Stop Weeds Before They Start with Pre-Emergent Herbicides
Pre-emergent herbicides are a great way to stop weeds before they even have a chance to sprout. Also known as weed preventers, these products enable your lawn and garden to look neat and healthy without ongoing struggle against unwelcome development. Knowing when and how to apply them may make all the difference in keeping your landscape weed-free year-round.
When Should You Use Pre-Emergent?
With pre-emergent herbicides, timing is absolutely everything. Usually running for three months, they should be applied once or twice a year. Since seasons may be unpredictable, assessing your soil temperature is a useful rule of thumb. The sweet spot is between 55 and 70 degrees
Fahrenheit—grab a meat thermometer and stick it in the ground for an accurate reading. Factors like temperature, soil conditions, and plant varieties can also impact when to apply, so if you’re unsure, consult a professional at your local garden shop.
How to Get Rid of Crabgrass
Apply pre-emergent in early spring—March or April is best—if you wish to keep crabgrass and other summer weeds under control. Crabgrass may be a hard opponent, so be patient and let the herbicide do its thing. If any weeds slip through, take them up immediately away, and don’t leave them lying about, otherwise they could spread.
How to Kill Chickweed
Winter weeds like chickweed and bluegrass can be managed with a pre-emergent spray between September and November in the fall. Chickweed is really edible, so if you plan on utilizing it in salads or teas, omit the pesticide in those regions.
How to Prevent Dandelions
Although their brilliant yellow blossoms make dandelions seem happy, they can rapidly overrun your yard. Since they grow year-round, you’ll need to spray pre-emergent both in the spring and autumn to keep them from spreading.
How to Apply Pre-Emergent on Your Lawn?
You’ve got two choices: Granular or Liquid pre-emergent.
Granular: Use a hand-held or push spreader to evenly cover your lawn. Be careful around flower beds; it might harm plants you wish to maintain.
Liquid: Liquid formulas work faster and are great for targeting crabgrass. Mix the formula with water (see the instructions for the proper ratio) and apply it for exact coverage using a garden sprayer.
Either way, clean your sprayer or spreader thoroughly before and after use.
Is Using Your Lawn Safe Following Herbicide Application?
Always wear gloves and long sleeves when handling herbicides. Children and dogs should not be on the treated lawn for at least 24 to 72 hours. Check the label for particular advice; certain pre-emergents are safer for homes with children and pets.
