Healthy, vigorous turfgrass is the first step to effective pest control. In order to properly treat for insects you must identify which kind of insect is causing the damage, surface or soil. If insecticides are used they must contact or penetrate the insect’s body to be effective. Timing is critical with insecticide applications. They should not be applied until insects are active on the surface or in the soil. A thorough watering may be needed to ensure that the product reaches the insect. Know what area of your lawn is under attack by pests. Usually sunny areas are attacked first by surface or soil insects. Follow label directions closely when using insecticides. Grass varieties that contain endophytes reduce stress from surface feeding insects. Understanding the life cycle of an insect pest can be very helpful in the best possible control techniques.

The first step in determining any weed control program is to identify the weeds in your lawn. Proper weed control treatments in the spring, called pre-emergent applications, should keep most common broadleaf weeds to a minimum. Proper cultural practices have a great effect on the health of your lawn. Most weeds thrive in poorly maintained soils. Read and follow all label directions to properly apply the right amount of chemical. The rule of thumb is that the weed must be actively growing to be controlled. Proper timing of weed applications will give you far greater success. Young, actively growing weeds are more susceptible to post-emergent treatment than larger, more mature weeds.

Pre-emergence control – In this process, a chemical is applied evenly over the turf and forms a barrier at the soil surface. The biggest problem with pre-emergence control is timing. Usually a split application will enhance control. Combination products are generally good if applied properly. Most are a combination of fertilizer and a pre-emergence herbicide. All pre-emergence will need to be watered into the soil.

Post-emergence control – This application should be made when weeds are visible, young, and actively growing. At this stage, young weeds are more susceptible to control and turf grasses are better able to fill in the voids left by the dying weeds.