Keeping a beautiful, healthy green lawn in Wichita is no small task. Between hot, humid summers, cold winters, and the mix of clay and sandy Kansas soils, it’s easy for weeds to sneak in and take over. Add in the fact that Wichita lawns face unique regional challenges, like crabgrass and dandelions and it’s clear why having the best herbicide is so important.
At Elite Landscape Solutions, we’ve spent years helping Wichita homeowners choose and apply the best herbicides for their yards. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the best herbicides for maintaining a healthy Wichita lawn.
What are Herbicides and How do They Work?
Herbicides are products designed to control or kill unwanted plants. While the concept sounds simple, using the wrong herbicide or using the right one at the wrong time can waste money and even damage your lawn.
Two Main Categories of Herbicides
Pre-Emergent Herbicides
- These stop weeds before they sprout. They work by creating a barrier in the soil that prevents weed germination. In Wichita, we typically recommend applying pre-emergents in early spring before soil temperatures consistently hit 55°F, and again in late summer to target fall-germinating weeds.
Post-Emergent Herbicides
- These kill existing weeds you can already see. Post-emergents work best when weeds are actively growing and not under stress from drought or extreme heat.
Landscaping Pro Tip: For Wichita lawn care, timing is everything. Applying a pre-emergent too late in spring or skipping fall treatments is one of the top reasons lawn weeds keep coming back.
Best Herbicide for Lawns in Wichita
Pre-emergent Recommendations
- Prodiamine – Excellent for crabgrass control in Wichita and may kill broadleaf weeds when applied before germination.
- Dithiopyr – Offers both pre-emergent and early post-emergent control, making it a versatile choice.
It’s best to apply these in March through April for spring weeds and August through September for fall/winter weeds.
Post-Emergent Recommendations
- Broadleaf Control: Look for products containing 2, 4-D to handle dandelions, clover, and plantain.
- Grassy Weed Control: Quinclorac is highly effective against crabgrass after it sprouts.
- Nutsedge Control: Products with Halosulfuron or Sulfentrazone are your best bet.
Selective vs. Non-Selective Herbicides
- Selective Herbicides – Target specific weeds without harming desirable grass. Perfect for most lawns.
- Non-Selective Herbicides – Kill all plants they touch. Best for driveways, sidewalks, or lawn renovation.
Pet and Kid Safe Herbicide Options
If you have pets or young children, consider corn gluten meal as a natural, safe weed killer and pre-emergent. While not as fast-acting as synthetic options, it’s safe and still effective when applied consistently.
Seasonal Herbicide Schedule for Wichita
A year-round approach gives the best results.
- Spring – Apply pre-emergent for crabgrass control in Wichita, KS; use post-emergent on early broadleaf weeds.
- Summer – Spot-treat broadleaf weeds and nutsedge; avoid stressing your grass in peak heat.
- Fall – Apply pre-emergent to prevent winter weeds like annual bluegrass; treat lingering perennials.
- Winter – No active weed control, use this time to plan your next season’s applications.
Herbicide Application Tips for Success
Getting the most from your herbicide investment comes down to proper application.
- Read the Label Every Time – Different products have different directions for dilution, timing, and safety.
- Mind the Weather – Apply on calm days to prevent spray drift and improve effectiveness.
- Avoid Mowing Before Application – Give weeds enough leaf surface to absorb the herbicide.
- Know When to Water – Some products need watering in while other should stay dray for 24 hours.
- Practice Safety – Wear gloves, long sleeves, and safety glasses.
In Wichita, avoid applying post-emergent herbicides during the hottest part of the day in midsummer. Early morning or evening applications reduce stress on your lawn and improve results.
When DIY Isn’t Enough
While many homeowners handle simple weed control on their own, some situations call for professional help:
- Widespread weed infestations that require multiple products.
- Hard-to-Identify weeds like certain sedges and invasive grasses.
- Safety concerns with pets, kids, or gardens nearby.
- Desire for long-term prevention with minimal maintenance.
At Elite Landscape Solutions, we take the guesswork out of lawn care. Our team identifies the exact weeds in your lawn, chooses the right products, and applies them at the optimal time, all while prioritizing safety and environmental care.
Why Work with a Local Wichita Lawn Expert
National lawn care advice doesn’t always work in Kansas. Wichita’s climate, soil types, and weed species are unique and knowing these local factors is key to effective treatment.
When you work with a Wichita-based company like Elite Landscape Solutions you get personalized care including:
- Knowledge of local weed growth cycles.
- Timing based on actual Wichita weather patterns, not national averages.
- Access to professional-grade herbicides not found in big-box stores.
- A customized lawn care service plan that fits your yard’s exact needs.
Choosing the Right Herbicide for a Healthier Wichita Lawn
Choosing the right herbicide and applying it at the right time can transform your lawn from patchy and weedy to lush and green. Whether you’re preventing crabgrass in spring, tackling dandelions in summer, or prepping for winter weeds in the fall, consistency is the key to success.
If you’re tired of battling weeds on your own, let Elite Landscape Solutions help. Contact us today for a free estimate on expert weed control services.