If you want to keep your lawn free of weeds like henbit, dandelions, and clover, using pre-emergent herbicide is the way to go. Ryan Walts from Lawn Squad emphasizes the importance of using pre-emergents to stop weed seeds from sprouting and competing with your grass for nutrients, water, and light.
Early spring is the best time to apply pre-emergents, but be careful not to inhibit new grass growth. Avoid using pre-emergents in areas where you plan to overseed or repair your lawn to allow the grass seed to establish properly.
Early spring is the ideal time to use pre-emergents, but don’t despair if you miss that window
If you miss the early spring application, you can still apply pre-emergents in late summer to early fall. This can significantly reduce weed pressure heading into the next growing season. Remember, the least effective time to use pre-emergents is after weeds have already germinated, so timing is crucial.
How to successfully apply pre-emergent
To effectively control common lawn weeds with pre-emergent herbicide, timing is key. Apply the product before soil temperatures reach 55 degrees and are consistently in the 60s throughout the week. Spread the pre-emergent evenly over your lawn using a spreader, then water thoroughly to activate it and form a barrier in the soil. Avoid disturbing the soil too much after application to maintain the effectiveness of the barrier.
