Tackle spring weeds early with pre-emergence controls

With spring approaching, amenity contractors will be focusing on their control programme to tackle weeds. Lewis Blois, national account manager at Bayer recommends that an integrated programme that concentrates on pre-emergence weed control will achieve the best results.

“Amenity contractors are constantly under pressure to take down weeds as efficiently as possible and overgrown weeds can be problematic to knock down.

“For this reason, tackling weeds early and before they emerge will save contractors a considerable amount of stress later in the growing season,” says Lewis.

“Pre-emergence herbicides such as Valdor® Flex can provide residual and effective control against a broad spectrum of weeds, for up to four months, with some users reporting more than 5 months weed control” adds Lewis.

Valdor® Flex can be mixed with water and applied all year round but only one application per site should be made per year.

“For the best results, applications of pre-emergence herbicides should be made on clean surfaces, as soon as possible, between the end of February and early March depending on temperatures and weather conditions,” recommends Lewis.

“Reading the label is essential to get the best results, as this will advise on the target weeds, application timing and treatment rate,” explains Lewis.

Applying pre-emergence herbicides, allows contractors to get ahead when controlling weeds and also has positive impacts on the environment.

“Tackling weeds as early as possible with residual herbicides such as Valdor® Flex will mean less herbicides applications will be needed later on into the season.

“As amenity contractors face rising pressure to control weeds whilst keeping down costs, opting for pre-emergence herbicides can deliver effective results and help to control weeds for the entire season,” adds Lewis.