Crabgrass and Other Weed Pre-emergents

What is Pre-Emergent Weed Control?

Pre-emergent herbicides are chemicals that prevent undesired weeds in your lawn. While pre-emergents cannot prevent the germination of the seeds, they can help control it so that weeds will not sprout. Pre-emergents work by inhibiting plant root growth, seed cell division, and specific enzymes essential to the growth of certain plants. Applying a protective layer of pre-emergent to your lawn will prevent weeds from penetrating the soil barrier.

Managing Weeds with Pre-Emergents

Pre-emergents do not control perennial weeds which are already growing. Pre-emergent herbicides are effective for controlling summer annual grassy weeds such as foxtail and most commonly, crabgrass. Plus, it can also help with a few select broadleaf weeds, such as dandelions.

Crabgrass is an invasive weed that looks very similar to regular turfgrass. It often sprouts in small patches throughout your lawn. It has a distinctly coarse blade texture compared to the rest of the grass. Crabgrass spreads quickly because of its thick blades and lateral growth. It can do permanent damage to your lawn by crowding out and smothering the grass surrounding it. Using crabgrass pre-emergents can help you have a beautiful, healthy lawn.

Pre-Emergent Application Timing

Timing is everything when it comes to preventing grassy weeds, especially crabgrass. Crabgrass seeds need soil temperatures of at least 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit to begin germination. Temperatures in the Southeast usually begin to reach these heights around March.

It is important to apply the pre-emergent before the seeds of summer weeds sprout.

Professional Application of Pre-Emergents

Professional application of pre-emergents is important to protect your lawn from damage. When applied properly, pre-emergent herbicides will not injure established lawns.

In the first round of Turf Masters' Lawn Care Program, we apply pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides to prevent grassy weeds and some broadleaf weeds. This round is applied to lawns throughout January and February, to ensure the product is in place before weed seeds begin to germinate and provide protection all season long. If applied after this time period, pre-emergents may be too late to help prevent grassy annual weeds.

Contact the experts at Turf Masters today to ensure your weeds are taken care of professionally this season.