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www.landscapeirrigation.com Landscape and Irrigation April 2016 25 coming year, the better. It not only opens up a dialogue between the LCO and the customer, but it gives the LCO an opportunity to proactively address the customer's concerns. The LCO already understands the customer's weed problems, so they can make a prescriptive application and get ahead. Early renewals can help the LCO plan their route in spring. The LCO can treat existing customers' properties in fall, which gives the LCO more time to attract new clients at the beginning of the year. This is also going to increase employee morale and retention, because they aren't dealing with customer complaints and callbacks. SUMMER WEED CONTROL Summer postemergence herbicide applications are also effective, but they must be applied to weeds that are young and actively growing. In the north, use amine-based formulations of 2,4-D when temperatures are high and volatility is a concern. In warmer climates, adjuvants will improve herbicide coverage and help penetrate the waxy leaf surfaces of species such as broadleaf plantain and dollarweed. Be cautious with these additions to ensure they don't increase the potential for turf damage. Irrigate only when necessary. Deep, infrequent irrigation is better for turfgrass than light, frequent irrigation. In the north, weeds like curly dock and sedges thrive in moist conditions. GETTING READY FOR WINTER Fall fertilizer applications provide longer-lasting benefits to a lawn than those done at other times of the year. For best results, make one application in early fall and another six to eight weeks later. There are fertilizers designed for specific seasons, so make sure to use a fall fertilizer that encourages root growth. For troublesome winter annuals and perennials, such as dandelion, chickweed and clover, use a postemergence herbicide. Application timings vary by geography. In the north, fall/ winter herbicide applications can be done as early as Labor Day. In warmer climates, they can be applied as late as October. Fall also is a great time to aerate, reseed and dethatch before the dormant season. Dense, lush turf is the best way to reduce the spread and encroachment of winter annuals. EDUCATING YOUR CUSTOMERS Ultimately, a healthy lawn starts with proper homeowner education. LCOs should be talking to their customers about what the customer can do to support the LCO's efforts. Proper mowing height, lawn mower maintenance, weed control, aeration and fertilization are all important. When LCOs engage their customers, they can work in tandem to create a successful weed-control program. Jamie Breuninger is technical leader for Dow AgroSciences Turf & Ornamental. He is responsible for research and development for the U.S. Turf & Ornamental market. Breuninger joined Dow AgroSciences in 1990 as a technical service and development representative in Sacramento, Calif. He began his career with TruGreen Chemlawn as a technical manager, developing chemical programs for branches on the East Coast. He has a doctorate in agronomy from Pennsylvania State University. Defendor and Dimension are trademarks of The Dow Chemical Company ("Dow") or an affiliated company of Dow. State restrictions on the sale and use of Defendor and Dimension specialty herbicide products apply. Consult the label before purchase or use for full details. Always read and follow label directions. ALL PHOTOS PROVIDED BY DOW AGROSCIENCES LI LANDSCAPE AND TURF MAINTENANCE