Don’t Be This Guy – Always Read and Follow Label Directions!

The phrase always read and follow directions is well known to farmers when applying herbicides to our crops. That phrase also applies to homeowners applying herbicides to their lawn! I do not think the owner in the picture intended to kill all the grass in his front yard! I suspect he was trying to kill dandelions and other broad-leafed weeds and did not realize there was glyphosate in the mixture.

It can get a little confusing with all the generic glyphosate being manufactured. Monsanto first developed the chemical glyphosate and gave it the trade name Round-up. Most home owners have heard of Round-up and know that it will kill all weeds and grasses. A number of years ago, Monsanto's Round-up came off patent. That meant other companies could manufacture glyphosate and give it another name.

I notice lawns like this every summer. Someone killed their lawn. I also notice little round dead spots in many lawns. I am sure the home owner had a "weed killer" and they were trying to kill a few dandelions in their lawn. They did not know that their mixture had glyphosate in it too. How can you prevent this from happening to you?

Always read and follow label directions. If you do not understand the directions talk to the people at the hardware or garden store where you bought it. Tell them what you want to do and they can help explain it to you. The label also has instructions on how to mix and safely use the product. If you are not sure ask someone! The other alternative is hire a professional lawn care service that can do it for you. There are a number of them serving every community.