This results in a denser turf which culturally helps prevent weeds from becoming established. Fall is also the best time for other cultural practices such as aerifying compacted areas. Fertilizing later in the fall, when the top growth of the cool-season turfgrasses has nearly stopped, will favor rhizome growth resulting in a denser turf. Anything that will promote proper turfgrass growth will ultimately help minimize weed populations. For those lawns that are mainly weeds, the time for complete renovation is now.
Renovation means killing all existing vegetation and starting over.
Controlling broadleaf weeds. There are a number of postemergence herbicides available for selective control of broadleaf weeds. These combinations have taken most of the guessing out of broadleaf control because broadleaves not controlled by 2,4- D are usually controlled by one of the other herbicides. For example, 2,4-D provides excellent control of dandelion and plantain, but provides poor control of white clover or red sorrel. Dicamba, on the other hand, provides excellent control of white clover and red sorrel and only fair control of dandelion or plantain.