For many superintendents, ‘fall’ means ‘project time.’ Between aerating and taking care of other tasks now that they have some breathing room, post-emergent weed control is an important one to have on the to-do list.

By taking care of this now, it’s one less thing you have to worry about come springtime. Plus, since weeds have begun storing energy for the winter, making an application now while they are translocating carbohydrates down to their roots will provide a more effective kill.

Two Effective Options

I recommend using ArmorTech Threesome, which combines three active ingredients, along with Corteva’s Confront at its lowest rate. This combination, in my experience, takes care of the good majority of weeds superintendents are looking to control at this time of year.

Defendor, by Corteva, has also proven to be effective, especially with dandelion control in the spring. I recommend it to my customers for use in high-profile areas.

For superintendents looking to make the most of their budget, I recommend the ArmorTech and Confront combination. If you’re concerned about dandelions, I recommend Defendor. Whichever route you choose, one application should be sufficient.

Now’s the Time

Here in the Midwest, now is the time to make your application. Aim to make your application on a sunny day without any wind, and before the first hard freeze. After a hard freeze, applications won’t be as effective.

Some Considerations

  • Make sure the area you’re applying to is clear of leaves, as they can block product from reaching the soil.
  • I recommend tank-mixing a spreader sticker, such as Chem-Stik, with your application; it will help the chemical enter the plant and adhere to it.
  • Some superintendents combine their fall post-emergent application with a pre-emergent for crabgrass control, which is a good way to achieve two objectives in one spray.

Lean On Your Rep

Remember that your ATS sales rep is here for you to bounce ideas off of and offer advice/suggestions. Lean on them this season as you prepare for 2026. If you’re new to ATS or need to find your local rep, use our rep finder tool to find one in seconds!