Why Should I Use a Pre-Emergent for Weed Control
Why Should I use a Pre-Emergent for Weed Control
You should use a pre-emergent herbicide because it prevents weed seeds from germinating and establishing themselves in your lawn or garden, essentially stopping weeds before they even appear above ground, thus minimizing the need for later weed pulling or herbicide applications, resulting in a cleaner, healthier landscape with less maintenance required.
When you're battling weeds, it’s important to note that it's not possible to completely eliminate weeds with a single application or cultural practice. There is no silver bullet that kills all weeds and an effective program adjusts to the needs of the property on a seasonal or annual basis.
All weeds have a survival strategy and cannot be completely eliminated because they have different life cycles and methods of reproduction. Seeds can lay dormant for years before they germinate, surviving drought, fire, and herbicide applications. Even if you were to completely clear a property of seeds, seed and vegetative propagules can easily be transported to the property by wind, water, animals or human activity.
Understanding Pre-Emergent Weed Prevention
Pre-emergents target early growth stages of weeds. They work by creating a barrier in the soil that inhibits weed seed germination and prevents the weed from establishing its root system, not by killing existing weeds. In other words, the pre-emergents act as ‘root pruners’, stunting weed growth before it becomes visible.
It is possible for seeds to remain dormant and not be harmed by the pre-emergent herbicide application. This is why weed control is a constant process. There will always be seeds under the surface and a portion will germinate each season. Annual applications must be made to significantly reduce large infestations.
Pre-Emergent vs. Post-Emergent
Pre-Emergent Herbicides: Applied before weeds surface, preventing growth from the seed stage.
Post-Emergent Herbicides: Used to eliminate weeds that have already sprouted and are visible on your lawn.
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The Best Time to Apply a Pre-Emergent
Timing is crucial for the effectiveness of pre-emergents. Pre-emergents should be applied before weeds start to sprout, typically in early spring for summer weeds. In the Central Alabama area that we service, including Helena, Hoover, Pelham, Alabaster and surrounding cities, applications can start as early as January 1st. We apply the first round of pre-emergent in January and February. The second round of pre-emergent will be applied to your lawn in March and April.
Reduced weed control effort: By preventing weeds from establishing, you can significantly reduce the time and labor needed for weeding later in the season.
Important considerations:
Select the right pre-emergent: Choose one that targets the specific weeds you are trying to control. We use pre-emergents that are effective on a large variety of weeds found in Central Alabama.
Timing is crucial: Applying too early or too late can lessen its effectiveness.
Read label instructions carefully: If you decide to apply pre-emergent yourself, always follow the manufacturer's guidelines to avoid harming desirable plants.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do apply early in the season for best results.
Don’t aerate immediately after application as it can reduce effectiveness, although it will not completely negate the pre-emergent barrier.
“However, if you must aerate after an application, it will not completely ruin the effects of the pre-emergent. Pre-emergents stay in your soil and create a barrier layer that seeds in this zone are affected by. The soil removed during the aeration process will break apart and fill back into the holes over time or you discard the dirt plugs letting the holes fill back in with remaining soil. In the case of the latter, you have wasted money on the pre-emergent that remained in the soil plugs you discarded.”
Spring vs. Fall Pre-Emergent Applications
Pre-emergents should be applied at least twice a year. As previously mentioned, they should be applied in the spring before the ground temperature reaches 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Then it should be applied again in the early fall after temperatures begin to come down. Not much changes besides the timing from spring and fall and the types of weeds you’ll prevent.
A good tip is that it is better to apply a pre-emergent early rather than late. As previously stated, pre-emergents do not kill existing weeds—putting it down after weed seeds have germinated is not effective. Unless it is washed away by heavy rains, pre-emergents will remain dormant in your soil until the soil temperatures rise. So, applications made in the late fall may still be effective the following spring.”
