5 Weed Control Mistakes You Are Making

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Weeds are a nuisance that affects everyone’s property at some point. 
Arizona is home to hundreds of different weed species, and some are 
even known to be invasive and noxious. 
Your natural instinct may be to pull or spray a weed 
as soon as you see them. 
Taking prompt action is essential for stopping 
them from spreading. 
There are some mistakes that you could be making, 
and checking for these issues will help you identify the source 
of a growing weed problem.
USING THE 
WRONG SPRAY 
AT THE 
WRONG TIME
With weed control, there are two main types of sprays. 
Pre-emergent sprays kill weeds 
before they sprout. 
Pre-Emergent Weed Killer
Pre-emergents prevent seeds 
from germinating. 
They work best when you apply 
them shortly before the prime 
growing season. 
Pre-Emergent Weed Killer
Post-emergent sprays are for the 
ones that you already see above 
the ground. 
If you use the wrong type of spray, 
then it won’t attack the right part 
of the plant.
Post-Emergent Weed Killer
Post-emergent sprays stop the 
plant from getting the nutrients 
it needs from water and sunlight. 
You can typically use these once 
a plant has grown beyond just 
being a sprout.
Post-Emergent Weed Killer
KILLING 
DESIRABLE
PLANTS
We know how satisfying it is to 
take vengeance on weeds, 
but it is important to be careful. 
Some weeds look like desirable 
plants such as ivy. 
Certain weed killers are designed 
to kill all plant life that it comes 
into contact with.
Non-selective herbicides might kill 
your grass and leave you with 
another problem to deal with. 
Making sure that you know which 
type of weed you have and how 
the spray works protects your 
lawn from damage.
PRACTICING 
UNSAFE
CHEMICAL 
HANDLING 
METHODS
Pest control technicians go through 
extensive training to learn how 
to handle pesticides properly. 
Although an herbicide might be sold 
at your local hardware store, 
this doesn’t mean that it is safe. 
Wearing protective gear such as 
long pants and gloves helps you 
to keep the spray from penetrating 
your skin. 
The instructions on the label will 
also likely include strategies that 
are designed to minimize damage. 
Spraying on a wind-free day not only 
protects good plants, but it also 
stops the spray from ending up 
in dangerous places such as a water 
source for animals. 
Making sure to avoid spraying when 
it is supposed to rain prevents 
chemical run-off and ensures that 
the spray doesn't get diluted to the 
point of being ineffective.
LEAVING THE 
ROOTS BEHIND
Many weeds such as dandelions 
have extremely long roots. 
If they are left in the ground, they’ll 
just keep growing until you see that 
irritating plant again. 
If you choose to hand pull weeds, 
then make sure that you are using 
the right tools. 
You’ll also want to check for the end 
of the root when you get them out 
of the ground.
IGNORING 
THE REST 
OF YOUR LAWN
Cultivating a strong and healthy 
lawn can stop weed problems 
from occurring. 
It is easy to get so swept up 
in killing weeds that you overlook 
the other essential lawn 
maintenance strategies. 
Focusing on watering, fertilizing 
and conducting soil treatments 
as needed helps your lawn to grow 
thick enough to block out 
weed seeds.
Keeping weeds under control 
can seem like an endless process.
Once you kill one set of seasonal 
weeds off, you may notice a new 
type emerging. 
Putting together a carefully 
constructed plan for handling the 
weeds on your property involves 
noting past issues so that you 
can be proactive. 
You’ll also want to keep an eye out 
for new developments that signal 
a need to implement new control 
strategies to keep the landscaping 
clear all year long.
Custom Weed & Pest Control 
has been in business since 1989, 
serving the greater Phoenix metro area 
for both residential and commercial.
We offer an affordable weed and pest 
control package, with customized 
service to meet your specific needs.