Managing weeds on a golf course goes beyond treating fairways and greens. Areas like ornamental beds, roughs, and hardscapes are also prone to weed infestations and often need to be treated with specialized herbicides.
Pre-Emergent Herbicides
Pre-emergent herbicides will target weeds before they germinate, preventing them from emerging in the spring. Since weeds are known to compete with desirable plants for nutrients and space, pre-emergents are a necessity in ornamental beds. They can also make caring for your roughs and hardscapes much easier.
Specticle FLO is a liquid pre-emergent herbicide that provides extended residual control. It is designed to control grassy and broadleaf weeds on warm-season roughs and hardscapes. Specticle FLO prevents even the toughest weeds, including crabgrass, goosegrass, and Poa annua, from germinating. Specticle FLO is ideal for use on areas like cart paths and roughs, but it should not be used on or near ornamentals.
Kade 4L is a liquid pre-emergent that controls over 30 weeds, including stubborn ones like nutsedge, crabgrass, and goosegrass. It contains prodiamine (40%) and is safe for use in landscape beds and native areas. When applied in the spring, Kade 4L provides season-long control, allowing you and your crew to focus on other tasks.
Freehand 1.75G is a granular pre-emergent herbicide that’s well-suited for landscape beds and ornamentals. Its two active ingredients, dimethenamid-P (0.75%) and pendimethalin (1%), target over 60 broadleaf and grassy weed species, including oxalis and spurge. While Freehand is tough on weeds, providing three to four months of control, it’s gentle on ornamentals.
Crew is a granular pre-emergent herbicide that blends two well-known (and well-respected) products—Dimension and Gallery—into one powerful product. Crew has a long-lasting residual and controls over 120 broadleaf and grassy weeds, including chickweed and clover. It’s safe to use on over 400 different types of ornamentals, making it a standout choice for use in landscape beds.
Depending on geography, superintendents typically apply pre-emergent herbicides between late fall and early spring. Follow all label instructions when using the product(s) of your choice.
Controlling Existing Weeds With Post-Emergent Herbicides
Post-emergent herbicides, as the name implies, target weeds that have already emerged. Whether you missed the pre-emergent application window or are simply encountering stubborn perennials and annuals, post-emergents are a valuable tool that will keep your course weed-free.
NativeKlean is a post-emergent designed for use in native and natural areas, providing long-term selective control over broadleaf weeds. It is often used by superintendents who maintain fine fescue roughs since it can kill difficult weeds like dandelions while leaving the fescue unscathed. Be sure to avoid spraying near trees, as the product may infiltrate their roots.
Crossroad is a powerful post-emergent herbicide that controls annual and perennial weeds, brush, and trees. It contains triclopyr (16.5%) and 2,4-D (34.4%), making it especially effective against hard-to-control weeds like broadleaf plantain, chickweed, thistle, and black medic.
GameOn is a systemic post-emergent herbicide that harnesses the power of three active ingredients to control over 100 broadleaf weeds. It works fast and will even eliminate the 2,4-D-resistant narrowleaf plantain, thanks to its three-way formula.
Apply your post-emergent while weeds are actively growing for maximum efficacy and absorption. Follow all label instructions when making applications.
Integrate Pre- and Post-Emergent Herbicides
Successful weed control programs begin with pre-emergents. You should monitor weed pressure throughout the season and apply post-emergent herbicides as needed.
Your ATS rep is here to help you find the right products and work with you to develop a program that keeps your course protected from weeds in 2025. Reach out to your rep today to develop a plan, or find a rep here if you’re new to ATS.
