When Can I Treat My Centipede Sod For Weeds?

Q: I laid centipede sod in mid-August and it’s doing great so far and has taken root. There are some weeds in the sod. When will it be okay to treat the sod for weeds? Do I need to wait until next year? 

A: Centipede grass can be persnickety when herbicides are applied. Right now, my advice is to use a pre-mixed weed killer product with a pistol hand sprayer so you can aim accurately. Regularly spot-spraying weeds that have sprouted make a huge difference in the amount of weed pressure you’ll face in the future. If you pay attention to mowing height, fertilizing, and watering plus regular spot-spraying for weeds you might never have to apply area-wide herbicide to your lawn.