Weeds are one of the biggest threats to beautiful lawns, but there is a weapon to combat them!  Pre-emergent herbicides are the product of choice to start your lawn off right!  

Crabgrass is a grassy annual weed and it is the most common weed that a homeowner controls, using pre-emergent products.  Annual weeds spread by seed as opposed to root or stem runners like perennial turf grasses do.  Left untreated, in late summer, it will produce seeds that can then be scatted around your lawn and begin the whole process over again next spring.

How Pre-emergent Works

Pre-emergent is a product that you apply to the soil that interferes with the growth of the young plant’s roots and causes it to die.  This is a preventative weed control method and will not kill existing weeds, though some pre-emergent products do have a limited post-emergence activity, that can eliminate young crabgrass plants up to the three to five tiller (stem) stage. 

When to Apply Pre-emergent

The time to apply the product is based on when the seeds germinate, which typically happens when the soil temperature reaches between 57-64 ^oF.  This is also the temperature at which desired grass seeds start to germinate, so you shouldn’t apply these types of products to newly seeded areas, such as thin spots or winter damage, along the edge of a driveway or walkway.

So Why Do I Still Have Weeds?

Not all weeds can be stopped with pre-emergent herbicide.  Some don’t grow from seed but from overwintered roots or stems or they may simply not be susceptible to the ingredients in the product.  You will need to spot treat during the season with a post-emergence herbicide to control those types of weeds.  It is best to catch them early when they are young and actively growing so keep a vigilant eye out for them.

Let the Experts Help!

The best thing to do is to hire a North Shore Lawn Care Professional to make all the applications for you.  They will fertilize as well as perform weed control preventative and spot treatments.  After adding up the cost of materials and your time, you will likely find it doesn’t cost much more to have a skilled and knowledgeable professional care your lawn.

Grassmaster Plus, your local lawn care provider, services the following areas: Amesbury, Andover, Beverly, Boxford, Bradford, Byfield, Danvers, Essex, Georgetown, Gloucester, Groveland, Hamilton, Haverhill, Ipswich, Lynn, Lynnfield, Manchester-by-the-sea, Marblehead, Middleton, Newbury, Newburyport, North Andover, Peabody, Rockport, Rowley, Salem, Salisbury, Saugus, Seabrook, Swampscott, Topsfield, and Wenham.  Call and request a quote today or fill out the contact form on the website.