Need a lawn expert

[Turfman]

I can't really tell from the photo, but it looks like a broad leaf weed. Some are very hard to get rid of, if you ever do. A fall application of a GOOD broad leaf weed killer should knock it down. The spring, and not as effective, window is over. I like to apply a fertilizer to the area in late fall, just shortly before frost, to get it growing well, and then hit it with the weed killer. The good thing about a broad leaf is that you can knock it out without killing the grasses. What is the lawn grass? I deal with mainly cool season grasses, fine fescue, rye and Kentucky blue, so if it's something else, I'll have to look it up.

Trimec is a common name for a three-part herbicide that is safe for lawns. Many formulations are available and contain 2,4-d, Dicamba and MPPC (unsure on the MPPC). Anyway, 2,4-D is not very effective on chickweed. But Dicamba is, watch were you apply Dicamba as it will get into the roots of trees and shrubs and kill them.

This link may help you ID the problem: http://scarab.msu.montana.edu/extension/weeds014.htm

The problem with many of these weeds is that they leave a seed bank in the soil, so this may be an on-going problem. If you are not over-seeding you can apply Dimension or Barricade early next year to prevent the seeds from sending up new weeds. Vigilance with the Trimec in the early spring, when they are actively growing, but still juvenile and again in the late fall, after the first frost, will help.

Let me know if I can help you further.

Turfman

 

[Ozarker]

Thanks. How far away from the trees should I be If I use Dicamba? I have a few news trees I planted over the past couple of years.

I'm in Missouri and the grass I do have is Fescue. Couldn't tell you if it is fine or cool season or whatever.