As the seasons change and the grass begins to grow, using Prodiamine 65 WDG as a pre-emergent herbicide is a popular choice for maintaining a healthy lawn and garden.
Key Points:
- Prodiamine 65 WDG is a popular pre-emergent herbicide used in lawn and garden care to prevent weed growth.
- Watering after applying Prodiamine is crucial to activate the herbicide and increase its efficacy, but overwatering can wash away the herbicide and reduce its effectiveness.
- Factors such as soil moisture and water amount should be considered when deciding whether to water in Prodiamine 65 WDG.
It helps keep those pesky weeds at bay, leaving your lawn and garden to flourish and create beautiful greenery around your home. But like any herbicide, proper application is essential to ensure the most effective results. So, to water, or not to water?
After applying Prodiamine, watering the treatment area is critical, as the water helps activate the herbicide. But it’s not always that simple, as certain situations may require steering clear of watering. In this article, we explore the importance of watering in Prodiamine 65 WDG and offer a few helpful tips to ensure an effective, long-lasting result.
What is Prodiamine 65 WDG?
Prodiamine 65 WDG is a pre-emergent herbicide designed to keep varying grasses and broadleaf weeds at bay. Prodiamine 65 WDG is a professional formulation of Prodiamine, which is a staple ingredient in many herbicides.
The professional formulation is highly effective and is often used by professionals and homeowners alike to ensure lawns and gardens remain healthy and weed-free.
It’s a granulated herbicide, but to use it, you add water to create a liquid herbicidal solution. Technically, it’s a Wettable Dispersible Granule (WDG), which essentially means it’s supposed to dissolve in water quickly and easily. Its design makes it ultra-easy to apply, ensuring you can apply an even layer throughout the treated area.
The product is measured by weight instead of volume, which is an essential consideration when mixing. You’ll need to use a digital scale for accurate measurements and ratios. Once you apply the herbicide, you need to water it in within 14 days of application, as this activates it.
The coverage rate of Prodiamine 65 WDG is approximately 1 to 2 pounds per 1,000 square feet, depending on the type of grass and weeds you’re treating.
Why is Watering Important?
Watering after applying Prodiamine 65 WDG is crucial, as the water activates the ingredients and kick-starts the process. The water helps create a zone to prevent weed germination, activating the herbicide and increasing its efficacy.
Generally, it’s recommended that you water the area at least a week before the first germination date for the best results. This time frame gives the herbicides enough time to start their work, penetrating the soil and creating a solid barrier against weed seeds that could smother your plants.
However, it’s important not to overwater the lawn or garden after applying Prodiamine 65 WDG, as the soil may become too saturated. When this happens, the herbicide might wash away, preventing it from doing its job. On top of that, oversaturated soil prevents the herbicide from moving through the soil, reducing its efficacy.
So, it’s essential to find the balance between overwatering and underwatering after applying Prodiamine. Additionally, ensure you apply the correct amount of Prodiamine 65 WDG. If you apply too much, your lawn may exhibit signs of distress, like yellowing or dead spots.
All in all, a balance of both watering and application amounts is essential for effective results.
Can You Water in Prodiamine 65 WDG?
To water in, or not. This is a common question homeowners ask in regard to herbicides. While the answer varies based on the product in question, watering in is a crucial step in an effective Prodiamine application.
That said, a few factors can affect whether you should water, so evaluating your situation is essential.
Factors to Consider
Here are the main factors you need to consider when debating whether or not to water in Prodiamine 65 WDG:
- Soil Moisture: Oversaturated soil cannot take on any more water, so any excess will flow off the lawn. If you water an oversaturated lawn after applying Prodiamine, there’s a good chance most of the herbicide will wash away, reducing its efficacy.
- Water Amount: The recommended amount of water your lawn needs after a Prodiamine application is 0.5 inches, but you shouldn’t apply this in one application. Instead, water this amount over two days to avoid oversaturation and give the herbicide the best chance of absorption.
- Timing: Keep an eye on the forecast, as heavy rains can wash away your efforts. If there’s rain in the forecast or it recently rained, work your application timing around that. You don’t want the soil to be oversaturated when you start, but you also don’t want heavy rain to flush it all out after applying.
So, to answer the question – yes, you can water in Prodiamine 65 WDG. In many cases, you should, but it’s essential to do so carefully and at the right time. Follow the instructions on the product label carefully to ensure you’re using it properly.
How to Water in Prodiamine 65 WDG
Given the importance of watering after applying Prodiamine 65 WDG, it’s essential you get it right. Here’s how to water in Prodiamine to ensure the best results.
Step-by-Step Guide
When the timing is right and you’re ready to apply the herbicide, follow these steps:
- Measure the correct amount of water you need to cover the application area. Use a measuring cup or an appropriate measuring tool to ensure you use the correct amount.
- Read the product label on the Prodiamine 65 WDG package for the recommended amount of product to the measured water. Use a digital scale to ensure accuracy.
- Add the herbicide to the water and mix it thoroughly to ensure the herbicide is evenly distributed throughout the water.
- Add the herbicide mixture into a sprayer and apply it evenly to the target area.
- Water the treated area with 0.5 inches of water within the first two days (48 hours) of application. Leave the area untouched for 14 days, keeping both pets and children off the area.
Application Tips and Precautions
As you apply the herbicide and follow up with a thorough watering, here are a few tips and precautions to keep in mind:
- Do not apply the herbicide to waterlogged or saturated soil, as it may be washed away during the initial watering.
- Do not apply the herbicide during rainfall, shortly after heavy rainfall, or when rain is expected within 48 hours of application.
- Do not apply herbicide to areas where runoff is likely to occur, as it can end up in groundwater.
- Do not apply the herbicide to areas where it may come into contact with desirable plants or trees, as it may detrimentally affect or kill them.
- Wear protective clothing, gloves, and eyewear when handling the herbicide. If you get the herbicide on your skin or in your eyes or mouth, follow the instructions on the label to flush the area.
By following these simple steps, you can safely and effectively water in Prodiamine 65 WDG and achieve the desired results.
Precautions to Take
Prodiamine is an herbicide that can be harmful to people, pets, and plants, so it’s essential to handle it carefully. Here are a few precautions to keep in mind when handling the herbicide:
- Do not apply Prodiamine 65 WDG to plants that will be consumed for food use.
- Do not contaminate water when disposing of equipment wash water.
- Do not graze or feed livestock forage cut from areas treated with Prodiamine 65 WDG.
- Follow all applicable directions, restrictions, and precautions on the EPA labels.
- Flush the sprayer system thoroughly after completing the application, ensuring you remove all herbicide residue from the sprayer tank, wand, and nozzle.
It’s essential to always read and carefully follow the instructions on the product label, as this will help ensure you use the product safely and effectively. In addition, remember to wear protective clothing, such as gloves and goggles, while handling the herbicide.
If the product comes into contact with the skin or eyes, it can cause irritation, so these measures will help prevent such events.
Lastly, keeping children and pets away from the treated area is crucial until the product dries completely. This will help prevent accidental ingestion or exposure to the product. Ensure you carefully note dry times on the label to avoid accidents like ingestion and exposure.