What Is Pre-emergent

Posted on: Feb 17, 2022Luis M Pérez

What is pre-emergent, and how does it help my lawn? Pre-emergent is one of the most important applications you can do to your lawn. It is a product, that when applied to the turf, will create a weed barrier and thus will prevent weeds from growing in. In northern areas, such as Chicago and Indiana, this pre-emergent will be applied in April or May and will help prevent the spread of crabgrass in the spring. In southern regions, such as Texas, this treatment is applied in both spring and fall and it will prevent many weeds including crabgrass. A solid pre-emergent application is critical to a good weed control program. 

When Should I Put Pre-emergent On My Lawn?

A properly applied pre-emergent herbicide will prevent weeds from sprouting. Therefore, it is best to apply prior to the weed growing season. For spring applications in Texas and Illinois, it is best to apply pre-emergent when the is between 65 – 70 degrees for a couple of days. In Texas, pre-emergents can also be used in the fall to prevent winter weeds. In this case, apply the treatment in September for best results. It is not necessary to apply pre-emergents in the fall in Illinois because the weeds will die out naturally in the winter months. 

Is This Safe For My Lawn?

Children and pets should stay off the lawn and out of the garden for 24 to 48 hours after the product is applied. What is this? Yes, it’s true that pre-emergent is a chemical, but studies have shown that it is relatively safe for people, pets, and even the environment when applied correctly.

Is This Good For The Lawn?

Properly applied pre-emergent herbicides form the foundation of your lawn weed-control effort. It’s effective – if you use it at the right time – “They do not control all weeds that may be present in a lawn, but they are effective for many of the most common lawn weeds.”

Benefits Of Pre-Emergent Weed Killer

Weed killers are a homeowner’s best friend. First and foremost, these herbicides eliminate pesky weeds before they become a problem. They also reduce time spent pulling weeds by hand or spot-treating existing weeds.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please get in touch with Luis Perez at 1-800-465-2934 or email me at luisp@doctorgreen.com