Pre-emergent is your best option to prevent crabgrass and other weeds in your lawn. Understanding its function and how it works is critical to successful results.
Pre-emergent alone is not a fertilizer; it is an herbicide which helps prevent weed seeds from germinating by blocking an essential enzyme. It does not necessarily stop the germination process, but it does prevent the weed from breaking through its barrier and emerging in your lawn. This herbicide needs a substance to bind with for the application process. The agent frequently used to bind with pre-emergent is fertilizer. This is sometimes referred to as "weed and feed" due to the weed seed prevention components, as well as the beneficial fertilization.
Pre-emergent comes in two forms, liquid and granule. Typically, both forms require the area to be watered. Watering activates the pre-emergent, allowing the product to break down into the soil and create the barrier within the root system. This barrier should not be broken, or it will cause the product to be ineffective. Breaking the pre-emergent barrier is done once loose soil has been exposed such as with aeration, slit seeding, improper mowing and edging practices or digging.
Pre-emergent herbicide is applied in the spring months and should be applied before the germination process, before the problem presents itself or "emerges."
WHEN TO APPLY
Crabgrass has a long germination cycle and requires a soil temperature to be an average of 50 degrees 1" under turf for 10 consecutive days. While this is not always the easiest to find or calculate, many use "Growing Degree Days" based on air temperature, which typically requires a consistent 65-70 degrees. A good rule of thumb is to try to apply before the early stages of the “spring green up” of your lawn. Locally, pre-emergent fertilizer should typically should be applied before April 15th.
HOW TO APPLY
A pre-emergent fertilizer needs to be applied evenly to the entire lawn, often with a push spreader or other type lawn applicator. If spots are missed, it is likely you will have weeds in this area. If spots have pre-emergent fertilizer applied too heavily then stress or burn may occur, causing damage to your lawn.
HOW MUCH TO APPLY
The amount of pre-emergent fertilizer needed depends on the size of the area. The rate of application depends on the rate of the active ingredient. Applying too little causes it to be ineffective, while applying too much can cause stress or burn. The professionals from Impact Lawn Service will have this pre-calculated in pounds/1,000SF for the proper amount of product to use. If you choose to DIY, please read the instructions on the product you purchased and apply at the recommended amounts.
CAUTION WITH PRE-EMERGENT
Pre-emergent should never be applied to a newly seeded lawn or to a lawn that is planned for seeding within the effective period. Pre-emergent will not harm established lawns, but will it prevent the germination process of grass seeds.
SUM IT UP
Follow these guidelines to avoid battling crabgrass all summer and remember to apply your pre-emergent before it’s too late!
It is always a good idea to consult with a lawn care professional and ask any questions you may have. Look around, ask your friends or family and research the Better Business Bureau to find a company you can trust.
To learn more about about how Impact Lawn Service can help your lawn be healthy and green, email Randy at Randy@ImpactLawnService.com