Pre-emergent weed control can help you avoid the hassle of weeds this summer.
When weeds including crabgrass appear on your lawn, your turf becomes more vulnerable to harmful diseases, insect infestations, and drought as the weeds compete for resources with your turf. To protect your yard from weeds and the damage they can bring, it’s important to incorporate weed prevention into your yearly lawn care. To prevent weeds from sprouting, you can apply pre-emergent weed control in spring. Read on to learn more about this treatment, and call Scientific Plant Service today to schedule weed prevention services this season.
The Types of Pre-Emergent Weed Control
A pre-emergent weed control is a chemical application that stops new weeds from sprouting in your lawn or flower bed. This control typically comes in two forms: liquid and granule. Each type is structured to stop the growth by stunting the formation of new roots, but they have unique differences. Your professional lawn care provider can recommend the best type of weed control to use on your lawn.
When to Apply Pre-Emergent Weed Control in Spring
The best time to apply your pre-emergent will vary depending on the type of weeds in your lawn. Spring applications will help prevent the growth of summer weeds, such as crabgrass and foxtail. It is critical that the material be applied prior to weed seed germination.
When cool weather comes around at the start of fall, the protection from your spring pre-emergent has faded. This allows for overseeding your lawn in the fall with new improved turfgrass varieties recommended for your area.
Essential Tips for Using Pre-Emergent Weed Control in Spring
Before applying pre-emergent weed control, consider these tips:
- Apply the pre-emergent evenly: To completely protect your lawn from weeds, you must ensure that your lawn or landscape beds are blanketed with weed control. Any missed areas will be susceptible to weed seed germination.
- Don’t forget to water! Herbicide applications are activated by water, which distributes the material to your soil. To conserve water, you can apply your pre-emergent before an expected rainfall. If rain isn’t in the forecast, water your lawn after the application.
- Limit lawn activity: Make sure the soil holding the pre-emergent is undisturbed after the application. This means you should avoid aerating after the application and hold off on mowing until after the pre-emergent has been watered.
- Maintain your lawn: Maintaining a healthy lawn can help it naturally compete with weeds. Regular maintenance should include mowing at the proper height with sharp blades, proper irrigation, and controlling pests such as grubs and fungus.
Practicing excellent lawn care and applying a pre-emergent weed control in spring can reduce the time and money you spend managing pesky weeds.
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.