The short version: a pre-emergent herbicide creates a thin chemical barrier in the top layer of soil that stops weed seeds from developing into plants as they try to sprout. It does not kill weeds you can already see; it prevents the next crop. For that reason, pre emergent weed control is all about timing, applied before the target weeds germinate, watered in, and repeated on a consistent schedule. Here is how pre-emergent herbicides work and when to apply them.
Any good weed control program includes a pre-emergent treatment. To know how best to use a pre-emergent, you need to understand what pre-emergents are.
Pre-Emergent Breakdown
Pre-emergents have a specific science behind them. We'll take a more detailed look at how pre-emergent herbicides work below.
A pre emergent weed killer does exactly what it sounds like it would do: it prevents weeds before they start growing.
- It stops weeds that have not yet emerged in your lawn's soil.
- A chemical barrier is created that absorbs into emerging seedlings and prevents them from sprouting.
- Targeted weeds are killed once they begin to sprout from the seed.
Applying Pre-Emergents
Pre emergent weed control should be applied consistently. An annual pre-emergent works best for prevention of weeds, and some products combine a pre-emergent with feeding as a pre emergent fertilizer so the lawn is protected and fed in one pass.
Knowing when to apply pre emergent herbicide is half the job: put it down before the target weeds germinate, which in North Texas means late winter to early spring for summer weeds and early fall for winter weeds. To apply pre-emergents correctly you'll need to be specific on some details:
- You must mix the herbicide treatment correctly for it to do what it is designed to do.
- Make sure to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. This is mainly so you don't end up damaging your lawn.
- After the treatment is applied, you need to water the lawn.
- Lay down an even, effective spray of the pre-emergent for best results.
Green Lawn Is Here to Help
Green Lawn Fertilizing is here to help with all your weed control and pre-emergent needs. If you don't use a pre-emergent, a weed-free lawn is still possible, but it does take longer to accomplish. Laying down a good pre-emergent before spring really assists in the overall appearance and health of your lawn.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment or get answers to your questions.
