Does your beautiful Southern lawn look more like a wildflower patch than a lush green carpet? You are not alone! The heat and humidity down here create the perfect playground for stubborn weeds like crabgrass and clover. Trying to choose the right weed control can feel like a guessing game. Should you use a pre-emergent or a post-emergent? When is the best time to spray? These tough decisions can leave you frustrated and your lawn still looking messy.
Fighting weeds in the South requires a special approach. General advice often fails against our unique climate and persistent invaders. We understand the headache of spending money on products that just do not work. This guide cuts through the confusion. By the end of this post, you will know exactly which tools and timing work best for your grass type.
Get ready to take back control! We will show you simple, effective steps to keep those unwanted guests out of your yard all season long. Let’s dive into the secrets of achieving a truly weed-free Southern lawn.
Top Weed Control For Southern Lawns Recommendations
- KILLS & PREVENTS WEEDS* UP TO 6 MONTHS: Kills broadleaf weeds*, including Dandelion, Clover, Chickweed and Henbit with a proven blend of weed killers *Listed
- CRABGRASS PREVENTION: Prevents grassy and listed broadleaf weeds such as Crabgrass, Annual Bluegrass, Common Dandelion, Goosegrass and Spurge for up to 6 months
- IDEAL FOR SOUTHERN LAWNS: Improve your lawn care with this broadleaf weed killer that treats up to 4,000 square feet of southern turf, including all varieties of St. Augustinegrass and Floratam
- READY FOR THE SEASON: With one application, this crabgrass preventer offers season-long weed control
- SIMPLE APPLICATION: Apply these weed killer granules with a rotary or drop spreader and water lightly 24 hours after applying
- One quart treats 3,720 sq ft
- Controls Weeds in St. Augustine and Centipede Grasses
- Package Weight: 1.021 kilograms
- Package Dimensions: 5.842 L x 19.177 H x 12.954 W (centimeters)
- Weed killer for lawns: Kill weeds in your lawn, including dandelion, chickweed, clover, crabgrass and foxtail with the Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-Spray
- Fast-acting weed control: This weed control product kills listed weeds like crabgrass, dandelion, clover, chickweed and creeping charlie down to the root and gets results with 1 application
- Broadcast treatment for weeds: Won't harm lawn grasses when used as directed - use on lawn grasses including Bermudagrass, Buffalograss, Fescues, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass and Zoysiagrass
- Spray weed killer: Apply to weeds that are young and actively growing by connecting your garden hose to the sprayer, sliding the switch to "ON" and spraying evenly until the lawn is wet
- Ready to spray: This 32 oz. container of Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-Spray treats up to 5,000 sq. ft.
- KILLS TO THE ROOT: BioAdvanced Lawn Weed Killer controls listed weeds down to their roots and can cover up to 8,000 sq. ft. of lawn
- KILLS OVER 200 WEEDS: Kills over 200 listed lawn weeds, including clover, dandelion, dollarweed, and chickweed
- EASY APPLICATION: One application will kill listed weeds and won't harm your lawn (when used as directed)
- VERSATILE FOR YOUR LAWN: Formulated for both Southern and Northern lawns like Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass, Bermuda, Buffalo, and some varieties of St. Augustinegrass
- RAINPROOF PROTECTION: Enjoy rainproof protection in 1 hour with this lawn weed killer spray
- DUAL-ACTION FORMULA: Kills major broadleaf weeds while feeding your lawn.
- FEEDS LAWN: Fertilizes with 20 percent nitrogen formulation.
- KILLS WEEDS: Controls dandelion, chickweed, knotweed, plantain, clover, mallow, purslane and many broadleaf weeds as listed.
- QUICKFLIP SPRAYER: Just connect to your hose and spray – just grip, flip and go.
- COVERAGE: 32 ounces treats up to 7,500 square feet of lawn.
- For use on 9 turf types
- Controls a wide range of lawn weeds
- A patented combination of 3 proven weed killers
- Directions for use in conventional & hose end sprayers
- Recommend to use - Surfactant for Herbicide - for increased performance
- SOUTHERN LAWNS: Specially formulated for Southern lawns like Bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass (including Floratam), and more, this grass fertilizer for lawn provides care and acts as a weed killer for lawns
- 6-MONTH PROTECTION: Delivers up to 6 months of weed prevention, stopping listed broadleaf and grassy weeds, including crabgrass
- WEED KILLER: Kills listed weeds like dandelion, dollarweed, and clover, serving as a reliable weed and feed for lawns to keep your lawn healthy and maintain its beauty
- LAWN FERTILIZER: This lawn fertilizer and weed control product feeds, greens, and strengthens your lawn, helping it remain lush throughout the season
- EASY APPLICATION: Use with a broadcast or drop spreader to apply this weed and feed lawn fertilizer, managing your lawn care routine with ease and maximum results
- Low, economical use rate of 1 to 4 pints per acre
- Controls many broadleaf weeds & woody plants
- Use in turf, pastures, rangeland, ditch banks, fences…
Your Guide to Winning the War on Weeds in Southern Lawns
Southern lawns face unique challenges. Hot, humid summers and mild winters mean weeds grow fast and strong. Choosing the right weed control product is crucial for a lush, green yard. This guide helps you pick the best solution for your Southern turf.
1. Key Features to Look For
When buying weed control, look closely at what the product promises to do.
Selective vs. Non-Selective Action
- Selective Herbicides: These are your best friends for lawns. They kill specific weeds (like broadleaf weeds) without harming your desirable grass (like Bermuda or Zoysia). Always check the label to ensure it targets your weed problem safely.
- Non-Selective Herbicides: These kill everything they touch, including your grass. Use these only for spot treatments on driveways or bare spots.
Pre-Emergent vs. Post-Emergent
Knowing when to apply is key in the South.
- Pre-Emergent: This creates a barrier in the soil before seeds sprout. For Southern lawns, apply this early spring (before soil temps hit 55°F) to stop summer weeds like crabgrass.
- Post-Emergent: This kills weeds that are already growing. This is good for dealing with established clover or dollarweed throughout the growing season.
Safety and Turf Type
Check the label! Does the product specify it is safe for St. Augustine, Centipede, or Bermuda grass? Some chemicals harm sensitive Southern grasses.
2. Important Materials and Ingredients
The active ingredients determine how the product works.
Common Active Ingredients
- For broadleaf weeds (like dandelions), look for 2,4-D, MCPP, or Dicamba. These are standard and effective killers.
- For grassy weeds like crabgrass, look for Atrazine or Prodiamine (often used in pre-emergents).
Formulation Types
How the product is packaged matters for application.
- Granular: These are dry pellets spread with a spreader. They are easy to measure and less likely to drift onto desirable plants.
- Liquid Concentrate: You mix this with water in a sprayer. Liquids often start working faster, but you must mix them precisely.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your results depends on timing and formulation.
Improving Quality (Do These!)
- Soil Temperature: For pre-emergents, timing is everything. If you apply too early or too late based on soil heat, the barrier won’t form correctly, and weeds will pop up.
- Rainfall/Watering: Most granular products need a light rain or watering after application to activate the chemicals and move them into the soil.
Reducing Quality (Avoid These Pitfalls)
- Over-application: Using too much product wastes money and can easily burn or damage your lawn, especially in high heat.
- Applying During Drought: If the grass is stressed from heat and lack of water, it cannot properly absorb or process the herbicide, making the treatment ineffective.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use the product in your yard routine.
Ease of Use
If you are new to lawn care, choose ready-to-spray liquids or hose-end sprayers. These reduce the need for complex calculations. Experienced users might prefer mixing large batches of concentrates for bigger properties.
Southern Use Cases
- Spring Preparation: Use a granular pre-emergent around mid-February to early March to stop summer invaders before they start.
- Hot Summer Spot Treatment: Keep a small bottle of selective liquid herbicide on hand for quick spot treatments on stubborn patches of dollarweed that pop up in July.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Southern Weed Control
Q: When is the absolute best time to apply pre-emergent in the South?
A: Apply when soil temperatures consistently reach 55°F, usually late February or early March, before the spring rains start.
Q: Can I use the same product for crabgrass and clover?
A: No. Crabgrass is a grassy weed; clover is a broadleaf weed. You usually need a pre-emergent for crabgrass and a post-emergent spray for clover.
Q: My lawn is St. Augustine. Are most herbicides safe for it?
A: St. Augustine grass is sensitive. Always verify the label states “Safe for St. Augustine.” Some common weed killers can cause yellowing or death.
Q: How long after applying liquid weed killer should I wait to water my lawn?
A: Most liquid herbicides need 24 hours without rain or watering to absorb fully into the weed tissue.
Q: What should I do if it rains heavily right after I spread granular weed control?
A: A light rain is good; it activates the product. Heavy, immediate flooding might wash the product away, reducing effectiveness. You might need a small follow-up application.
Q: Can I put down grass seed and weed killer at the same time?
A: No. Pre-emergents prevent all seeds from sprouting, including your new grass seed. Wait at least 6–8 weeks after seeding before applying pre-emergent.
Q: Why are Southern weeds so much harder to kill?
A: The long, hot growing season gives weeds more time to establish deep roots, making them tougher to eradicate once they are established.
Q: Is organic weed control an option for Southern heat?
A: Organic options, usually based on corn gluten meal or vinegar, work best as mild pre-emergents or for very small, young weeds. They struggle against established, deep-rooted Southern weeds.
Q: What is ‘weed drift’?
A: Weed drift happens when spray droplets move off your lawn onto garden beds or sidewalks due to wind, potentially harming desirable plants.
Q: How often should I spot-treat weeds during the summer?
A: Check your lawn every two to three weeks. If you see new weed growth, spot-treat immediately to keep them from spreading before the next full application cycle.