New Ways to Save on Weed Prevention Products
Whether they're dandelions (broadleaf weeds) or crabgrass (grassy weeds), nothing irks lawn and garden lovers like these stubborn sprouters.
Now your best ammunition against your outdoor enemies just got easier. Patents on some of the most effective weed prevention products have expired, so the same formulas can be sold as other brands or using generic names. That means more impact on weed elimination with less confusion for your yard.
The Big Three
The most effective herbicide for the majority of broadleaf weed control is actually a combination of three chemicals: Mecoprop (or MCPP); 2,4D; and Dicamba. These can be found in PBI/Gordon Corp's formerly-patented Trimec® herbicide formula. This has been the gold standard for decades, even when other chemicals have been used to replace or substitute for one or more of the ingredients over the years.
Two key things to remember about weed control. First, the most effective weed control comes from a combination of herbicides. Second, none of the combinations have made the original formula obsolete. While some manufactures have changed or substituted one or more of these ingredients, most of the major brand names have reliable products. So when you are in the store, look for products that contain at least two of the three chemical ingredients. Try this winning combination in products such as "Three-Way Selective Herbicide" from LESCO, "Weed B Gon®," from Scott's or "Lawn Weed Killer®" from Preen.
The Big Three Plus
Unfortunately, the "three-way combination" does not take care of the more pesky broadleaf weeds like Creeping Charlie and oxalis. To tackle those toughies, combine a product containing the three ingredients listed above with Quinclorac (commonly known as formerly-patented Drive herbicide from BASF Corporation). This mixture will knock 'em out, but is safe for grass seedlings - a definite plus especially during the spring months. Not to mention, Quinclorac/Drive provides great weed control for crabgrass.
The Best of Both Worlds
To take the guesswork out of getting rid of weeds, you can choose a product that combines all of the ingredients found in the 3-way combination and Quinclorac/Drive herbicides. Look for Bayer Advanced All-in-One*, Scott's Weed B Gon® or LESCO's Momentum Q to control broadleaf weeds and crabgrass in a single application. Try applying any of these weed killers during May or early June, giving them at least two hours to dry for maximum effectiveness.
Saving money without sacrificing quality is a good feeling. Just like enjoying a weed-free landscape.
Learn More about Herbicides to Control Lawn Weeds.
*Product and company names are trademarks of their respective owners.
