Weed Control When Planting Grass Seed

Most herbicides will prevent turfgrass seed from germinating. So, you'll need to select a herbicide that is effective for the weeds and safe for the turfgrass seedlings. And, always remember to read and follow the label.

Produced by the Department of Communications at Kansas State University. For more information, visit our website at: http://www.kansasgreenyards.org

Transcript:
Weed Control When Planting Grass Seed

If you use some crabgrass products like Barricade, Team, Dimension, and pendimethalin to control crabgrass in your yard, those will also prevent turfgrass seed from germinating. So, if you have some thin or damaged areas in your yard, and you need to get some new grass seed growing in your yard, you can’t use those particular products.

However, there is one product you can use that will control crabgrass, and it allows tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass seeds to germinate. That product goes by the brand name Tupersan or the chemical name siduron. Look for products that contain that chemical to prevent crabgrass germination, but still allow you to have your grass seed germinate.

The only downside to Tupersan is that the residual activity of Tupersan is not as long as the Barricade, Dimension and pendimethalin. If you’re using Tupersan to prevent crabgrass, you have to repeat applications of it. Remember to read the label, as it will tell you how frequently to apply it to your yard.

This feature story prepared with Rodney St. John, former Kansas State University Research and Extension Turfgrass Specialist. For more information, visit your local county extension office or visit our website at KansasGreenYards.org.