areas, as they have less impact on the surrounding plantlike.
However, contact herbicides have limited potential, so multiple applications may be necessary for complete control. As they do not kill weed roots, regrowth is possible.
Systemic herbicides
Systemic herbicides are absorbed through the foliage and transported throughout the plant, right down to the roots.
They are particularly effective on perennial weeds as they kill the entire plant, including the root system, reducing the chance of regrowth. They can be used on a wide variety of weeds, and once applied, will continue to work without the need for reapplication.
However, the process is much slower than other herbicides, and the chemicals can spread to nearby desirable plants as they are absorbed into the soil. They can be harmful to humans and animals if not handled properly.
Pre-emergent herbicides
Pre-emergent herbicides stop weed seeds from germinating. They create a chemical barrier at the soil surface that stops the development of new seedlings, and therefore are most effective when applied before the weed growth begins.
Pre-emergent herbicides are a great preventative measure for maintaining weed-free conditions. They are effective for use on large areas, and reduce the labour of controlling weeds once grown. Not only that, but they are a great, cost-effective measure.
However, they need to be applied before weed seeds germinate, which requires precise timing. They only work on seeds and seedlings, and have no effect on established weeds. They are also heavily influenced by weather conditions, so a heavy downfall can be their undoing.
Post-emergent herbicides
Opposite to pre-emergent herbicides, post-emergent herbicides are applied after weeds have emerged and are visible. They manage existing weed problems, which means they are best used on specific areas rather than a wide scope.
Post-emergent herbicides can be either contact or systemic, and are effective on weeds that have developed resistant to pre-emergent or other types of herbicides.
However, the effectiveness of post-emergent herbicides depends on the weed's life cycle stage, as younger weeds are typically easier to control than mature ones. They are also a temporary solution, as they do not prevent new weeds from growing.
How do you use weedkiller?
Effectively using weedkiller requires careful planning and execution. To help you tackle your weed issue, we’ve outlined some steps to follow, regardless of what weedkiller you use.
Identify your target
The first step is to identify the types of weeds you need to eliminate. As we’ve already covered, different weeds may require different types of herbicides, so identification is very important.
Observe the area you intend to target, and take note of the weed species that are causing trouble. This will help you select the most appropriate herbicide for the job.
Read the instructions
It might sound like being told how to suck eggs, but we cannot stress how important it is to read the label and instructions provided by the manufacturer. Herbicides contain chemicals that can be harmful to humans, animals, and other plant life if used incorrectly.
Pay close attention to safety guidelines, recommended application rates, and the best time to apply the herbicide. Following the instructions will help you achieve the best results while minimising any potential risks.
Watch the weather
When applying herbicides, timing is everything. Weather plays a huge role in the effectiveness of weedkiller when applied.
For the best results, select a calm, dry day to prevent the herbicide from drifting and affecting non-target plants. Rain or windy conditions can wash away and dilute the herbicide, reducing its effectiveness.
Prepare the area
Before spraying the herbicide, clear the target area of any debris. The aim is to make the weeds as accessible as possible to the weedkiller. Wet the ground slightly if the product instructions recommend it.
This helps the herbicide to be absorbed more effectively by the weeds. Additionally, if you are using a pre-emergent herbicide, make sure to apply it before the weeds start to germinate.
Prepare the weedkiller
Some herbicides need to be diluted before use. If necessary, follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing the weedkiller. Use clean equipment to avoid contamination.
Mixing the weedkiller correctly ensures that you apply the right concentration, which is crucial for effective weed control.
Safety first
When using weedkiller, always wear appropriate protective gear. Gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection will help to prevent any contact with the chemical.
This is important for your safety and helps prevent any adverse reactions that might occur from exposure to the herbicide.
Apply the weedkiller
Using a sprayer or watering can, apply the weedkiller to the weeds. Thoroughly coat the leaves of the weeds, as this is how the herbicide will be absorbed. Avoid overspraying, as excess weedkiller may spread to, and damage, desirable plants.
If you are treating a large area, use a sweeping motion to cover the vegetation completely. Work your way systematically across the area to ensure no areas are missed.
Maintain the right distance from the weeds. Typically, keeping the nozzle about 6 to 12 inches away from the target weeds should ensure adequate coverage.
This is especially valuable when using non-selective herbicides, which can harm any vegetation they come into contact with. A systematic approach also prevents wastage of the product.
Wait, watch, and act
After applying the weedkiller, give it time to take effect. Different herbicides work at different speeds. Contact herbicides may show results within hours or days, while systemic herbicides may take weeks to work properly. Be patient and monitor the treated area for signs of weed distress.
Depending on the herbicide used, take note of the average length to see results. Weed control is an ongoing process. Inspect the treated area regularly and apply follow-up treatments if new growth appears.
Consistent monitoring and reapplication help maintain control over weed growth. Keeping a regular schedule for reapplication, especially during peak growing seasons, can keep your weed problem at bay.
Once the weeds have visibly died, manually remove them using a hoe or weeder. This step prevents viable seeds from being left behind, which could germinate later.
Store and dispose safely
Once done, store any leftover weedkiller in its original container, tightly sealed, and away from children, pets, and direct sunlight.
If you have used all the herbicide, follow local regulations for disposing of empty herbicide containers. Proper disposal minimises environmental impact and ensures that the containers do not pose a hazard to people or animals.
Find the best weed killers at Hughie Willett Machinery
If you’re having a problem with weeds and unwanted plants encroaching on your lawn, we have a range of weed killers and herbicides to suit your requirements. From selective herbicides designed to kill weeds whilst leaving your grass alone, to total weed killers to clear an area, whatever your needs, we have the weed killer for you.
Check out the range online now to find weed killers from top manufacturers such as Roundup, Depitox, Pistol, and more. Or, you can contact our in-house agronomist who can provide advice on the right products to tackle your weeds.
Have more questions about weedkiller? Contact us online, or call 0121 308 1262 to speak to a member of our team who will be happy to answer any queries.
Find weedkiller & herbicides at Hughie Willett Machinery
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