2/21/2024 - By Mike Hess

Preemergence weed control is a topic for discussion leading into the growing season.  

As we approach spring, it is time to begin applying preemergence herbicides to prevent weeds from establishing during spring green-up. Depending on your area, you may be more prone to weeds growing hot off the heels of winter. Preemergence weed control is an application that creates a barrier to kill the weed before it can establish.  

Why Is Preemergence Weed Control Important? 

Preemergence weed control as we move into the spring season is an especially crucial application for lawns. Lawns are coming out of dormancy, and they are entering a period of more rapid growth. However, weeds are also entering this phase of growth. Making sure you have a barrier of protection in place ahead of time is vital so that you are not battling weeds that persist through the following months. 

Increased rainfall and warming temperatures are perfect for plant growth, so we have a short window in spring to apply preemergence herbicides for weed control. 

What Preemergence Weed Control is Right for Each Lawn? 

While there are many herbicide options out there to choose from, remember to always select the herbicide active ingredient that will target the specific weed(s) you want to prevent. Otherwise, application of an inappropriate preemergence active ingredient will result in wasted product, poor performance, and unnecessary pesticide inputs.  

A few pre-emergent herbicides that we offer (learn more from your Harrell’s Rep) are:

Dimension® herbicide which targets crabgrass and other weeds such as Poa annua, foxtail, and many broadleaf weeds.

Barricade® herbicide offers coverage for over 30 broadleaf weeds like crabgrass, goosegrass, foxtail, and others.

SureGuard® herbicide controls a variety of annual grassy and broadleaf weeds and does not inhibit turfgrass rooting similar to many alternative preemergence herbicides.