Are you tired of weeds ruining your beautiful green grass? Are you looking to create your dream lawn just in time for the summer? Prevent weeds such as crabgrass, clovers, or spurge from getting in the way of your backyard beauty, and instead have the most envied landscaping in the Mid-Atlantic this summer by getting ahead of those weeds with spring pre-emergent weed control. Read more to learn all about when, why, and how you can apply pre-emergent weed control to protect your outdoor space without having to pull each weed out by hand!
What are Spring Pre-Emergent Weed Control Herbicides?
Pre-emergent herbicides act as weed control before the weeds even begin to grow, effectively neutralizing your weed problem before it starts. Pre-emergent herbicides target the seed of the new weed before it begins to sprout, meaning that the plant will not be able to survive before it becomes visible in your lawn. Weeds that are already existing in your yard will not be eliminated by pre-emergent weed control, so it is important to start treatment early. Pre-emergent herbicides create a protective barrier on the surface of the soil, blocking any new weeds from breaking through.
Why do you need Spring Pre-Emergent Weed Control?
The more weeds you have growing in your yard, the less nutrients there are available for the plants you do want to thrive. Weeds take away sun, soil, and water from your grass, leaving it damaged and in poor condition.
Different Types of Spring Pre-Emergent Herbicides
There are two types of pre-emergent weed control. Selective pre-emergent herbicides target specific types of weeds, meaning you need to be familiar with the different species of plants in your yard and purchase herbicides that will eliminate these types of weeds. For example, if you have crabgrass, you should purchase a product that targets crabgrass. Nonselective pre-emergent herbicides will kill any weeds they come in contact with, as long as applied before the weed starts to sprout. It is important to note that nonselective herbicides cannot differentiate between weeds and grass, so you need to be mindful when applying this type of pre-emergent herbicide, so as to not kill your lawn by accident.
When to Apply Pre-Emergent Weed Control
Pre-emergent weed control should be applied before the germination of weeds. This is usually when the ground begins to thaw out and the soil reaches temperatures over 55° F. In the Mid-Atlantic, this usually occurs in early spring by March or so depending on the weather. It is important to be proactive with your pre-emergent herbicide application, as it is not effective on weeds that are already fully grown.
How to Apply Spring Pre-Emergent Herbicides
Herbicides come in both liquid and granular forms. To apply a granular product, use a broadcast granular spreader or a hand held spreader and spread it across the effected areas of your lawn. To apply a liquid product, use a hand pump sprayer or a backpack sprayer and mix the product with water before application. No matter what application method you choose, make sure you apply the herbicide evenly and do not miss any areas, or else you will not prevent weed growth in that section of your lawn.
Hire a Professional Landscaping Service
Since pre-emergent herbicides need to be applied very carefully and intentionally, it is strongly recommended that you hire a professional to treat your lawn. Herbicide should not be applied if a lawn has been newly seeded, as the grass could be ruined if you don’t wait several months. Professionals are also more familiar with the different species of weeds that could be lurking in your backyard, and they will be able to effectively target these different types in the most effective way. If you are looking to eliminate those pesky weeds before they get out of control and you have to pull each one out by hand, hire a landscaping professional such as Rasevic Companies. Fill out the form below to get a quote for your lawn care needs today!
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