When To Begin Weed Control

According to Sid Mullis, the director of the University of Georgia Extension Service office for Richmond County, weeds must be growing for herbicide to be effective. You cannot spray and kill dormant (brown) summer weeds with Roundup or any type of herbicide. Weeds such as bahia grass, nutgrass and others have not emerged from winter dormancy yet, and weeds must be green and actively growing for them to absorb the herbicide. During most years, this means waiting until at least May 1 before beginning weed control.

Many maintenance professionals have accidentally sprayed a desirable plant with Roundup. If this occurs, and the contractor realizes the error, it can be remedied right away by wash it off. If the chemical dries, it is too late.

As for scalping a zoysia lawn, anytime you scalp a lawn it sets it back. This is not an issue with Bermuda grass, be it common or our hybrid types. During the growing season, mow it at about 1 1/2 inches. About the first of September, as it begins to cool down and the days get shorter, raise the height one notch so the grass will maintain its dark green color through the fall.