When to Apply Pre-emergent Weed Control in Atlanta
Maintaining a lush, weed-free lawn in Atlanta requires a little know-how, especially when it comes to using pre-emergent herbicides. In this guide, we’ll explore what pre-emergents are, when to apply them, and the best strategies for weed control in each season. By understanding the types of weeds, soil temperatures, and the seasons, you can keep your lawn healthy and vibrant throughout the year. Whether you choose to go the DIY route or seek professional help, the key is to act at the right time and use the right pre-emergent products to keep those pesky weeds at bay.
What is a Pre-emergent?
Effective weed control in Atlanta requires a proactive approach with pre-emergent herbicides. Before diving into the when and how, let’s understand what a pre-emergent is. Simply put, a pre-emergent herbicide is a weed preventer. They are designed to stop weed seeds from sprouting and invading your lawn. These products create a protective barrier in the soil, preventing weed seeds from germinating and taking root.
When to Apply Pre-emergent Herbicides
Timing is crucial when it comes to applying pre-emergents. Weed prevention treatments should be applied to your lawn seasonally to prevent weeds before they can even germinate. In doing so, you’re taking care of half the battle with weed control. Not all weeds can be prevented with pre-emergent but applying pre-emergent weed control at the right time of year can stop up to 90 different types of weeds from germinating. To effectively control weeds, you need to understand the different seasons and the types of broadleaf weeds and grassy weeds that pose a threat in Atlanta.
When to Apply Spring Pre-emergents: The Crabgrass Preventer
One of the most common spring and summer weeds is crabgrass, a relentless grassy weed that can quickly take over your lawn. To control crabgrass, use pre-emergents containing prodiamine. Applying this in early spring, when soil temperatures reach around 55°F, helps prevent crabgrass seeds from sprouting.
Types of Summer Lawn Weeds
As summer arrives, different types of weeds can threaten your lawn, including broadleaf weeds like pigweed and buttonweed. For these, a liquid pre-emergent herbicide can be effective if applied at the right time during early spring to late spring. Use a post-emergent herbicide if these weeds have already sprouted. Dandelions are a common perennial weed that can’t be prevented with pre-emergents and should be addressed with targeted weed control.
When to Apply Fall Pre-emergents: The Poa Annua Preventer
In Atlanta, fall is the time to tackle cool-season grassy weeds like poa annua. Applying a fall application of pre-emergent weed control will stop winter weeds from invading your lawn. Winter weeds can be an eyesore in a dormant lawn. Just because warm-season grasses go into dormancy, weeds do not! Winter weeds sprout through the winter months and may linger until late spring.
When to Apply Fall Pre-emergent Weed Control
Apply your fall pre-emergent in early fall, around September, allowing it to create a barrier before winter weeds sprout. Another pre-emergent in late winter or early spring will help prevent even more weeds from coming through and choking out your grass. Common winter weeds found in Atlanta lawns include chickweed, henbit, and annual bluegrass, otherwise known as “poa”.
Professional Lawn Care and Weed Control in Atlanta
For homeowners who need help keeping annual weeds under control, the local lawn care pros at All Turf Lawn Care are here to help! We have the expertise to choose the right pre-emergent products and apply them at the best time of year for your Atlanta lawn. Since 2005, we’ve been a top choice for lawn care services, mosquito control, lawn aeration, overseeding, and more. Our lawn care programs use high-quality weed control products to ensure your lawn stays in the best shape year-round. Now is the time to get on schedule for our spring application of pre-emergents to prevent summer annual weeds in Georgia. Contact us today for a free quote!
