Pre-emergent herbicides are usually applied in the early growing season and help prevent target grass and broadleaf weed seeds from germinating. A pre-emergent herbicide, or weed preventer, will create a barrier around a seed, making it nearly impossible for the seed to sprout and the weed or grass to grow.
Choose the formulation that's right for your lawn:
Pre-emergent weed control is typically applied twice a year, in the spring and in the fall, to help prevent weeds that germinate during those times. Learn more about Applying Spring Pre-Emergent Weed Control and Why You Should Be Using a Fall Pre-Emergent.
For the best results, follow our Lawn Care Schedules & Maintenance Calendars to determine the right application timing for your grass type. Cool Season Grasses | Warm Season Grasses
There isn't one best fall pre-emergent herbicide for every lawn. The right product depends on your grass type, the weeds you're trying to prevent, and whether you prefer a liquid or granular application.
Popular fall pre-emergent active ingredients include:
Always choose a product labeled for your turfgrass and the weeds you want to prevent.
The best spring pre-emergent herbicide is the one that's labeled for your grass type and the weeds most common in your area. Different active ingredients vary in the weeds they control, how long they remain effective, and the application methods they support. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right product for your lawn care program.
Popular spring pre-emergent active ingredients include:
Always choose a spring pre-emergent herbicide that's labeled for your turfgrass and the weeds you want to prevent, and follow the product label for the best application timing and results.
Yes, in most cases. Most pre-emergent herbicides need to be watered into the soil after application so the active ingredient can form a barrier where weed seeds germinate.
For best results:
Following the label ensures the product performs as intended.
Yes, but not always in a negative way. A light to moderate rainfall after application often helps move the herbicide into the soil, where it creates the protective barrier needed to prevent weeds from germinating.
Keep these tips in mind:
Neither is inherently better; the best choice depends on your equipment, lawn size, and personal preference. Both liquid and granular pre-emergent herbicides can provide excellent weed prevention when applied correctly.
Benefits of Liquid Pre-Emergent Herbicides
Benefits of Granular Pre-Emergent Herbicides
Choose the formulation that allows you to achieve even coverage across your lawn, as application accuracy is just as important as the product itself.
Yes. You can generally mow before or after applying a pre-emergent herbicide, but avoid practices that disturb the soil after application.
For best results:
Proper timing helps maintain the protective barrier that prevents weed seeds from germinating.
The length of pre-emergent weed control depends on the active ingredient, application rate, weather conditions, irrigation, and your soil type. When applied according to the product label, most pre-emergent herbicides provide several months of residual weed prevention, helping stop weeds before they germinate.
Some active ingredients, such as prodiamine, are known for their extended residual control, while others may have shorter or more flexible application windows. Because no pre-emergent lasts all year, most lawn care programs include both a spring and fall pre-emergent application to prevent weeds that germinate during each season.
For the best results:
Using a seasonal pre-emergent program helps provide year-round weed prevention and reduces the need for post-emergent weed control later in the season.
Pre-emergent herbicides can be applied using a granular spreader or a pressurized handheld sprayer. Most liquid weed prevention herbicides come as concentrated solutions that need to be mixed with water first (according to the label) before application. Weed preventers also come in a water dispersible granular formation, or wettable granules, which need to be mixed and dissolved in water to apply as a spray to your lawn. Granular herbicides for weed prevention can be spread using a granular spreader and may require irrigation in order to help the granule release the pre-emergent chemical.
When applying pre-emergents, be careful to aerate first, and not after applying the products. Aeration can break the seal over the ground and around the seeds which makes the pre-emergents less effective. In some areas, you may need to do a split application of pre-emergent weed preventers, meaning you’ll apply your pre-emergents early in the season (spring or fall), then aerate, then do a second application of pre-emergent weed preventer 6 to 8 weeks later to get season long control. For best results, this should be in both the spring and in the fall.Be sure to check out our full Do My Own Lawn Care Video Series.
Spring Pre-Emergents Application Video | Fall Pre-emergents Application Video
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