Question From: E. Corbett - Temecula, California, United States
Q: We have a purslane invasion in our newly seeded lawn. First seeded 5/1/16. Re-seeded 05/22/16 due to excessive bare spots. Grass came in great, but after 3 weeks, purslane was out of control. Grass has not been mowed yet; purslane is growing above all grass, some areas over 8 inches and is starting to flower. Pull it out? Wait and mow when second seeding is tall enough? Spray after mowing 2 or 3 times? Destroy the entire area?
A: Eric. Here's the response from my golf course turf guru. *Postemergent control *Dicamba, MCPP, MSMA, and 2,4-D are effective postemergent herbicides in turfgrass and are available to the home gardener. Or any 3 way containing all three chemicals. *Preemergent control *The herbicides dithiopyr, pendimethalin, or combinations of benefin and trifluralin or benefin and oryzalin (used in bermudagrass turf only) will control common purslane as preemergent treatments. These products are mostly granular materials and some may be mixed with a turf fertilizer. I would suggest a 3 way liquid herbicide application after grass has germinated and is growing for 2 weeks. Then be sure to treat with a pre-emergent crabgrass control in the spring. Don't use a pre-emergent if you are reseeding. For product recommendations visit a good independent garden center. Good Luck and Happy Yardening, Nancy
