How Long After Seeding Can You Spray for Weeds

Have you planted a new batch of grass in your lawn and wondered how long after seeding you spray for weeds? Various homeowners and gardeners are concerned about killing the weeds in a newly seeded lawn. There is a specific time for killing the weeds in the lawn. Ensure the perfect timing as to not harm the tender grass seedlings. 

It’s better to wait for some 6 to 8 weeks after seeding the lawn. How long you wait to kill the lawn’s weeds depends on some factors e.g, type of grass, herbicide type and the weed strength. Let’s explore the optimal timing, proper ways and key things to remember for post-seeding weed control in a newly seeded lawn. Stay connected to be an expert gardener!

What’s the Best Timing for Weed Killer After Seeding

According to professionals, you have to wait atleast 2 months for post-seeding weed control until you mow the grass at least four times. Avoid applying a post-emergent herbicides in your lawn to kill the weeds, wait 6 to 8 weeks after seeding it. Wait some time to let your grass grow properly and tolerate the weed killer’s chemicals. It can also depend on the grass type, weed type and climate condition.

Weed killers contain many chemicals that kill harmful weeds and protect the grass and plants from harm. So, waiting 30 days at least until you mow the lawn grass three to four times will be better. This instruction is only for newly seeded grass. If you recently seeded the lawn, wait for the specific time to let the grass grow and mow. 

Applying the weed killer too soon to the newly seeded lawn will kill or weaken the tender seedlings’ growth. Remember that it is a rule to spray weed control on the newly seeded lawn after mowing it three times. This rule does not belong to the established lawn. Because the established lawn’s growth rate is different from the freshly seeded lawn’s. Furthermore, follow the instructions before applying the weed killer to your lawn.

What’s the Best Way to Control Weeds with New Seeds

Unluckily, nothing can stop the weeds from harming the new grass that is hearty and strong. But there are a few ways to help prevent your newly seeded lawn and fresh grass from weeds. 

1. Apply Precautionary Weed Killers

You must have heard somewhere, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This applies perfectly to weeds, as well. 

If you are seeding your lawn, apply the pre-emergent herbicide 7-14 days before seeding the new seeds to prevent weeds germination. If you notice some weeds after a few days of seeding the new seeds, you have to use a second herbicide. But to apply post-emergent herbicide, you must wait for atleast 6 to 8 weeks. After that, apply the herbicide to the lawn and see the results. 

If you are overseeding your lawn, it will be better to apply the pre-emergent weed killer seven to fourteen days earlier. Remember to check the application instruction label, amount, and other details. After using weed control, water the whole area entirely and thoroughly. 

2. Apply Mulch

If you do not want to apply weed killer to prevent your new seedlings from any harm, layering the grass with mulch is helpful. Mulch helps the grass to grow better and prevents weeds. While selecting the mulch for the lawn, choose the suitable mulch like compost or straws, whereas avoid plastic or fabric. However, you can apply peat moss, straw, grass clippings, and other mulch types. A thin layer of mulch will be best to let the water and sunlight reach the grass and its roots. 

3. Choose Grass Seed Carefully

There is 1 percent of weed seeds mixed in various grass seeds that you can buy from the store. While choosing the grass seeds, select high-quality, pure, 99.99 percent seeds without any filters or weeds from reputable suppliers. If you choose the wrong seeds that attract the weeds, your grass will suffer. 

4. Keep the Grass Healthy

If the grass is healthy, there will be no space for the weeds. Keep the grass seeds fresh and healthy by watering them regularly and applying starter food. Until the seeds start germinating, make sure to water them regularly. When you see the sprouted seeds, reduce the watering to the grass, and water it after 2-3 days when the soil is going to dry. 

5. Pull Weeds By Hand

Sometimes, you must get your hands dirty and do some hard work. When you see weeds in the new grass, pull them out immediately. Avoid walking on the newly seeded lawn, and wait for a few days until it starts sprouting. Also, do proper watering, mowing, and fertilizing whenever needed.

Things To Remember

There are a few tips that you must remember while applying herbicide to your newly seeded lawn:

• Never try to apply the weed killer to the newly seeded lawn in cold or dry weather.
• After seeding the lawn, wait for 2 months until you mow your lawn three to four times to apply the weed killer. 
• Make sure to apply the herbicide on the active and small weeds.
• Do not apply the herbicide more than the requirement written on the label. 
• Always read the label of the herbicide before applying it. 
• Do not fill the sprayers with watercourses.
• Check the weather conditions; if the weather is windy and rain is predicted, avoid applying herbicide to the newly seeded lawn. 

Conclusion

Applying the weed killer to the newly seeded lawn might be tricky. If you don’t know how long after seeding can you spray for weed, this article will help you. This article dives into the ideal timing, the way to apply post-emergent weed killer, and other factors to look after. Thus, follow the instructions and tips to effectively control weeds in your newly seeded lawn!

FAQs

1. Does Spraying Herbicide Kill the Seeds?

Applying or spraying the herbicide on the seeds when sprouting will kill or stunt their growth. Avoid using the weed killer until you mow your lawn three to four times. 

2. When Should I Kill the Weeds Before Or After Seeding?

The answer to this question is simple. If you are going to seed your lawn, apply herbicide 7-14 before seeding. Using the weed killer before seeding is better than using it after planting. Any weeds and poor-looking grass should be killed before seeding. 

3. Are pre-emergent herbicides useful in killing weeds in a newly seeded lawn?

No, its not a good practice as the pre-emergent herbicides stop weeds from germination. Thus, they can also stop grass seeds from sprouting.