Now that dandelions are flowering or in the puffball stage throughout IN, now is the second best time to control these weeds. Fall applications are still most effective for controlling broadleaf weeds. It does not take much wind to drift and damage off- target ornamentals, gardens, and trees. Choosing low-volatile formulations should reduce the chances for off-target damage. To increase efficacy, do not mow immediately prior to application to maximize leaf area, and do not mow for two to three days following application to allow the products to translocate. Be sure to warn your customers to return the treated clippings to the lawn and do not use as mulch on susceptible plants for 6 to 10 weeks depending on the label of your product. We usually recommend applying so the product will dry on the leaf for 24 hours before a rain and we feel this is a good recommendation. We’ll be showing some of our latest research on rainfastness of broadleaf herbicides at Field Day on July 15 in West Lafayette.
