Landscape Report

Menu

Early Spring=Earlier Germinating Weeds

This winter has been very mild, especially compared to last year.  With the mild temperatures throughout the season, most plants have accumulated enough growing degree days to start bud break when temperatures become favorable.  Utilizing the Spring Leaf Index, via the United States National Phenology Network (USNPN), spring has been trending 10-20+ days early this year from south to north (Fig. 1).

In most areas of the southeast, progression of this earliness of spring typically occurs every one to five years (Fig. 2).  At this time, it appears the trend of warming early will continue as the season progresses.  We discussed using phenology to time preemergence herbicide applications previously: https://www.purduelandscapereport.org/article/early-season-predictions-methods-predict-weed-emergence/.  Monitoring various ornamental species will indicate the progression of weed species germination.

Due to the likelihood of an early arriving spring, it’s important to consider applying preemergence products earlier.  Applications should be made before germination to ensure efficacy of your preemergence program.  If irrigation is not available, remember to apply preemergence herbicide prior to a rainfall event so that the herbicide will be incorporated into the top couple of inches in the soil.

Growing degree days plays an integral role in bud break, weed emergence, and insect emergence.  The southern portions of the Midwest are starting to break bud on the early species (i.e. silver maple) (Fig. 3).  In addition to following the USNPN, a tool from Michigan State is useful for monitoring growing degree days as it relates to crabgrass germination, Japanese beetle emergence, spring broadleaf, and more.  The site can be found at http://www.gddtracker.net/.

 

Depending on your situation, a split application in the spring will increase the longevity of the efficacy of your preemergence herbicide.  Since different weed species will germinate at different times throughout the season, the split application will provide coverage for most summer annuals.

If you have any questions about your weed control program, feel free to contact me at daniel38@purdue.edu.

Sources:

Michigan State University GDD Tracker: http://www.gddtracker.net/

United States National Phenology Network: https://www.usanpn.org/usa-national-phenology-network

Share This Article
It is the policy of the Purdue University that all persons have equal opportunity and access to its educational programs, services, activities, and facilities without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, disability or status as a veteran. Purdue is an Affirmative Action Institution. This material may be available in alternative formats. 1-888-EXT-INFO Disclaimer: Reference to products in this publication is not intended to be an endorsement to the exclusion of others which may have similar uses. Any person using products listed in this publication assumes full responsibility for their use in accordance with current directions of the manufacturer.

Sign-up to receive email news and alerts from Purdue Landscape Working Group: