Pre-emergence weed control products allow the homeowner to prevent weeds from sprouting in the first place. It spares you the unsightly appearance of weeds sprinkling your lawn. It saves you the hassle of yanking weeds out of the lawn or applying herbicide to kill them. In fact, one pre-emergent application at just the right time can keep your lawn virtually free of weeds through the summer. If you want to know more, keep reading to learn what pre-emergence weed control is and what it can do for your lawn.
How does pre-emergence weed control work?
Pre-emergence weed control blocks a key enzyme that’s required for growing root cells and prevents weed seeds from continuing their germinating process. Pre-emergent products do not affect weed plants that are already established, unless the product is combined with an herbicide.
When should I apply it to the lawn?
Homeowners usually apply pre-emergents to lawns at strategic times in the spring and fall. A rough estimate for good application dates would be February 15 and November 15, but the soil temperature must be in the low to mid-50’s. If it is springtime and you have already spotted some weeds sprouting up in the grass, you have waited too long to use pre-emergence weed control products. Time to start pulling or spraying those suckers, at least until fall arrives.
What can I do to make sure the product works?
Try raising your mower blade a little. Longer grass blades have stronger roots and can shade weed seeds enough to prevent them from sprouting. If you use a liquid pre emergent, allow the product to completely dry before allowing people or pets to walk on the grass. Plan to water the lawn after applying the product. This is necessary for activating the pre-emergent and delivering it to the seeds. Check the product label to make sure it’s safe to use on your type of grass.
Pre-emergence weed control applications are only really necessary twice a year. The product is effective for anywhere from 60 to 110 days after applied. This makes pre-emergents a vital but fairly low-maintenance part of a lawn care regimen. The key is to make sure you are using the right product for your type of grass. In addition, you must apply it at just the right time.
In conclusion, an easy way to remove all that guesswork is to call Kemko Lawn & Shrub. We know just the right times for pre-emergence weed control, fertilizer applications, aeration, de-thatching, and everything else required for an excellent lawn. Our lawn care experts can tell you what type of grass you are growing. We can also tell you whether we can apply a pre-emergent to it. Call us at 770-466-6113 to schedule your pre-emergence weed control application.