The best way to control weeds is to have a healthy lawn that chokes them out before they get started. Don't mow your lawn too short, be sure to fertilize adequately, and water deeply. Beginning a good maintenance program will bring many weeds under control within one growing season without chemical intervention.
Which Weedkiller Should I Use?
Before applying any chemical, know what type of grass you have and the type of weed you want to kill. Always read and follow product labels carefully.
Pre-Emergent?
A pre-emergence weed killer is applied before the seeds germinate in the lawn. Some of these products are combined with fertilizer, and others are sold separately.
Post-Emergent?
A post-emergence weed killer eliminates the weeds that you can see. It may be combined with fertilizer in a product called weed-and-feed, or it may be sold separately as granules or as a spray. To be most effective, it should be applied to the lawn in warm weather when the weeds are growing.