When To Spray Pre-Emergent Herbicides

Weed Control -Flower Mound

The use of herbicides, also known as weed killers, is vital to good lawn care when it comes to protecting your grass. Pre-emergent herbicides kill weeds before they sprout, and timing is critical for obtaining the best results.

Applying a pre-emergent treatment too late or too early will waste both your time and money. So when should you spray pre-emergent herbicides?

How They Work

Pre-emergent herbicides are a preventative measure for controlling weeds. Proper use creates a chemical barrier that will not kill established plants. The barrier only affects seeds, such as those belonging to weeds, and will break down in six to eight weeks.

Therefore, using a pre-emergent treatment requires proper timing to be effective. Apply them very early in the spring season, and once again in the fall season before your grass goes dormant for the winter.

Proper Lawn Care To Fight Weeds

Proper fertilization, mowing, irrigation, and soil aerating are all important factors in creating a dense lawn. However, weather-related events are beyond our control.

Unexpected drought or excessive precipitation can cause the lawn to thin out or become overwatered. Applying a pre-emergent herbicide can serve as an insurance policy in the off-chance that your yard loses its luster due to fickle weather.

Popular Pre-Emergent Herbicides

Oxadiazon is a great granular option – safe in all turf and ornamental grasses.
Prodiamine is an economical and longest lasting due to lowest application rates.
Surflan is a specialty herbicide used as a pre-emergent herbicide for the control of annual grasses and many broad-leaf weeds in landscapes

Visit our service page to learn more about weed control and fertilization from Ryno Lawn Care!

More Lawn Tips: How Do You Get Rid of Clover in Lawn

Use With Caution

Closely follow the herbicide manufacturer’s instructions. Failure to follow the recommendations can increase the dangers associated with use of these chemicals.
Always wear gloves and any safety gear specified by the herbicide manufacturer when applying these chemicals. Wash out all clothing after use.
Be sure to use only the recommended amount of herbicide to prevent buildup in water tables that can harm the environment.
After application, keep children and pets off a treated area according to the product instructions.
Store chemicals in a cool, dry and dark place safely out of children’s reach.

T. Stafford

I enjoy writing about gardening, lawn care, etc. to share what I've learned with others. I've lived in Texas my whole life, so I'm more familiar with this region's native plants.