Professionals Only: Dry weather hampers broadleaf weed control, fertilization – Turfgrass Science at Purdue University

Professionals Only: Dry weather hampers broadleaf weed control, fertilization

Though we are now in the window for maximum broadleaf weed control and fall fertilization, the dry weather throughout most of the state is hampering applications.

  • Avoid herbicide and/or fertilizer application to drought stressed or dormant turf to limit turf damage and maximize intended effect of the application.

  • On turf that’s still green (like in most of Indiana), dry weather reduces effectiveness of broadleaf herbicide applications and more importantly, can increase the burn potential of these applications on desired turf. Burn potential from these herbicides increases with temperatures beyond 80F as well as with additions to the spray tank like urea. Since broadleaf weed control will be effective until the end of October, consider holding off on these applications until rains begin again. 

  • September is the most important month to fertilize any cool-season turf stand. However, the effectiveness and turf safety of fertilizer applications are always enhanced by irrigation or rain shortly after the application to move the fertilizer to the soil. This is especially important with liquid applications. Therefore, professionals should hold off on liquid applications of fertilizer to non-irrigated areas or consider using a granular fertilizer instead. The granular fertilizer will limit burn potential compared to a sprayable and though rain is still necessary to maximize the effect of granular products, it is not as crucial with a granular fertilizer as it would be with sprayables.


Share This Article
Disclaimer: Reference to products is not intended to be an endorsement to the exclusion of others which may have similar uses. Any person using products listed in these articles assumes full responsibility for their use in accordance with current directions of the manufacturer.
Turfgrass Science at Purdue University - Horticulture & Landscape Architecture, 625 Agriculture Mall, West Lafayette, IN 47907

© 2024 Purdue University | An equal access/equal opportunity university | Copyright Complaints | Maintained by Turfgrass Science at Purdue University

If you have trouble accessing this page because of a disability, please contact Turfgrass Science at Purdue University at kkalbaug@purdue.edu | Accessibility Resources