- What is pre-emergent herbicide?<\/a><\/li>
- Types of pre-emergent herbicides<\/a>
- Liquid pre-emergent herbicides<\/a><\/li>
- Granular pre-emergent herbicides<\/a><\/li>
- Synthetic pre-emergent herbicides<\/a><\/li>
- Organic pre-emergent herbicides<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- How to choose the best pre-emergent herbicide for your lawn<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ about pre-emergent herbicides<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
What is pre-emergent herbicide?<\/span><\/h2>
Many types of weeds lurk in our yards, just waiting for a chance to sprout and wreak havoc. They steal nutrients and water from intended plants, are a pain to remove, and can cause allergic reactions. <\/p>
Luckily, you can nip your weed problem in the bud by applying pre-emergent<\/strong> herbicide<\/strong><\/a>. It inhibits seed cell division, root development, and enzymes critical to overall weed growth. Pre-emergent weed control creates a chemical barrier in the top layer of soil and coats the weed seeds to prevent them from growing roots. <\/p>
Pre-emergent herbicides can be selective<\/strong> or non-selective<\/strong>.<\/p>
- Selective herbicides<\/strong> target only specific weeds, so they\u2019re safe to use in areas with other plants and grasses. If only one type of weed grows in your yard \u2014 or a few \u2014 look for a pre-emergent herbicide that can block that weed from growing. <\/li>
- Non-selective herbicides<\/strong> kill everything they touch (weeds, plants, and grasses), so we recommend using a steady hand when applying a non-selective herbicide. Typically, homeowners choose non-selective herbicides when targeting a localized area like a driveway. <\/li> <\/ul>
Before weed seed germination, incorporate your weed preventer of choice into the soil via irrigation. Alternatively, spread the herbicide and wait for rainfall.<\/p>
Types of pre-emergent herbicides<\/span><\/h2>
Liquid pre-emergent herbicides<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Man](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/rsz_2shutterstock_1734014357.jpg\")
Shutterstock<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure> Liquid pre-emergent herbicides are easier and quicker to apply than granular pre-emergents. These herbicide applications are recommended for full coverage over a larger area. <\/p>
Advantages of liquid pre-emergent herbicides<\/strong>:<\/p>
- Allow for a more precise and even application (cracks in a driveway or sidewalk, for example), covering more ground than granular herbicides<\/li>
- Require less water to work <\/li>
- Work faster than granular pre-emergents<\/li>
- Smaller quantities are needed than if using granular herbicides, saving you time and money<\/li>
- Liquid pre-emergents can be mixed with fertilizer or other lawn care products needed for your lawn and applied with a sprayer<\/li>
- Require less effort to transport and a smaller storage area<\/li> <\/ul>
Disadvantages of liquid pre-emergent herbicides<\/strong>:<\/p>
- You must follow specific measurements, which may be challenging for people who aren\u2019t familiar with these chemicals<\/li>
- Harder to apply in smaller, more targeted areas<\/li>
- Liquid pre-emergents take more prep time than granular ones<\/li> <\/ul>
Pro tip<\/strong>: Note that more concentrated liquid formulas can be extremely strong. Use these concentrated formulas with caution if you\u2019re applying them to a smaller space. <\/p>
Bottom line<\/strong>: For a precise, affordable, and even application of your pre-emergent herbicide, liquid formulas are your best bet. <\/p>
Granular pre-emergent herbicides<\/span><\/h3>
![\"a](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Granular-Fertilizer.jpg\")
egiss<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Granular pre-emergent herbicides involve less prep time but require a bit more effort (purchasing a spreader) and time (slower to act) than liquid pre-emergents, so they\u2019re less commonly used. <\/p>
Advantages of granular pre-emergent herbicides<\/strong>:<\/p>
- Involve little mixing or measuring<\/li>
- Granules are easier to spread<\/li>
- Usually cheaper than their liquid counterparts<\/li>
- Label usually makes it easy to determine how many square feet these herbicides will cover<\/li> <\/ul>
Disadvantages of granular pre-emergent herbicides<\/strong>:<\/p>
- Hard to distribute evenly<\/li>
- Require more water<\/li>
- Tend to work slower than liquid formulas<\/li> <\/ul>
Pro tip<\/strong>: Granular pre-emergents with smaller particles are easier to spread evenly. <\/p>
Bottom line<\/strong>: Granular pre-emergents are usually recommended for smaller lawns, as the disadvantages are less of an issue in limited areas.<\/p>
Synthetic pre-emergent herbicides<\/span><\/h3>
Synthetic pre-emergent herbicides<\/strong>, also known as non-organic herbicides, are chemically designed to kill weeds. They include active ingredients such as oxadiazon, dithiopyr, and prodiamine.<\/p>
Synthetic pre-emergents are best if these weeds are a problem in your yard: broad leaves, bramble, and traditional and ornamental grasses.<\/p>
Advantages of synthetic pre-emergent herbicides<\/strong>:<\/p>
- Chemical pre-emergents need to be reviewed and tested by the EPA<\/li>
- Easily available <\/li>
- Fast acting<\/li>
- Affordable <\/li> <\/ul>
Disadvantages of synthetic pre-emergent herbicides<\/strong>:<\/p>
- Can harm the environment <\/li>
- Can affect the fertility of your soil<\/li> <\/ul>
Common chemicals found in synthetic pre-emergent herbicides<\/strong>:<\/p>
The chemicals used in synthetic pre-emergent herbicides matter, and each one works better on different weeds. Common types found in pre-emergents include: <\/p>
- Prodiamine<\/strong> \u2013 Prevents both grassy weeds and broadleaf weeds. These include chickweed, witchgrass, clover, thistle, crabgrass, creeping bentgrass, and dandelion. Prodiamine struggles to control nutsedge. It\u2019s safe to use on established lawns.<\/li>
- Dithiopyr<\/strong> \u2013 Prevents chickweed, oxalis, clovers, dandelion, bittercress, crabgrass, goosegrass, and poa annua. Dithiopyr has a tough time controlling spurge and broadleaf weeds. <\/li>
- Benefin (aka Benfluralin)<\/strong> \u2013 Prevents crabgrass, carpetweed, ryegrass, chickweed, annual bluegrass, sandbur, pigweed, foxtails, goosegrass, and knotweed. <\/li>
- Trifluralin<\/strong> \u2013 Prevents summer grass, chickweed, redroot, annual bluegrass, and red-dead nettle. Trifluralin isn\u2019t your best choice to prevent thistle, clover, daisies, and wild turnips. <\/li>
- Isoxaben<\/strong> \u2013 Prevents dandelion, thistle, clover, and chickweed, but it\u2019s not your best bet for controlling grassy weeds like crabgrass, annual ryegrass, and carpetgrass. <\/li>
- Oxadiazon<\/strong> \u2013 Prevents crabgrass, clover, dandelion, thistle, and knotweed. There are better options to prevent chickweed, spurge, and pearlwort. <\/li> <\/ul>
A pre-emergent herbicide can contain one or multiple ingredients (most often prodiamine and dithiopyr), so consider your needs when selecting a type. <\/p>
Pro tip<\/strong>: These chemicals have a low toxicity level so that they won\u2019t harm you, your children, or your pets, but you should still take safety precautions when handling chemical pre-emergents. If you\u2019re environmentally conscious, organic pre-emergent may better suit your needs.<\/p>
Organic pre-emergent herbicides<\/span><\/h3>
![\"worker](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/herbicide-spray.jpg\")
welcomia<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> With an increase in eco-friendly products, many synthetic pre-emergents have been replaced with organic alternatives, such as vinegar or corn gluten. The latter has become the most common option due to its weed-fighting abilities and fertilizer qualities, doing wonders for soil health.<\/p>
Organic pre-emergent weed killers are best if you struggle with clover, dandelion, and crabgrass in your lawn.<\/p>
Advantages of organic pre-emergent herbicides<\/strong>:<\/p>
- Great for your soil. Corn gluten has a high amount of nitrogen, and as the nitrogen is released over a few months, it works to prevent any weeds from growing.<\/li>
- Non-harmful to the environment<\/li> <\/ul>
Disadvantages of organic pre-emergent herbicides<\/strong>:<\/p>
- Can attract bugs <\/li>
- Slow to release <\/li>
- Expensive <\/li> <\/ul>
How to choose the best pre-emergent herbicide for your lawn<\/span><\/h2>
Pre-emergents are not one-size-fits-all for every lawn. From the difference in how you apply granular and liquid formulas to the wide range of ingredients found in each herbicide, finding the right type for your yard can take some digging. <\/p>
Choosing a pre-emergent herbicide should be based on: <\/p>
- The size of your lawn<\/li>
- The type of weeds you have<\/li>
- The amount of prep time you have<\/li>
- Whether you require organic options <\/li> <\/ul>
Once you\u2019ve answered these questions, you can whittle down the many options of pre-emergent herbicides to find the best one for your yard. To help you shop, we\u2019ve compiled a list of the best pre-emergent herbicides<\/a>.<\/p>
FAQ about pre-emergent herbicides<\/span><\/h2>
How long do pre-emergent herbicides last?<\/span><\/h3>
The lifespan of pre-emergent herbicides usually ranges between 9 and 12 weeks, though this isn\u2019t a definitive rule. Some last longer than others, depending on the type. Check the label for application instructions.<\/p>
What time of year is best for applying pre-emergent herbicide?<\/span><\/h3>
Spring is the ideal season to catch weeds before they sprout (using pre-emergent herbicide). Fall is also a good time to apply pre-emergent because weeds that grow during this time, such as clover, thistle, ivy, and dandelion, are particularly vulnerable ahead of the cold season.<\/p>
Will I damage my lawn if I use too much pre-emergent?<\/span><\/h3>
Applying too much pre-emergent can certainly happen, which usually leads to stunted grass growth. Likewise, skipping an application can result in weeds exploding all over your lawn. To prevent headaches, follow the label instructions and the abovementioned rules for choosing the right type of herbicide for your lawn.<\/p>
Which pre-emergent lasts the longest?<\/span><\/h3>
Barricade offers the most prolonged and effective weed control, able to withstand rainfall, irrigation, and snow to protect your grass against pesky weeds such as crabgrass. It has a stain-free formula and stays put wherever your turfgrass may be (including hillsides or steep slopes).<\/p>
Next steps<\/span><\/h2>
The best time to apply your pre-emergent herbicide depends on where you live, the season, and the ground temperature. You\u2019ll need time and effort to research the best options for your yard.<\/p>
If you\u2019d rather not deal with the application yourself, a lawn care pro<\/a> can handle it all for you. Quick, professional services are just a click or phone call away.<\/p>
- Dithiopyr<\/strong> \u2013 Prevents chickweed, oxalis, clovers, dandelion, bittercress, crabgrass, goosegrass, and poa annua. Dithiopyr has a tough time controlling spurge and broadleaf weeds. <\/li>
- Prodiamine<\/strong> \u2013 Prevents both grassy weeds and broadleaf weeds. These include chickweed, witchgrass, clover, thistle, crabgrass, creeping bentgrass, and dandelion. Prodiamine struggles to control nutsedge. It\u2019s safe to use on established lawns.<\/li>
- Non-selective herbicides<\/strong> kill everything they touch (weeds, plants, and grasses), so we recommend using a steady hand when applying a non-selective herbicide. Typically, homeowners choose non-selective herbicides when targeting a localized area like a driveway. <\/li> <\/ul>
- Granular pre-emergent herbicides<\/a><\/li>
- Types of pre-emergent herbicides<\/a>