How to Use Stranz Herbicide for Effective Weed Control
Understand the correct process for applying Stranz herbicide to achieve targeted weed control while protecting desirable turf and the surrounding environment.
Stranz is a selective, post-emergent herbicide for managing broadleaf weeds within turfgrass. Its primary function is to target and eliminate unwanted weeds without harming the surrounding grass. The effectiveness of Stranz stems from its active ingredient, clopyralid. This chemical is absorbed by the weed and disrupts its normal growth processes, leading to the plant’s decline. It works systemically, moving throughout the entire weed to ensure complete control.
Weeds Controlled by Stranz
Stranz is formulated to manage a specific range of broadleaf weeds. It is effective against pervasive weeds like thistles, known for their resilient nature, as well as common invaders such as clover and dandelions. The herbicide also controls other challenging species like plantain, which can form dense patches, and ragweed, a significant allergen.
How to Apply Stranz
Proper application begins with accurate mixing. It is important to consult the product label for the specific mixing ratios, as these can vary. A small amount of the liquid concentrate is diluted in a larger volume of water within a sprayer to ensure the active ingredient is distributed evenly.
For application, a pump-style or backpack sprayer is used to create a fine mist that lightly coats the foliage of the target weeds. A sweeping motion with the spray nozzle is recommended to ensure uniform application. Overlapping each pass slightly helps to avoid missed spots where weeds could survive.
The application method depends on the extent of the weed infestation. If only a few scattered weeds are present, spot-treating is an efficient method that minimizes the amount of herbicide used. For lawns with widespread weed problems, a broadcast application that treats the entire area may be more appropriate.
Optimal Application Timing
The timing of a Stranz application directly influences its performance. For the best results, the herbicide should be applied when weeds are actively growing. This occurs in the spring as temperatures rise and again in the fall before the first frost, when the plant’s metabolic processes allow for efficient uptake.
Weather conditions at the time of application are also important. Application should occur on a calm day to prevent spray drift, which can carry the herbicide to non-target plants. The treated area should remain dry for at least 24 hours after application, so apply when no rain is in the forecast and within the moderate temperature range specified on the label.
Safety and Lawn Care Considerations
When handling and applying Stranz, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is recommended. This includes chemical-resistant gloves, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and protective eyewear. After the application is complete, keep people and pets off the treated lawn until the spray has thoroughly dried.
It is important to confirm that Stranz is compatible with your specific type of turfgrass before application. The product is safe for use on cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, and fescue. However, it may cause injury to certain warm-season grasses, so checking the label for a list of tolerant species is necessary.
A consideration for the active ingredient, clopyralid, is its persistence in plant matter. The chemical can remain active in grass clippings from treated areas for an extended period. For this reason, do not compost clippings from a lawn recently treated with Stranz, as using this compost in gardens could harm sensitive plants like vegetables and flowers.