By DoMyOwn staff
Getting a pre-emergent down in the fall is one of the easiest ways to stop winter weeds like poa annua, chickweed, and clover from popping up in the spring.
Hi my name's Kyle with DoMyOwn.com. Fall weeds don’t wait… and neither should you! Let’s discuss the timing of fall pre-emergent herbicides and how to apply them at the right time for your region. Many of the weeds you see in early spring like poa annua, chickweed, and others begin germinating in the fall. Applying a pre-emergent now blocks them before they break the surface, saving you time and money come spring.
So when’s the right time? It depends on your soil temperature, not just the calendar. You want to apply when soil temps drop to around 70°F and falling. Use a soil thermometer to check your lawn or look up your local soil temp online. In many areas, that means late August to mid-September. In warmer states like Florida or Arizona, the window may extend into October or even early November. To extend your weed control, we recommend a split application. That means applying your pre-emergent in two rounds, about 5 to 8 weeks apart. This helps your lawn maintain that barrier longer, especially in regions with extended fall or mild winters. We’ve got a full step-by-step video on split applications linked in this video.
Always choose a pre-emergent that’s labeled for your grass type. If you’re not sure what grass type you have, we’ve got a guide on DoMyOwn.com. We recommend contacting your local extension office if you are unsure after reading our guide.
For fall, we usually recommend products with pendimethalin, dithiopyr, or prodiamine in them. They’re excellent against most winter weeds. Just remember: pre-emergents prevent weeds and they won't kill what's already there. Monitor those soil temps, apply with care, and you'll be ahead of the game.Thanks for watching!
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