Maintaining a healthy lawn or garden takes a lot of work. One of the most tedious tasks is keeping out unwanted weeds. Selective herbicides are specifically designed to target and kill weeds without harming desirable plants.
In this blog post, we’ll share with you five of these best practices for using these herbicides.
Identify the Weed Species
The first best practice is to identify the weeds in your garden or lawn. Different selective herbicides target specific weed species and may not be effective for other weeds. Before applying any herbicide, ensure you accurately identify the weeds. You can use online resources or consult with an expert to help you.
Weather Conditions
These herbicides work best when weather conditions are optimal. You should apply herbicides when there is no wind to avoid the herbicide drifting and causing adverse effects. Applying herbicides during rainfall or after rainfall can also reduce the efficacy of the herbicide because it may wash off the leaves of the weeds. The best time to apply herbicides is early in the morning when the temperature is cooler, and the winds are still.
Application Rate
One of the most common mistakes people make when using herbicides is not following the recommended application rate. If you apply too much, it will kill desirable plants as well as weeds, and if you apply too little, it will not be effective. Read the label instructions carefully and measure out the correct amount. Do not be tempted to use more than the recommended amount in the hopes that it will be more effective.
Safety Precautions
Selective herbicides can be harmful to humans and animals if not used properly. Wear appropriate safety gear such as gloves, goggles, and long sleeves while applying herbicides. Keep the herbicides out of reach of children and pets. You should also dispose of the herbicides properly after use.