Is lespedeza overtaking your lawn and control practices like mowing not giving you the desired results?
Lespedeza can be tough to eliminate because it’s widely adapted and can spread fast on various turf grasses.
So, if you’re in search of a better method to conquer the obnoxious weed, we recommend herbicide treatments.
Herbicides not only make it faster and easier to get rid of summer weeds but also give uniform and long-lasting results.
The Best Herbicides for Lespedeza Control
With many herbicides claiming to do wonders on all weeds, we know selecting the right product can be challenging.
That’s why we’ve curated the pre and postemergence herbicides that offer the best control against lespedeza.
Preemergence Herbicides
Preemergence herbicides applied in early spring in the upper 4 inches of the soil can prevent lespedeza weed seeds from germinating.
1. Dithiopyr
Dithiopyr, sold as Dimension, offers effective control against lespedeza in spring. Split applications of 0.375 lb ai/acre after six to eight weeks may provide over 90% control of lespedeza.
2. Triazine
Herbicides like atrazine (brands such as Aatrex) and simazine (brands like Princep) can be applied on turf grasses like Bermuda grass, St Augustine grass, and Zoysia grass.
However, their efficacy lasts about four to six weeks, and repeat applications are often required to control the weed.
3. Isoxaben
Isoxaben, (sold as Gallery) also provides preemergent control for lespedeza but may also require repeated applications for complete control of the weed.
Postemergence Herbicides
Postemergence herbicides are applied to lawns and gardens to kill the lespedeza weeds after they emerge from the soil.
The most recommended products you should consider include:
1. Metsulfuron
Metsulfuron (brands include manor) and other products containing this ingredient (such as Blindside) offer excellent lespedeza control.
However, repeated applications are required to keep up the activity, especially in late summer.
2. Dicamba
A combination of metsulfuron and dicamba or dicamba products has also provided excellent lespedeza control in many warm-season grasses. Repeated applications may be required for large infestations.
Whether you want to protect your green spaces from a lespedeza invasion or get rid of an infestation, these herbicides will do the job.
Read the application instructions on the product label for effective and lasting results.
Lead Editor for Insight Weeds.