Many lawn and garden experts agree that you should apply a pre emergent herbicide in late Winter/early Spring and also in Late Fall. Texas weather is usually warmer in February than most other states in the US.
Pre and Post-Emergents For Weed Control
Proper fertilization, mowing, irrigation and soil aerating are all important factors creating a dense lawn, however sometimes weather events are beyond your control. This can cause the lawn to thin out or become over watered.
Applying a pre-emergent herbicide can serve as an insurance policy on the off chance the yard suddenly loses its luster.
Pre-emergent products kill weeds before they are able to grow above the soil. Timing is very important! Apply pre-emergents just before the soil reaches 55+ degrees, just before the seeds begin to germinate in the soil. Please follow the product label for mowing restrictions prior to and after herbicide applications as mowing can negatively impact the efficacy of the herbicide.
You can choose many different types of post-emergent products kill already-growing weeds. Note that some selective post-emergent will not harm foliage other than the target weed. While non-selective will kill any plant it comes in contact with, including your grass. Please be refer to the product label for mowing restrictions prior to and after herbicide applications. Using a post emergent can be used as early as April in warm regions.
Suggested Herbicides for Fall / Winter
The Best Pre-Emergent Herbicides:
- Oxadiazon is a great granular option – safe in all turf and ornamentals.
- Prodiamine is the longest-lasting, as well as most economical due to lowest application rates.
The Best Post-Emergent Herbicides:
- Celsius Herbicide – Best for Warm-Season Grass Only (St. Augustine, Bermuda, Centipede, Zoysia)
- Speedzone Southern Broadleaf – Excellent control of Broadleaf weeds, safe in turfgrass.
Not really too up on things for treating your lawn so this is helpful. I’m hoping you can answer a couple questions. First, do you need to keep people off the grass for a certain amount of time after applying this pre-emergent treatment? For example, is it safe to walk on whether it’s people or pets? Also, will walking on it immediately after applying reduce its effectiveness. I’m thinking in terms of pets and kids who can’t resist a lawn. Second, you mention how the treatment should be applied before the lawn temperature reaches 55. What if you apply it beforehand and you get an unexpected warm spell? Does it have to be in the ground for a certain amount of time at a sub-55 degree temperature to be effective? Thanks.
I live in the sandhills of LaVernia. I have some winter that typically germinate late December and January. I pull up some them before they are seeded. Small grass and small seeds. I use to know their names but don’t recall. What and when should I apply a preemergent. Your help will be greatly appreciated.