When should I apply Pre-Emergent Herbicide?

​Well, to answer the question in the title of this blog….now, now is the time to apply pre-emergent! Pre-emergent herbicide is a very important tool to keep weeds out of your lawn. However, it’s important that you get it down in time. 
 
Pre-emergent herbicide is meant to control germinating weed seeds. This herbicide is designed to target weeds that are pre-emergent (just like the name states) that have not yet emerged from the soil. Weeds should not be visible above the ground when the herbicide is applied because that means the weeds have already emerged. 
 
Pre-emergent is not designed to control existing weeds! This is why it must be applied to your lawn BEFORE weeds begin to sprout. The weeds will only be killed when it sprouts from the seed and hits the herbicide barrier. 
 
It is very important that you thoroughly cover your lawn with pre-emergent. It is important that you cover an entire area, otherwise some weeds can slip through the empty spaces. Spot spraying is ineffective and unnecessary. 
 
Some weeds remain dormant for long periods of time. This is why weed control is an ongoing process. You can’t apply pre-emergent and expect all of your weeds to be taken care of. It will prevent many of them from popping up, but those that lie dormant could sprout later in the season. This is why weed control is important all year long!
 
If you have any questions or concerns about weed control, drop us a comment, send us a message or give us a call. We will be happy to answer any of your questions!
 
By: Hannah Raines
Copyright ALL Outdoors 2020