Pre-Emergent Herbicide Myths
It’s a no-brainer that you need to keep your weeds and crab grass under control. But how can you best go about it? The best method is through the use of a pre-emergent herbicide, but let’s clear up all the myths out there first.
Myth #1: No need for a pre-emergent if you haven’t had weed issues for a few years
You may have heard that if you currently have decent weed control, you don’t need to take further action due to the claim that the weed supply in the soil is depleted. However, there’s no accounting for crabgrass seeds that spread from far away, such as by the wind or animals. That’s why you should always treat anyway.
Myth #2: Thick lawns don’t need treatment
Yes, thick lawns are generally healthy lawns because they shield the surface of the soil, but it’s best to treat with an herbicide to guarantee that your lawn will stay lush and green for the remainder of the summer. Say there’s a drought that thins out your lawn; then, you’re vulnerable to weeds and crabgrass even if you previously had a healthy lawn.
Myth #3: Soil aeration disrupts the barrier created by pre-emergent
There is no real proof that weed control reduction occurs with aeration in the spring. That said, your landscaper shouldn’t deliberately aerate your lawn after the application of pre-emergents, but it’s not the end of the world if they do.
Myth #4: It’s better to spot-treat
You may think you’re saving money by having your landscaper treat the “hot spots” of crab grass and weeds, such as along the driveway, walkway or sidewalk. This isn’t very effective, however. You’re best off treating the entire yard to prevent weed breakthrough later on. If you want to apply a higher concentration of those hot spots, go right ahead, but use a pre-emergent on the whole yard.
Myth #5: Post-emergent herbicides work better
Not so. The most effective way to properly treat weeds is to lay down a pre-emergent. With a post-emergent, you’re risking greater injury to a healthy lawn plus you’re looking at possible multiple applications in order to get the job done. It’s also best to control weeds before they pop up. Bonus: if you apply early, you’ll enjoy a fuller canopy for your lawn.
Myth #6: You must apply pre-emergents at a certain time
While this may be somewhat true depending on region, a good rule of thumb is to apply early rather than late. Keep in mind that crabgrass begins its germination process when the soil temperature is above 50 degrees for many days in a row
Contact Twelve Oaks Landscape Co.
If you need help with pre-emergent application and advice, don’t hesitate to call in the pros. Contact us at (256) 208-5634 or fill out our convenient online form. We have the experience and know-how necessary to properly apply the right kind of pre-emergent herbicide for the very best results.
