As a gardening and landscaping expert, I can provide some guidance on whether or not you should mow before applying Tenacity. While some people recommend not mowing two days before or after applying this herbicide, it ultimately depends on the specific circumstances of your lawn and your desired outcome.
One important factor to consider is the timing of your Tenacity application. If you are planning to use it for pre-emergence control of weeds, it is generally recommended to apply it before the weeds have a chance to germinate. In this case, mowing before applying Tenacity may not be necessary, as you are targeting the weeds before they even become visible.
However, if you are using Tenacity for post-emergence control, the situation may be different. Tenacity is known to be rainfast in just a few hours after application, meaning it becomes resistant to water wash-off relatively quickly. Therefore, it is generally safe to mow your lawn a few hours after applying Tenacity without significantly affecting its efficacy.
That being said, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Mowing too soon after applying Tenacity may increase the risk of the herbicide being removed from the leaf surfaces before it has a chance to be fully absorbed by the weeds. It is generally recommended to wait at least 24 hours after application before mowing, to ensure adequate absorption and effectiveness.
Additionally, if your lawn is heavily infested with weeds, mowing before applying Tenacity can help to reduce the weed population and make it easier for the herbicide to reach the target plants. By removing the top growth of the weeds, you create better access for the Tenacity to penetrate the weed leaves and effectively control them.
On the other hand, if your lawn is relatively weed-free or if you have already treated the weeds with Tenacity and are waiting for them to die off, mowing before application may not be necessary. In such cases, it is important to follow the recommended application rates and intervals as indicated on the product label.
In my personal experience, I have found that mowing before applying Tenacity can be beneficial, especially when dealing with a significant weed problem. By mowing first, you create a cleaner and more accessible surface for the herbicide to work effectively. However, it is important to allow sufficient time for the Tenacity to be absorbed before mowing again, typically waiting at least 24 hours.
While there are differing opinions on whether or not to mow before applying Tenacity, the decision ultimately depends on your specific circumstances and goals. If you are using Tenacity for pre-emergence control, mowing may not be necessary. However, if you are using it for post-emergence control or have a significant weed problem, mowing before application can be beneficial as long as you allow sufficient time for absorption before mowing again. It is always important to carefully read and follow the instructions on the product label for best results.
