Anyone spraying for Broadleaf now?

[MortNuke]

I see a lot of Broadleaf, such as clover, in the Tall Fescue recently. Are you guys spraying to control these, or will frost kill them?

I aerated my customers about 3 weeks ago, and now want to go after the broadleaf weeds - but the new grass may need more time to withstand it. Opinions?

Mort

[Alpine Naturescapes]

Hey Mort -
The new grass is ok after the first 3 mows. Clover has to be sprayed out. Trimec or equivalents don't do a very good on clover. Try Turflon Ester or something else with triclopyr. However for dandelions, trimec is better.

[MortNuke]

Thanks, Alpine.

Ok, so I better wait another couple weeks for the new grass.

I get my applicator's license next week...so I'm gonna start my "spray services" using a Lesco backpack sprayer, and spot-spray most of my client's for broadleaf weeds such as clover.

I'll see what Lesco has to offer for the herbicides you recommend. Thanks!

(Picked up two new customers this week, and hopeful for a third. Dunno what the sudden spurt is,,,but I like it.)

Mort

[Alpine Naturescapes]

Mort,
Turflon ester is not really a soluble liquid - it readily separates out - so it is helpful to use a spreader sticker with it and a tank with an agitating paddle. I think Lesco may have one of these, but I know you can get a "Roundup" sprayer at Lowe's for like $90. I don't use Lesco for my chemicals - they cost a little more. I use Wilbur-Ellis mostly, and sometimes a local farming co-op.
If you use something with triclopyr, be careful, because it burns much more easily than trimec.
I like spot spraying. In my state, there are no limitations on how many times you can spot spray, but you can only do total lawn apps with 2-4-D sprays twice per year. It works esp well on your average residentials.

[MortNuke]

Here's what I got...

Today, the Lesco dealer agreed that 2-3 mowings after aeration it is ready to spot spray for broadleaf. Around here, daytime temps are still above 70F, so I saved some money by not getting the ester version. But, I chose Lesco's "Three-Way" (about $35/gallon), for clover, plantain, and dandelions. I was going to buy a backpack sprayer, too, but he said they are difficult to get of and off...so if my lawns are not too big or too many, just to continue using the 1 or 2 gallon pump bottle.

Here's another little nugget: Lesco said the triclopyr won't be available much longer.

I am "looking" at the 50 gallon sprayer setup that Lesco offers. I only have 9 yards now, but want to have the ability to get spraying once I get my applicators license next week. It's a big price jump to the 100 gallon sprayer. Hmmmm...

Thanks again for taking the time to help me out, Alpine!

Mort

[grassguy]

I have always had good results using Mecamine-D

[Alpine Naturescapes]

"I was going to buy a backpack sprayer, too, but he said they are difficult to get of and off...so if my lawns are not too big or too many, just to continue using the 1 or 2 gallon pump bottle. "

I have three backpacks. I love them. Once you start hauling around a two gallon hand sprayer, you'll find out why. Some have wheels, but kinda stink rolling on turf, and still don't have the spray power of the back packs. Using backpacks will cut your spray time way down, and they are not that hard to get on until you get over three gallons. Next option is a 15 or 25 gallon tank on your mower. Bigger tanks have to have a gas engine and pump, hoses etc. I like the versatility of mixing on site instead.
Thanks on the heads up on triclopyr - I hadn't heard this yet.

[MortNuke]

Backpack Sprayer

More good feedback, Alpine. Thanks.

I spot-sprayed 2 yards (~ 5000 Sq. Ft. of grass each, used 2 gallons of "Three-Way" mixture for a fee of $50) using a 1 gallon Lesco hand sprayer. It was not difficult, but I did feel that a Backpack might have been appropriate - even for those relatively small yards - and would have saved the refilling time. Each yard took about 20 minutes.

Since I have several more yards to spray, and taking Alpine's feedback into consideration, I will get a backpack sprayer on my next visit to Lesco.

As I pick up more customers, its apparent that my time is too limited (and valuable) to squander an opportunity to increase productivity.

Mort

[CCLS]

Re: Anyone spraying for Broadleaf now?

Originally posted by MortNuke
I see a lot of Broadleaf, such as clover, in the Tall Fescue recently. Are you guys spraying to control these, or will frost kill them?

I aerated my customers about 3 weeks ago, and now want to go after the broadleaf weeds - but the new grass may need more time to withstand it. Opinions?

Mort

Around here it is too cold to treat broadleaf weeds. Look at the label on the product you are using for specific instructions on when to apply the product and what temperature.

[MortNuke]

First day (of two) for Spray Class.

Thanks, CCLS. Its still 70 - 80F around here...like a darn heat wave!

My first day of Applicator's class: Studied the "Core" pesticide material and had a State Pesticide Inspector come in and give us pertinent regulations and legal stuff. He was really cool, and had a lot of good information. Uh, ate Chinese for lunch.

Tomorrow, we have a "breakout session" specifically for Ornamentals and Turf, then take the Certification Exam after lunch. 100 questions, need 70% to pass. Nothing earth-shattering so far, fairly basic and mostly common sense.

Once Certified, you apply for and receive a License. Then you can stop lookin' over your shoulder...

Mort