Fall has just begun, but your lawn care responsibilities for the year are not finished. There is still a lot of work that can be done so that your plants, trees, and shrubs stay healthy and are vibrant once spring returns. One of the most important things you can do for your lawn is to apply pre-emergent herbicides. When you use fall pre-emergent herbicides, you act ahead of time to prevent the appearance of weeds during the spring growing season. It is often best to apply pre-emergents twice a year, during the spring and fall. Proper timing must be considered in the fall if you plan to do any overseeding of your lawn. Read on to learn more about when conditions are best to apply and what these herbicides can do for your lawn year-round.
How Fall Pre-Emergent Herbicides Work
Pre-emergent herbicides can save you significant time and money in the spring. There are many types of pre-emergent herbicides each tackling specific weeds. They are all designed to prevent weeds from germinating. This means that rather than seeing weeds pop up throughout your yard and having to make time to pull them, you can prevent them from appearing in the first place.
The herbicides inhibit plant growth by creating a protective barrier in the soil. When weeds start to germinate, they grow towards this layer of dirt, but the seed will not produce the necessary enzymes to produce a seedling. Instead, the weed will be destroyed before it can break through the topsoil. These products will also affect desirable turfgrass seeds from germinating. Careful consideration should be given if you plan to overseed your lawn in the fall.
Act Fast
It’s best to apply these herbicides when soil temperatures are below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They also need to be applied before potential weeds germinate, and if they are used after weeds sprout, the pre-emergent will not work. If you don’t have time to learn about all of the fall pre-emergent herbicides, the experts at Scientific Plant Service can advise you on the best ones for your lawn. When in doubt, it is always best to work with experienced lawn care professionals when applying herbicides and preventative lawn care.
How Long Does Pre-Emergent Weed Control Last?
Typically, you can expect one pre-emergent treatment to last three to five months. However, it is essential to select the correct product to ensure maximum effectiveness for the weeds you wish to control. A professional lawn care expert can provide you with the best information on which herbicides will work best for your turf type and lawn conditions.
Scientific Plant Service Is Your Go-To Source In Landscape Healthcare
Scientific Plant Service, located in Baltimore, is a privately owned corporation, chartered in Maryland in 1957 by Frank J. Burke. We started as a full-service Arborists specializing in the care of shade trees and ornamental shrubs, but today we are a Lawn Care company that is a huge part of the community. From aquatic environments and snow management to deer and mole control, SPS has services tailored specifically for your lawn and landscape.
We offer services in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia, including: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Howard, Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Prince Georges, Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Calvert counties in MD, as well as Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church in VA. For more information, contact us online, or call us at 410-321-0970. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest!