Can I Use Weed-B-Gon in November in South Carolina?

Available Formulas

• Ortho offers Weed-B-Gon, Weed-B-Gon with Crabgrass Killer and Weed-B-Gon Weed Killer for Southern Lawns. The latter has an ingredient, Carfentrazone, that the others do not. It is only sold in South Carolina, Florida, Texas, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.

Where to Use Weed-B-Gon

• Weed-B-Gon labels lists hundreds of weeds vulnerable to the herbicide. Since it kills broadleaf weeds, Weed-B-Gon should not be used around vegetable crops, ornamentals or fruits. The herbicide may be used on all grasses except centipede (Eremochloa ophiuroides), hardy in USDA zones 7 through 10 and bahia grass (Paspalum notatum), hardy in USDA zones 7 through 11. While safe for use on St. Augustine grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum), which grows best in USDA zones 8 through 10, Weed-B-Gon is not recommended for "Floratam" St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum “Floratam”),hardy in USDA zones 9 and 10.

When to Use Weed-B-Gon

• Weed-B-Gon should not be used when the temperature is above 90 degrees F, which it often is during South Carolina summers. Autumn and winter can be a different story, however. Temperatures need to be 45 degrees F or higher when using Weed-B-Gon, and South Carolina winter temperatures generally average in the 30s in the northern mountain region of the state to the mid-50s in the southern low country. Once first frost occurs in fall, it may be too late to use Weed-B-Gon. A 50 percent chance of first frost occurring may be as late as December 10 in the Charleston area, late November in Beaufort and Sullivan's Island, late October in the Union city area and as early as October 21 around Walhalla.

How to Apply Weed-B-Gon

• Weed-B-Gon comes in a convenient, ready-to-use container. Simply turn the nozzle to open the spray portal and aim for the center of the target weeds. Cover the weeds lightly with herbicide, following the directions. The spray should not be heavy enough to drip off the plants. If the weeds persist, spray them a second time three weeks after the first application.

Take Precautions

• Always wear long sleeves and long pants, along with work gloves and protective eyewear when applying any type of chemical spray in the garden. If the chemical gets on the skin, wash thoroughly with soap and water immediately. Keep children and pets out of treated areas until the herbicide dries. Always read and follow label directions.