Winter annual weeds sprout now, overwinter and begin active spring growth before all else. Seeds have dropped to the soil and are just waiting to flourish. At the first drop of moisture, or even heavy dew, they start to come alive. They will soon become visible as small seedlings. When these reach the flowering stage, early next spring, they may be next to impossible to control. Now is the most effective, easiest and least expensive control opportunity.

Henbit, chickweed and dandelion are the most common; however, control is the same for even the lesser-known varieties. Herbicides are available as two types: pre-emergent and postemergent.

Pre-emergent herbicides are applied to the soil before the weed seed germinates and stops this germination. These are most effective on summer annuals, such as crab grass, and not as effective on winter annual weeds because of the various germination times. Postemergent herbicides are used after the weeds have emerged from the soil and while they are actively taking in nutrients for growth. These are the most effective for weed control.

These herbicides are available in liquid, granular and granular fertilizer-herbicide combinations. The fertilizer combination is attractive now because it is time to fertilize your lawn. Take care to count this application into the yearly fertilizer needs for your lawn. If you have just planted new grass, you must wait until it has been mowed three times before chemical weed treatment. None of these products will distinguish weeds from newly planted grass. The pre-emergent will stop the desirable grass seed from germinating, and the postemergent may damage the new grass plants.

Postemergent herbicide is absorbed though the leaves. The longer it stays in contact with the plant the better. Keep the mower off the grass 2-3 days before and after application. Apply the product when rain is not expected for 24 hours after application, and do not water for the same time. The air temperature should be between 70 and 90 degrees. Granular application while the morning dew is on the grass is perfect. Not only is there adhesion to the leaves, but your spreader tire tracks are plainly visible, aiding in accurate application. Liquid application follows the same general rules for temperature and watering.

These herbicides likewise do not distinguish between weeds and desirable perennials. Perennials are at less risk now than during their spring growth, but it is still best to keep herbicides out of the flower garden, and certainly keep them away from ponds and water features.

Garden centers carry these herbicides in granular or liquid form. The active ingredient(s) are 2,4-D, MCPP, Dicamba and/or triclopyr. Common names would include Ace Lawn Weed Killer, Trimec, Fertilome Weed Out, Spectracide Lawn and Ortho Weed B-Gon. Always read and follow the manufacturer label directions.

For nonchemical treatments, hand weeding or mulch may be your strongest alternatives. A vinegar application, 5 percent common household strength, has been tested and will give you a head start on control, especially with new growth. Salt sprays have not been tested and may alter the soil composition to the negative. A strong healthy lawn or desirable plant growth is always your best defense against weeds.

Want to learn more? Seven local garden centers and two equipment vendors will join the Douglas County Extension Master Gardeners at their Fall Festival, which is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Douglas County 4-H Fairgrounds, 2110 Harper St. Educational talks and demonstrations on ground covers, conifers, peonies, fall lawn care, herbal vinegars and gardening in general will be given. Master Gardeners will be also be available to answer your questions based on research rather than myth, conjecture or advertising hype. This is a free event with activities for children and adults.