Though the calendar says it’s winter and the grass is dormant, it’s not too early to think about applying pre-emergent to your lawn for spring weed control. After all, it’s a blanket of green grass you want to see come springtime, not a lawn full of dandelions and crabgrass!
As the name suggests, pre-emergent herbicides deter the growth of weed seeds before they have a chance to germinate. In order to be effective, pre-emergent must be applied before weeds emerge from the soil. Early application can help destroy the weed sprouts and prevent them from taking hold in the soil. The optimal time for applying the pre-emergent will vary by geographical location and climate. In North Texas, it would be late February through mid-March.
Pre-emergent treatments are not effective at controlling existing weeds, so if you are seeing weeds now, you should have applied pre-emergent weedkiller last fall. The most successful treatment of weed control occurs when herbicides are applied in early spring, before the grass starts to come in, and in the fall, when temperatures drop and different varieties of weed growth occur. Seasonal treatments are most effective for weed control.
There are different types of pre-emergents: granular, applied with a spreader, or liquid, which is applied by attaching the product to a garden hose and spraying the lawn area. Liquid pre-emergent can also be applied via a tank sprayer that is carried like a backpack.
Make sure the pre-emergent is mixed correctly and spread evenly and completely around your yard. Read and follow the manufacturer’s directions regarding area coverage. Spot application is not sufficient to control weeds, as weeds will survive and grow in areas where there is lack of coverage.
It’s vital that that the pre-emergent is watered in so that the product soaks down into the soil. Watering activates the herbicide just below the surface of the soil, creating a barrier that prevents plant root growth and seed cell division. Most products call for at least a half-inch of irrigation or rain within 21 days after applying pre-emergent, with the first watering recommended 12 hours after application.
Lawn Doctor of Denton serves the greater Denton area, including Hickory Creek, Corinth, Lake Dallas, Aubrey, Krum and Ponder. Give us a call at (940) 268-3666 and we’ll be happy to tell you about our year-round lawn care program, which includes weed control, so you can enjoy a green, healthy, strong, lush lawn this year.
