Weeds in the heat
Editor’s note: This article is from the archives of the MSU Crop Advisory Team Alerts. Check the label of any pesticide referenced to ensure your use is included.
In the last several issues of the Landscape CAT Alert,
I’ve discussed different weeds that may be thumbing their nose at you
this summer. Now that the heat has increased to the point where air
conditioners are a valued commodity those weeds may become even more
persistent. Crabgrass is certainly enjoying this latest stretch of high
temperatures, and I’ve also seen some nice patches of yellow nutsedge
taking hold in turfgrass. Yellow nutsedge control options for
professional applicators include Certainty (a.i. sulfosulfuron) and
Sedgehammer (a.i. halosulfuron). Repeat applications will likely be
required to achieve control.
As with any herbicide applications at this time of year, be very careful
of applications to turfgrass that is under drought/heat stress. General
recommendations are to avoid herbicide applications when temperatures
are above 80°F due to the risk of burning the turf.
In addition to the crabgrass, nutsedge, and black medic, clover is
catching a lot of attention right now with its white flowers seeming to
dominate the landscape. When clover is not flowering, it’s amazing how
often it is simply ignored, but once it flowers it gets everyone’s
attention. Clover often becomes a problem in turfgrass areas that are
not receiving adequate fertilization, so the easiest recommendation for
reducing clover infestations over time is to fertilize the turf.
Broadleaf herbicide applications at this time of year can be effective
for controlling clover, assuming you can avoid the high temperatures.
However, fall is still the best time to control broadleaf weeds
including clover.