While spring may seem a long way off, the first frost of fall is an ideal time to get ahead of herbicide applications before the season begins next year.
Why now? The first frost of the season signals that weeds are absorbing nutrients and are sending plant energy to the roots for overwinter storage in preparation for a spring thaw. That process makes it a great time to apply postemergence herbicides.
Because the herbicide will efficiently translocate from the plant’s surface down to the weed’s root, treating weeds at this time of year can greatly improve product efficacy and can result in more lasting control. In comparison, herbicide treatments made prior to a frost may result in partial control of perennial weeds, because while the green plant material is controlled and top-kill is achieved, treatments may not reach the weed’s roots – leaving ample time for weeds to grow back next year.
Weeds that are ideal to control around this time include:
- Clover
- Dandelion
- Chickweed
- Henbit
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Before that first hard frost comes, making a preemergence herbicide application also can help prevent winter annuals from germinating. Dimension® 2EW specialty herbicide is a strong preemergence herbicide option when temperatures approach 45°F.

While these products can be used at many different times during the year, they are also ideal as postemergence applications after or around the first frost:
- GameOn® specialty herbicide delivers exceptional broad-spectrum postemergence control of more than 100 broadleaf weeds. GameOn offers three active ingredients, including Arylex® active, 2,4-D choline and fluroxypyr.
- Defendor® specialty herbicide is designed to perform in cold weather. Defendor prevents dandelion bloom and controls other spring weeds before they are ever seen.
- Turflon® Ester Ultra specialty herbicide controls a broad-spectrum of your toughest weeds, including ground ivy, wild violet and yellow woodsorrel.
Don’t let spring get ahead of you this fall. Take action by learning more about product applications and other portfolio solutions that provide broad-spectrum weed control for winter annuals, broadleaf weeds and more.
Legals: ™ ® Trademarks of Dow AgroSciences, DuPont or Pioneer, and their affiliated companies or their respective owners. Arylex is a registered active ingredient. State restrictions on the sale and use of Defendor, Dimension, and Turflon Ester Ultra apply. Consult the label before purchase or use for full details. GameOn is not registered for sale or use in all states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state.Always read and follow label directions.
Posted In: Education, Featured, Postemergence herbicides, Preemergence herbicides, Weeds 101