If weed removal and mowing is something you take seriously, you might find yourself wondering, ‘how soon after spraying weeds can I mow?’
Spraying your lawn with weed killer and mowing is something that should be done separately. Read more about when to spray and when to mow your lawn below.
How Long After You Spray Can I Mow?
You should wait anywhere between 24 to 48 hours, or at least a day or two before mowing the lawn after spraying.
The timing largely depends on the herbicide and how quickly it can get from leaves and stem to the roots. Generally speaking, weed killers usually need a few days for them to work on your lawn. Rain, watering, and mowing can make the treatment less effective since you won’t be giving the herbicide a chance to work its magic against unwanted plants and weeds.
Lawn owners should exercise a bit of patience when it comes to mowing the grass after spraying. If you mow prematurely and before the spray chemical has reached the weeds’ roots, then it won’t be as effective and chances are that the weeds will not be eliminated.
Should I Spray Weeds Before or After Mowing?
The best time to spray for weeds is before you mow the lawn. It’s recommended that you spray the lawn treatment first, wait up to two days, and then prepare the mower.
When you mow before spraying you’re reducing leaf contact area, which makes it less effective. Herbicides work through the weed leaves via an absorption mechanism before going down to the roots and killing the plant.
Mowing should be done once a week as part of lawn maintenance, while spraying weed control can be done anytime and when unwanted weeds are spotted. If you’re in a situation where you’ve already mowed and want to get rid of weeds, then you should wait five days as a minimum to allow the weed foliage to grow back and for the herbicide to get to the leaves and roots when you spray.
Also, the weeds will be much harder to pull from the ground when you mow before you spray. The bottom line is, don’t waste your time and money by mowing before spraying- wait 5-7 days before spraying when you’ve mowed the lawn, or 2 days after spraying to mow the lawn.
How to Mow and Spray Your Lawn Properly
There are certain rules to follow when spraying lawn treatment in your yard. First, you should wear protective clothing, as well as goggles and gloves when spraying. Also, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions as stated on the label for a higher chance of success.
Mowing is a bit more complicated. It’s worth noting that different turf and grass varieties will require different mowing heights, but generally, you should observe a height of anywhere between two to three inches. Cutting the grass too short may look nice, but it will invite weeds and unwanted plants to grow. Furthermore, your grass will be healthier in the long run since the blades are unlikely to get damaged.
Leave the grass clippings and don’t clean them up, since it serves several benefits. One, clippings tend to act as mulch and preserve moisture. Two, cut grass is rich in plant nutrients, and you’ll be feeding them organic fertilizer in a sense.
After spraying and mowing, look for stray weeds that may have survived and remove them manually.
Make sure to dig up the ground using a hand shovel or trowel so you can remove the roots and any seeds that may have dropped on the soil. Dispose of the weeds promptly and properly to keep them from spreading in your home.