Deezler - I feel the same way about the use of chemicals. My property ( 80 acres ) is bound on two sides by lakes. Everything drains into one or the other.
Once the orchard died out - I quit using chemicals totally. It's simply safer for everything - everybody.
AND - I'm no tree hugger or greenie. A whole lot of todays chemicals have some pretty nasty side effects.
Pre-emergent herbicides prevent seed germination and it works for most species. It won’t do anything to perennial plants that are already established on that site such as grass roots and perennial weeds that were mowed without herbicide application. Also, whatever you spray, use a dye so you can see your coverage and any missed spots.Would you skip the glyphosate entirely then? I was assuming in spring I would spray once with a mix of glyphosate and something like Imazapyr. If a pre-emergent is sufficient though, should I just skip the glyphosate entirely? I can use it elsewhere as needed and in lower mix rates ideally.
I use a pre-emergent in late winter/early spring. Then follow up with glyphosate or other throughout the growing season as needed. Buying glyphosate concentrate (42% IIRC) is far more economical than the premixed stuff in stores. About $15 for a quart last year. That will make many gallons at the ratio you prefer, typically 2 oz per gallon of water. It seems to store well if protected from freezing.Glyphosate only affects green growing plants. If you want to keep weeds from germinating you need to use a pre-emergent herbicide. That will prevent seeds from sprouting. Or just mow like others have suggested.