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Extension > Garden > Diagnose a problem > Is this plant a weed? > Control options for weeds

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Control options for common Minnesota lawn and landscape weeds

Krishona Martinson, Robert Mugaas and Karen Vydimar

The following provides both cultural and chemical control options for common weeds found in Minnesota lawns and landscapes. Cultural control options can be used in any type of garden, lawn or landscape. Chemical control options can ONLY be used at the locations listed directly on the label of the product. Prior to purchasing and applying any herbicide, completely read the product label and follow all instructions. Select a product that specifies use at the desired treatment location (e.g. lawn, flower garden etc). It is illegal to use an herbicide in a manner not listed on its label.

In addition, using an herbicide labeled for use on lawns in a flower or vegetable garden will likely prove injurious or even fatal to the desired plants. For example, a selective, post-emergence weed control product designed to control dandelions, clover and other broadleaf weeds in a lawn without harming the lawn will not be labeled for, and cannot be used in, vegetable or flower gardens. Doing so will result in the very high probability that those 'broadleaf' flower and vegetable plants will be injured or killed as well. Indeed, it may even result in the loss of that garden space due to contaminated soils for at least the remainder of the current growing season. Hence, it is ALWAYS important to select appropriately labeled weed killers for use in specific sites (e.g., lawns, flower gardens, etc.) and that will not injure the surrounding desirable plants.

Creeping, Spreading, and Mat-forming

Grasses

Sedges

Upright weeds

Vining weeds

Basal weeds

Woody weeds

Weed Control Strategies

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Preemergence

Postemergence (Lawns)

Postemergence (Non-Lawn)