Weed Control

Crabgrass Control

Crabgrass is a “grass weed” not a broadleaf weed and cannot be controlled or eradicated by a broadleaf spray. Treating crabgrass is a time specific service that is only effective in the spring once the soil warms up and reaches a specific temperature.

Crabgrass Treatment

Start the Spring out weed free! Contact Empire Spray today.

Weed Free Shrub Beds

Keep your flower and shrub beds free from weeds and your hands free to do more important tasks.

Our flower and shrub bed treatment process includes the application of a preemergent product on the ground where established plants grow which suppresses seed germination through the season.

Recommended Treatment Schedule

March – June

We recommend application in the spring before new growth begins to emerge. The sooner your bed is treated the better.
Beds must be clear of debris including leaves, pine needles, branches, pine cones, etc.
Touch up applications are scheduled to kill any growth that may have broken through due to tolerance or ground disturbance. We only apply if needed.

Important Treatment Facts

The product is safe to apply over established plants, bushes and shrubs to help prevent weeds from growing up the middle.
The preemergent degrades faster (loses efficacy) in bed areas that are over watered and/or have poor drainage that creates pools of water.
Treated areas where the top soil has been disturbed significantly by erosion or digging will be susceptible to new growth.
Plants that are already established (potted plants) can be safely planted in treated areas, however seeds can not.

Residential & Commercial Bare Ground Spray Treatments

Bare ground Treatments control all vegetation growth throughout the season in areas that do not have other established plants growing such as parking areas, driveways, walking paths, rocked areas, etc.

Our bare-ground treatments will improve the curb appeal at your home or business and eliminate this chore from your to-do list!

Treatment Schedule

March – June

Efficacy Factors

Types of Areas Treated

Gravel walkways
Fencelines
RV parking areas
Roadside & curbline
Shed, shop & garage perimeter
Gravel driveways and along the roadside
Equipment parking & storage areas
Perimeter of outbuildings
Paddocks, arena & roundpen
Utility vehicle access roads

Bare ground treatments can be used to create a “firewise” perimeter around your home and outbuildings.

Visit Spokane County’s noxious weed control website to learn more about county regulations.

Common Obnoxious Plants of Spokane County

Noxious Weeds are a Continuous Problem in our Area.

Responsible land owners do their part to reduce the spread of invasive weeds.

Negative Effects Include:

Poisonous to animals
Reduce local farmer crop yields
Lower property values
Destroy native plant and animal habitat
Damage recreational sites
Clog waterways

Weed Spray FAQs

How long will it take for the weeds in my lawn to die after you spray?

Different kinds of weeds will die at different rates of time. Generally, you will see signs of dying between 7-10 days after application. Signs to look for are curling stem, curled leaf edges, discoloration of leaves and/or flowers. Keep this in mind the weeds did not grow overnight so they are not going to die overnight.

Do I need to have my yard weed sprayed again if it rained afterward?

No. The products we use are scientifically designed to be "rain-fast". In layman's terms, the product spreads, sticks, and absorbs upon contact with a plant and cannot be washed away. To further enhance and ensure product performance and success we include a surfactant product.

Is it okay if my lawn was watered before the Broadleaf Weed Spray was applied?

We do ask that you make sure your sprinklers have completed their cycle by 7 am the day you are scheduled for a weed spray. If your sprinklers are running when we arrive, we will not spray, and it could be weeks before we can be scheduled come back.

How long should I wait to water my lawn after the Broadleaf Weed Spray is applied?

You could water your lawn as soon as we leave. The products we use are scientifically designed to be "rain-fast". Rain-fast means the product spreads, sticks, and absorbs upon contact with a plant and cannot be washed away. To further enhance and ensure product performance and success we include a surfactant product.

Should I mow my lawn before or after the Broadleaf Weed Spray is applied?

It doesn’t matter either way. Of course, we do not want to arrive at the same time you or your mow service is mowing the lawn. It is great if you can avoid mowing the day before and/or the day after the weeds spray, but certainly not necessary.

How long should I wait to let my pets walk on the lawn after it is sprayed?

It is best to wait 30 minutes to 1 hour after application of weed spray depending on how warm the temperature it that day.

Will my dog get sick if he eats some grass after my lawn has been weed sprayed?

No. Studies have been conducted to find out not only if a dog can become ill after eating treated grass but also how much. The conclusion was that a dog would need to eat a 1,000-foot area of treated grass before it would show signs of illness.

Will a Broadleaf Weed Spray in the Spring prevent new weeds from growing in the Summer?

No. The weed spray only kills actively growing broadleaf weeds that exist at the time of application.

Why didn’t the weed spray kill the crabgrass in my yard?

Crabgrass is not a broadleaf plant. It is considered a grassweed. The broadleaf weed Spray is a "Select" spray. This is why we can apply it on your entire lawn and only kill the weeds.