IX. WEED CONTROL IN LAWNS AND OTHER TURF AREAS 



The most effective method of weed control in lawns results from good 

 agronomic practices supplemented by improved methods of weed control. 

 Proper agronomic and maintenance techniques include: (1) Adequate fertili- 

 zation based on fertility needs as established by a soil analysis; (2) planting 

 turf grasses best adapted to the soil and location; (3) mowing most turf 

 grasses to a height of 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 inches; (4) use of proper watering 

 practices (infrequent but thorough wetting of the soil); and (5) controlling in- 

 sects and diseases. A healthy vigorous laAvn is important in obtaining a 

 w^eed-free la"wn. 



The following table is a guide for mixing herbicides for use on home lawns. 

 The concentration of the herbicide as shown on the label of the container of a 

 liquid herbicide will usually fall within the range of concentrations shown in 

 the first two columns of the table. The annount of a herbicide required to mix 

 a spray solution to treat at the rate of 1 pound per acre is indicated in the 

 last tw^o columns of the table. 







Amount of herbicide in 1 gal. of water 



Concentrat 



ion shown on label 



required for treating 1,000 sq. ft. at 

 the rate of 1 pound per acrei 



Percent acid 



Pounds acid equiva- 



Ounces of 



Tablespoons of 



equivalent 



lent per gallon 



herbicide 



herbicide 



5 



0.5 



6.2 



12.5 



10 



1.0 



3.1 



6.2 



20 



2,0 



1.5 



3.1 



30 



3.0 



1.0 



2.1 



40 



4.0 



0.7 



1.5 



50 



5.0 



0.6 



1.2 



60 



6.0 



0.5 i 



1.0 



'To apply a herbicide at the rate of 1/2 pound per acre, use 1/2 the amounts 

 indicated; to apply 2 pounds per acre, double the amounts of herbicide shown 

 in the table. 



LAWN AND TURF SEEDBEDS PRIOR TO ESTABLISHMENT 



For control of seeds, seedling plants, or plant parts, disease organisms, 

 nematodes, insects, and other organisms in the soil: Methyl bromide as a 

 soil fumigant at 1 pound per 100 square feet of seedbed, which should be 

 well prepared and moist. The fumigant is applied under a gastight cover, 

 such as large plastic sheets available for this purpose. The additional cost 

 of this treatment, in comparison with other chemical w^eed control measures, 

 is offset at least in part by innproved chances for successful la^vn establish- 

 ment and in subsequent savings in time and effort on maintenance. When 

 soil temperature is below 65° F., the rate of treatment and time between 

 treatment and seeding should be approximately doubled. Follow manu- 

 facturer's instructions. 



- 49 - 



