Weather's warming up, and homeowners are taking a look at the weeds coming up in their lawns and thinking about what to do about it. So what are our options?

Weeds can be managed without chemicals in lots of situations. Physically removing weeds by hoeing or pulling not only gets the weed out but also removes any seeds it may be producing before they are scattered across the landscape. Managing your watering also can help minimize unwanted weeds. Weeds can't grow without water, so if your sprinklers or drips are watering places where they shouldn't you may prevent some problems by fixing them. At some point, however, many of us will look for a herbicide.

So while browsing our local home improvement store's weed control aisle, what should we be thinking about?

Unless you have the equipment and time to mix your own pesticides, look first for a ready-to-use, premixed herbicide. Besides just being easier, it's also safer for you and your family because you're less likely to keep an old jug around the shed if you've purchased something you can spray right away (no cleaning out the old pump sprayer, repairing the nozzle, measuring, etc.). When you don't store old pesticides you don't risk poisoning people who might unknowingly handle them, or contaminating the environment we live in if the container accidentally spills or breaks.

Next, think about what you're trying to do. Do you have grassy weeds in a rockscape? Broadleaved weeds in the lawn? Just a few weeds in the cracks of your sidewalk? Do you want to kill emerged weeds (those already up and growing) or kill seedlings as they germinate? There are ready-to-use herbicides out there that will do each of these things.

Need help figuring out what weeds you have? Visit New Mexico State University's Weed Information page for pictures, identification guides, and more. Your local County Agent can help too; click here for contact information for your county.

Emerged weeds should be sprayed before they form new seeds whenever possible. If you want to control weeds as they germinate, look for "preemergent" herbicides, but remember that you won't be able to plant any vegetable or flower seeds in those locations either. Herbicides don't know the difference! Pay particular attention if you're looking at "weed and feed" herbicides (fertilizer with a herbicide added) to make sure you won't kill your trees and shrubs (or those of your neighbor) by applying it where you shouldn't.

Look through the complete label while you're shopping for a herbicide. Take the time to read and learn what sites the product is for, what weeds it works on, whether it will move through the soil and risk damaging nearby trees or other desirable plants, how long you need to keep people and pets off the treated area, etc. The label has lots of information and if you read it before you buy, you won't have any surprises later. You'll find information on potential hazards; first aid in case of accidental exposure; any protective gear you need to wear when using the product; and how to dispose of the empty container. You'll find specific directions for how to use the product, including what sites it can be used on (vegetables, ornamental trees, houseplants, etc.) and what kinds of weeds it controls. It's important to carefully follow all label directions. Pesticides have been tested for safety and effectiveness, but only if you follow the label directions exactly! The label is the law.

All pesticides sold in New Mexico must comply with US EPA requirements and must be registered with NMDA. They can only be sold in the original, unopened container with the complete label. Containers should be clean and undamaged. If you see spilled fertilizer or pesticide in the store, notify management or call NMDA. Our inspectors regularly visit businesses that sell herbicides and other pesticides to make sure the products are safely displayed and stored as well as verifying that they are registered.

There is a variety of active ingredients in modern herbicides, and some are less hazardous than others. Keep in mind that just because a product claims to be "natural" or "organic" doesn't mean you don't have to worry about following the directions.

If you decide to hire someone to manage your weeds, ask to see their Commercial Pesticide Applicator's license. Anyone who uses herbicides in their lawn care business must be licensed by NMDA. Each individual who deals with the herbicide must be licensed and should be able to show you his or her license. You can also contact NMDA to confirm the validity of a pesticide license.