Last week’s frost might have given us the impression that the growing season is coming to an end – but that’s not quite the case for many of our troublesome broadleaf weeds in lawns.

In fact, late October to early November is the most effective time to control broadleaf weeds in lawns. Dandelions produce new plants in late September, and henbit and chickweed should have germinated in October. Right now, they are small and fairly easily controlled with herbicides that contain active ingredients (alone or in combination) like 2,4-D, MCPP and Dicamba. Even established dandelions are more easily controlled now than in the spring because they are actively moving materials from the top portion of the plant to the roots in the fall. Herbicides will translocate to the roots as well and will kill the plant from the roots up.

For best results, choose a day that is 50 degrees or higher, so that the herbicide is more readily moved from leaves to roots. Cold temperatures will slow this process but these products will still work at lower temperatures.

Another active ingredient, carfentrazone, is also now available in multiple products. It will provide a quicker response than the products mentioned above, especially as temperatures move below 50 degrees.