Imagine a lush, green lawn, free from those pesky, unwanted weeds. Doesn’t that sound perfect? We all want a beautiful yard without spending hours pulling stubborn invaders like crabgrass. But here’s the truth: stopping weeds *before* they sprout is the real secret weapon.
Choosing the right pre-emergent herbicide can feel like navigating a maze. Should you use granules or liquid? When is the absolute best time to apply it in spring? Picking the wrong product or applying it at the wrong moment means you’ve wasted time and money, and those weeds will still pop up, ruining your perfect turf. It’s frustrating when your hard work doesn’t pay off!
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what pre-emergents do, how to choose the best one for your specific lawn needs, and the simple timing secrets that guarantee success. Keep reading to learn how to build a strong, weed-free foundation for your lawn this season, ensuring you enjoy that green carpet all summer long.
Top Pre Emergent For Lawns Recommendations
- Designed to prevent weeds; will not aid in eliminating existing weeds. Prevents grassy and broadleaf weeds, including crabgrass, poa annua, goosegrass, henbit, and more.
- Contains 0.48% of the active ingredient prodiamine for professional-grade weed control for early spring and fall applications
- Made with patented DG Technology (dispersible granule) ensures granules dissolve rapidly upon watering, moving weed control directly into the soil for maximum impact
- Small particles for more coverage per square inch and superior performance
- Made in the USA
- Designed to prevent weeds; will not aid in eliminating existing weeds. Prevents grassy and broadleaf weeds, including crabgrass, poa annua, goosegrass, henbit, and more.
- Contains 0.48% of the active ingredient prodiamine for professional-grade weed control for early spring and fall applications
- Made with patented DG Technology (dispersible granule) ensures granules dissolve rapidly upon watering, moving weed control directly into the soil for maximum impact
- Small particles for more coverage per square inch and superior performance
- Made in the USA
- Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer prevents the germination of listed lawn weeds so you can enjoy your lawn
- Prevents the germination of crabgrass, foxtail, spurge, barnyardgrass, and more as listed in the early spring all season long, and moss (except in California), Poa annua, henbit, corn speedwell, and chickweed in the fall
- Apply this pre-emergent weed killer in the early spring to a dry lawn or in the fall; rain, snow, or freezing weather after application will not affect the performance of this product
- This lawn care product is for use on all grass types (with the exception of Dichondra or Bentgrass)
- One 20.12 lb. bag of Scotts Halts Crabgrass & Grassy Weed Preventer covers 10,000 sq. ft.
- Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fall Weed & Feed3 is a weed killer and lawn fertilizer that controls weeds and feeds grass in the fall for a better lawn next spring
- Fall weed and feed kills over 50 listed lawn weeds, including clover, dandelion, plantain, morningglory, chicory, eveningprimrose, and purslane
- Apply weed control plus grass fertilizer to a moist lawn when weeds are actively growing and temperatures are consistently between 60°F and 90°F
- This lawn care product is for use on Bahiagrass, Bermudagrass, Bluegrass, Centipedegrass, Fescue, Ryegrass, and Zoysiagrass
- One 11.43 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder WinterGuard Fall Weed & Feed3 covers 4,000 sq. ft.
- Prevent Weeds
- Effective Weed Prevention: Incorporating 0.37% PRODIAMINE into your lawn care routine ensures effective strategies for weed prevention, particularly targeting common weeds like crabgrass in the spring and poa annua (annual bluegrass) in the fall.
- Suitable for ALL GRASS TYPES: This product is suitable for use with various grass types, including Bahiagrass, Centipedegrass, Bermudagrass, Zoysia, St. Augustinegrass, Seashore Paspalum, and Tall Fescue (including turf-type), making it versatile for different lawn environments.
- CRABGRASS PREVENTION: It effectively prevents the growth of crabgrass, poa annua (annual bluegrass), and other common weeds, ensuring a healthier and cleaner lawn throughout the seasons.
- CANNOT SHIP TO MAINE OR IOWA**
- KILLS & PREVENTS WEEDS* UP TO 6 MONTHS: Kills broadleaf weeds*, including Dandelion, Clover, Chickweed and Henbit with a proven blend of weed killers *Listed
- CRABGRASS PREVENTION: Prevents grassy and listed broadleaf weeds such as Crabgrass, Annual Bluegrass, Common Dandelion, Goosegrass and Spurge for up to 6 months
- IDEAL FOR SOUTHERN LAWNS: Improve your lawn care with this broadleaf weed killer that treats up to 4,000 square feet of southern turf, including all varieties of St. Augustinegrass and Floratam
- READY FOR THE SEASON: With one application, this crabgrass preventer offers season-long weed control
- SIMPLE APPLICATION: Apply these weed killer granules with a rotary or drop spreader and water lightly 24 hours after applying
- Scotts WeedEx Prevent with Halts prevents crabgrass all season long
- This pre-emergent grassy weed killer stops crabgrass before it starts
- Apply in early spring for season-long prevention of crabgrass, or apply in fall to prevent winter weeds such as Poa annua, henbit, and chickweed
- Do not apply this lawn care product to Dichondra and Bentgrass
- One 10.06 lb. bag of Scotts WeedEx Prevent with Halts covers 5,000 sq. ft.
Your Essential Guide to Buying Pre-Emergent for Lawns
Weeds are a nightmare for a beautiful lawn. Pre-emergent herbicides stop weeds before they even sprout. This guide helps you pick the best one for your yard.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for pre-emergent, several features matter most. These details tell you how well the product will work.
1. Active Ingredients
- Dithiopyr: This is a common ingredient. It works well against crabgrass.
- Prodiamine: This ingredient offers a longer control window. It stops many types of grassy weeds.
- Pendimethalin: A good all-around choice. It controls a broad spectrum of early spring weeds.
2. Application Type
- Granular (Granules): These look like fertilizer pellets. You spread them with a spreader. They are easy to use and measure.
- Liquid Concentrate: You mix these with water in a sprayer. They cover surfaces quickly but require careful mixing.
3. Lawn Safety (Turf Tolerance)
Always check the label. Make sure the product is safe for your grass type (like Fescue, Bermuda, or Zoysia). Some products damage certain grass types.
Important Materials and Formulation
The material determines how the product spreads and stays active in the soil.
Granular Quality
Good quality granules often have a coating that controls how fast the chemical releases. A slow release means longer protection. Poor quality granules might wash away too fast after rain or watering.
Liquid Carriers
Liquid formulas use water or oil as carriers. Water-based liquids are generally easier to clean up. Always follow the mixing instructions exactly. Wrong ratios reduce effectiveness.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one pre-emergent better than another? It often comes down to timing and persistence.
Factors That Improve Quality
- Long Residual Activity: Products that last longer in the soil (e.g., 10–14 weeks) mean fewer applications for you.
- Temperature Activation: Some products work best when soil temperatures hit a certain level (usually 55°F). This timing ensures you stop the weed seeds when they are ready to sprout.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- Rainfall/Irrigation: Heavy rain soon after application can wash the chemical away from the weed germination zone. This reduces its effectiveness significantly.
- Improper Spreader Calibration: If you use too little product, it will not create a strong enough barrier. If you use too much, you waste money and might hurt your lawn.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the product affects your overall satisfaction.
Ease of Use
Granular products are often preferred by homeowners because they are less messy. Liquids require more setup and cleanup. Read reviews to see how easily the product spreads without clogging spreaders.
Best Use Cases
- Early Spring Application: This is the most common use. Apply before soil temperatures reach 55°F consistently. This stops crabgrass before it starts.
- Fall Application: Some products are used in the fall to control winter annual weeds like chickweed. Check the label for fall recommendations.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Pre-Emergent for Lawns
Q: What exactly is pre-emergent herbicide?
A: Pre-emergent stops weed seeds from growing roots after they sprout. It creates a chemical barrier in the top layer of soil.
Q: When should I apply pre-emergent?
A: Apply it in early spring before soil temperatures reach 55 degrees Fahrenheit for about four consecutive days. This timing is crucial for stopping crabgrass.
Q: Can I put down grass seed and pre-emergent at the same time?
A: No. Most pre-emergents stop all seeds from growing, including your new grass seed. Wait until the new grass is established before applying.
Q: How long does a single application last?
A: Most standard applications last between 8 and 14 weeks, depending on the active ingredient and the amount of rain.
Q: Is it safe to use around pets?
A: After application, keep pets and children off the lawn until the product has been watered in and the surface is completely dry. Check the specific product label for exact reentry times.
Q: What is the difference between pre-emergent and post-emergent?
A: Pre-emergent stops weeds before they appear. Post-emergent kills weeds that are already visible above the soil.
Q: Do I need to water the product in after spreading?
A: Yes. Most pre-emergents need a light watering (about a quarter inch of rain or irrigation) to activate the chemical barrier in the soil.
Q: Can I use pre-emergent if I plan to fertilize?
A: Many products combine fertilizer and pre-emergent (often called “weed and feed”). If using separate products, apply the pre-emergent first, water it in, and then wait a few days before fertilizing.
Q: My neighbor’s weeds are bad. Will your product stop them?
A: Pre-emergent works on seeds that land in your yard. It cannot kill established weeds in your neighbor’s yard, but it prevents their seeds from blowing over and sprouting in yours.
Q: What happens if I apply it too early?
A: If applied too early, the chemical barrier breaks down before the weeds actually try to sprout. You will lose protection later in the season.