I asked this same question 3 years ago and got great advice. I add pre-emergent 4x per year, Jan 1, Mar 1, June 1, Sept 1.......I fertilize 4x per year April 15, June 15, Aug 15 and Oct. 15

But still here I am, 3 years later, my yard looks good but and I am still picking weeds every time I go check the mailbox. When I go for a run, I see other guys who's yards have zero weeds, and that's what I'm striving for.

What am I doing wrong?

What part of the state? Do your neighbors do anything to their yards? Do you have shade? What kind of weeds? Weeds in the Winter or Summer? What preemergent are you using?

Preemergent works - for the most part, but if you have huge weed pressure - near fields, city parks, neighbors who do not take care of their yards, busy roadways - it will not be completely effective.

Some weeds are becoming resistant to some herbicides. For example, many of the preemergents used for years against Poa annua, are no longer very effective at all. Barricade(Prodiamine) and PreM(Pendimethalin) no longer do a a very good job. I have also seen some broadleafs that don't show up every year. One year they are there and then they aren't for 2 or 3 years. I can't explain that.

Bio-advance 3-in-1 has a newer and more effective active ingredient - Specticle(Indaziflam). I would move to this product and use it just twice per year on September 1st and March 1st (maybe a little earlier if you are Waco or south)

I will echo what Frisco said and suggest alternating your chemistry. Also will add that 10 minutes of spot spraying weeds each week will go a long way.

TMfrisco said:

---

What part of the state? Do your neighbors do anything to their yards? Do you have shade? What kind of weeds? Weeds in the Winter or Summer? What preemergent are you using?

Preemergent works - for the most part, but if you have huge weed pressure - near fields, city parks, neighbors who do not take care of their yards, busy roadways - it will not be completely effective.

Some weeds are becoming resistant to some herbicides. For example, many of the preemergents used for years against Poa annua, are no longer very effective at all. Barricade(Prodiamine) and PreM(Pendimethalin) no longer do a a very good job. I have also seen some broadleafs that don't show up every year. One year they are there and then they aren't for 2 or 3 years. I can't explain that.

Bio-advance 3-in-1 has a newer and more effective active ingredient - Specticle(Indaziflam). I would move to this product and use it just twice per year on September 1st and March 1st (maybe a little earlier if you are Waco or south)

---

I'm in Frisco and my next door neighbors yard is 100% weeds. I don't have a lot of shade and weeds from Jan thru now. I use Scotts Halt because that all I can find in Home Depot or Lowes

Looking at the schedule you are following and where you are from, it was probably a recommendation I gave you 3 years ago.

I live in Frisco as well and am in the "Turf Business" and also treat a handful of yards for friends and neighbors.

I will tell you that having a neighbor with a yard full of weeds negatively impacts your preemergent program. When I treat I always try to treat 3-5 feet into the neighbors yard - it helps some.

The AI(active ingredient) in Scotts Halts is Pendimethelin. Under best case scenarios you are lucky to get 90 days from it. Heavy rain and you may get as few as 30 days control. Also, Poa annua is really showing resistance to Pendi.

I would pivot to the Bio Advance 3-in-1. You will only have to put it out Sept 1 and March 1. The AI is about the most effective thing out there right now. I have seen it in both Lowes and HD. The bags thy sell there only cover 5000 sq ft so take that into account when buying.

An alternative would be to use the 3-in-1 September 1. Then, Feb 1 and May 1 find a product with Dimension (AI = dithiopry). I have seen it in HD, but for sure you can run up to the Site One - just north of 380 on the left side of the Toll Road extension by the batch plant - and get some. I like Dimesion in the Spring because it is a little "easier" on grass coming out of dormancy and does a good job on goosegrass and crabgrass. The early application controls the crab and the May gets the goose.

EagleCamden said:

---

I asked this same question 3 years ago and got great advice. I add pre-emergent 4x per year, Jan 1, Mar 1, June 1, Sept 1.......I fertilize 4x per year April 15, June 15, Aug 15 and Oct. 15

But still here I am, 3 years later, my yard looks good but and I am still picking weeds every time I go check the mailbox. When I go for a run, I see other guys who's yards have zero weeds, and that's what I'm striving for.

What am I doing wrong?

---

I have zero weeds and it is basically zero maintenance. I went to all clover, and that stuff will choke out every bit of weed or foreign substance on the planet. My yard is the greenest of the neighborhood too. You can't use it for a putting green, but it serves my purpose...

A weed is anything growing where you don't want it to. Some people consider clover a weed......

TMfrisco said:

---

A weed is anything growing where you don't want it to. Some people consider clover a weed......

---

One or two of my neighbors maybe, the rest are following suit. We are more into Trees

TMfrisco said:

---

Bio-advance 3-in-1 has a newer and more effective active ingredient - Specticle(Indaziflam). I would move to this product and use it just twice per year on September 1st and March 1st (maybe a little earlier if you are Waco or south)

---

This is a weed and feed right? Do they make one without fertilizer? I assume that would impact your fertilization schedule.

It is a a fertilizer, broadleaf postemergent herbicide and preemergent. At the rate it goes out I wouldn't worry about changing your fertilizer schedule - it isn't really that much fertilizer and it is all quick release(I think).
I haven't seen this particular chemical in any other form available to the public.

ravingfans said:

---

TMfrisco said:

---

A weed is anything growing where you don't want it to. Some people consider clover a weed......

---

One or two of my neighbors maybe, the rest are following suit. We are more into Trees

---

That's what I tell people - "You can have trees or you can have grass, but it is hard to have both".

Question about lawn care, I've got a bunch of chikweed in my backyard and I missed preemergent time (Houston). I want to plant some 2.5-3.5" caliper tree in the early fall.

What weed killing program would you recommend to keep my lawn from becoming overgrown with weeds? I know not to use atrizine based weed and feeds, but is there anything on the market that is okay for future trees in the same area?

one MEEN Ag said:

---

Question about lawn care, I've got a bunch of chikweed in my backyard and I missed preemergent time (Houston). I want to plant some 2.5-3.5" caliper tree in the early fall.

What weed killing program would you recommend to keep my lawn from becoming overgrown with weeds? I know not to use atrizine based weed and feeds, but is there anything on the market that is okay for future trees in the same area?

---

It's still worth putting out pre-m to control some summer weeds.

For Chickweed you can run to the box store and buy a jug of Ortho Weed B Gon. 2,4-D will take care of it. It will also kill most other broadleaf weeds. Just get a 1gallon sprayer and spot treat.

Once mowing season starts up keeping your lawn healthy and mowing regularly will help prevent a lot of weeds.

TMfrisco said:

---

It is a a fertilizer, broadleaf postemergent herbicide and preemergent. At the rate it goes out I wouldn't worry about changing your fertilizer schedule - it isn't really that much fertilizer and it is all quick release(I think).
I haven't seen this particular chemical in any other form available to the public.

---

Thanks man. I may have to pick some up and give it a go.

Having neighbors that DGAF about their yards is the worst. I make sure to heavily dose round up at the fence line and make sure it goes under to their side just to contend with it.

Another Frisco weed sufferer here. I might be a neighbor of one of you. Lol.

Help me identify what I got. I saw at least 3 distinct weeds in my front lawn, A, B C.

[url]https://flic.kr/p/2iH99CS[/url]

If you know how to kill these in the middle of my bermuda, I would appreciate that as well.
Thanks!

Apologies for using flickr. I dont know of any more online pic hosting sites. Tinypic is down, photobucket is not free.

A. Poa annua
B. Rescue grass
C. Some kind of broadleaf

See above recommendations. Go to HD and get a hose end applicator of Weed-B-Gone and apply. It will get rid of all your broadleafs.

A & B will go away with hot weather and mowing. If you don't want to wait, get a hose end applicator of Image. It will b probably take 2 applications and 2-3 weeks, but it will take out Poa and Rescue grass.

Where do you live? I'm generally not in Frisco during the week, but sometime during the next week I will be there and I can get it all killed with one application.
PM me

Excellent! PM sent.

Question: I have this thin-looking grass infesting an 8'x8' area of my St Augustine lawn. What the hell is this stuff and how do I get rid of it?

Thanks in advance guys, I am very new to this lawn ownership thing.

Serious question: why are people so interested in having an unnaturally perfect lawn? I can't think of anywhere in the world except a golf course where you have a perfectly clean slate of St. Augustine, Bermuda, etc. and certainly not anywhere in Texas. Unless it's something that is uncomfortable to walk on (thorns, stickers, etc.), why can't we all just enjoy whatever grows naturally? Would certainly save time and money spent manicuring everything.

Disclosure: I'm currently the owner of a townhouse so lawn care is basically nothing regardless.

It looks nice. I'd like to have a good looking lawn and most weeds cause it not to look uniform. Many weeds grow in clumps which cause the lawn not to feel very nice. Some weeds produce stickers which also don't feel nice. A lot of weeds will kill or harm your grass if they get too out of control and then leave bare spots when they die off because they are annuals.

Ultimately, I think most people would agree that a lawn should at least be moderately groomed. I would definitely agree with that. I also have a hard time not overdoing anything that I think is worth doing, so for me, it becomes a spiralling search for perfection.

12thAngryMan said:

---

Serious question: why are people so interested in having an unnaturally perfect lawn? I can't think of anywhere in the world except a golf course where you have a perfectly clean slate of St. Augustine, Bermuda, etc. and certainly not anywhere in Texas. Unless it's something that is uncomfortable to walk on (thorns, stickers, etc.), why can't we all just enjoy whatever grows naturally? Would certainly save time and money spent manicuring everything.

Disclosure: I'm currently the owner of a townhouse so lawn care is basically nothing regardless.

---

But seriously, because we like the way it looks. You do you, but I'm going to take care of the grass I spent thousands on.

Yeah, I understand that most people in urban areas have that general preference. I guess what I'm asking is when and why did that become the preference? If everyone had a similarly natural looking yard, it wouldn't look out of place.

Does this lawn look bad? Not trolling, genuinely curious.

Will keep this mind when I move from a house with a fenced in backyard to 200 acres.

12thAngryMan said:

---

Yeah, I understand that most people in urban areas have that general preference. I guess what I'm asking is when and why did that become the preference? If everyone had a similarly natural looking yard, it wouldn't look out of place.

Does this lawn look bad? Not trolling, genuinely curious.

---

Yes, that looks wonderful! Different scenarios call for different actions.

Show me a picture of it in August, though

12thAngryMan said:

---

Yeah, I understand that most people in urban areas have that general preference. I guess what I'm asking is when and why did that become the preference? If everyone had a similarly natural looking yard, it wouldn't look out of place.

Does this lawn look bad? Not trolling, genuinely curious.

---

I think you'd have a hard time finding someone that thought that scene looks bad. I am skeptical that it is actually someone's lawn. Lawn meaning that it is directly against their house. More importantly, I would be surprised if there are not stickers somewhere in that field. I like to be able to go barefoot in my lawn and even lay down in it. When I have children, I want them to be able to play kickball barefoot or play in the sprinkler without picking up stickers in their feet. Even without stickers, most weeds don't feel as nice on the feet as a manicured lawn.

I suppose there is also something to be said about snakes and rodents living in/being harder to see in natural field environments.

Yes, as I mentioned in my original post, it seems reasonable to me to try to control/eradicate any plants with stickers, thorns, etc. so you can enjoy your lawn barefoot. Similarly, keeping the grass at a reasonable height to discourage pests/rodents also makes sense. I don't think that means it needs to be putting green short (or even deep rough for that matter...). I'm not proposing abandoning all lawn maintenance whatsoever; my main point is what the concept of a "nice" yard looks like. My general feeling is similar to the one expressed in this HGTV article: https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/landscaping-and-hardscaping/try-a-meadow-as-a-lawn-alternative.

As to the "unrealistic" scenario in my original picture, I don't see why it matters if you're in a quarter-acre lot in a suburban neighborhood or 200 acres in the hill country. For something more realistic/suburban, I think the "untreated" lawn in the picture below looks just fine (though I acknowledge tastes and preferences vary), and would look even better/"normal" if the treated patch wasn't right next to it.



Doing absolutely zero research, I'm guessing this all began with some marketing ploy in the 1950s by the fertilizer/chemical companies to sell more product. Somewhere along the way, they convinced America that the quintessential family home had to have a white picket fence and totally unnatural lawn.

Because a lot of us like a relatively uniform looking green lawn in front of their house. Contrast that with my neighbor who mows once a month and has weeds that are a foot taller than the rest of his lawn, making his house look like **** and mine even better.

Go ride around any given neighborhood and tell me what looks better: the "natural" lawns with no grass, weeds, and ****ty trees or the people who show a little pride in their lawns. Some people don't want a crappy looking yard and your pictures are not indicative of a "natural" lawn in a neighborhood l.

12thAngryMan said:

---

Yes, as I mentioned in my original post, it seems reasonable to me to try to control/eradicate any plants with stickers, thorns, etc. so you can enjoy your lawn barefoot. Similarly, keeping the grass at a reasonable height to discourage pests/rodents also makes sense. I don't think that means it needs to be putting green short (or even deep rough for that matter...). I'm not proposing abandoning all lawn maintenance whatsoever; my main point is what the concept of a "nice" yard looks like. My general feeling is similar to the one expressed in this HGTV article: https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/landscaping-and-hardscaping/try-a-meadow-as-a-lawn-alternative.

As to the "unrealistic" scenario in my original picture, I don't see why it matters if you're in a quarter-acre lot in a suburban neighborhood or 200 acres in the hill country. For something more realistic/suburban, I think the "untreated" lawn in the picture below looks just fine (though I acknowledge tastes and preferences vary), and would look even better/"normal" if the treated patch wasn't right next to it.



Doing absolutely zero research, I'm guessing this all began with some marketing ploy in the 1950s by the fertilizer/chemical companies to sell more product. Somewhere along the way, they convinced America that the quintessential family home had to have a white picket fence and totally unnatural lawn.

---

I vote for the untreated lawn and would take that over the treated every day of the week. Love the yellow flowers especially.

Also, love the 200 acre "yard"--seems very peaceful.

I bet your townhouse is a nasty ass mess inside. Lol

Ask a question politely and people I don't know start insinuating that I lack of pride of ownership. Nice.

I bet you people think neatly trimmed beards are trashy and unkempt, too? Wouldn't want to live next to a guy who is such a slob he lets his facial hair grow out, right?

Dude you made your point. You're clearly looking for an argument. Most of us disagree with you. Move on.

Nope, I'm not the kind to look for an argument. Just looking to better understand why people think the way they do. Regardless, I'll stop hijacking OP's thread. Thanks.

12thAngryMan said:

---

Yes, as I mentioned in my original post, it seems reasonable to me to try to control/eradicate any plants with stickers, thorns, etc. so you can enjoy your lawn barefoot. Similarly, keeping the grass at a reasonable height to discourage pests/rodents also makes sense. I don't think that means it needs to be putting green short (or even deep rough for that matter...). I'm not proposing abandoning all lawn maintenance whatsoever; my main point is what the concept of a "nice" yard looks like. My general feeling is similar to the one expressed in this HGTV article: https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/landscaping-and-hardscaping/try-a-meadow-as-a-lawn-alternative.

As to the "unrealistic" scenario in my original picture, I don't see why it matters if you're in a quarter-acre lot in a suburban neighborhood or 200 acres in the hill country. For something more realistic/suburban, I think the "untreated" lawn in the picture below looks just fine (though I acknowledge tastes and preferences vary), and would look even better/"normal" if the treated patch wasn't right next to it.



Doing absolutely zero research, I'm guessing this all began with some marketing ploy in the 1950s by the fertilizer/chemical companies to sell more product. Somewhere along the way, they convinced America that the quintessential family home had to have a white picket fence and totally unnatural lawn.

---

We know.

But honestly, even that 'untreated lawn' is bull***** Yeah its great when 'untreated' gives you a bunch of nice wildflowers among a still perfectly lush lawn. Talk to me when you're swearing about how chinch bugs, clover, chickweed, and all sorts of broadleaf weeds have taken over. Spoiler, it doesn't look like lush green with sprinkles of flower on it.