Is it too late to put a pre-emergent on my lawn?
And, why do I need two pre-emergent applications in the spring?
“Is it too late….” Is the most asked question we receive this time of year.
The answer…. ”It is never too late to start a lawn care application program!”
In central Oklahoma it is always our goal to have the first pre-emergent on the lawn by the first week of March. Why? For the best lawn prevention of crabgrass is important.
Crabgrass germinates when soil temperatures reach 55 degrees for 3 consecutive days, which is typically mid-March in central Oklahoma. This year soil temperatures are right on schedule. For the last three days, soil temperatures in central Oklahoma have been at or above 55 degrees.
Crabgrass seedling
Early Summer Crabgrass
Mid-Summer Crabgrass
Then, it is too late?
No. There are two reasons why it is not too late to control crabgrass:
1. The professional pre-emergent herbicide we use will kill newly germinated crabgrass during its first stage of development. So, if you have not applied a pre-emergent yet this year, we can gain complete control if an application is made this month.
2. Not all crabgrass seeds germinate all at once. Germination will continue through the spring and early summer. Even if you don’t get a pre-emergent on at the perfect time, having some prevention is better than none.
Why are we so concerned about preventing crabgrass?
Crabgrass is the most prolific summer annual grassy weed. As an annual, it dies every year and comes back from seed the next year. Just like the name suggests, it spreads low to the ground. It is yellowish to light green in color.
Crabgrass is a fast grower and if left unattended will rapidly dominate turf. It can be found in almost every turf and landscape setting during the summer months where a pre-emergent was not applied.
During late spring and early summer, crabgrass grows faster than turfgrass and thrives under stress conditions of drought, heat and low soil fertility when the turf is struggling. Crabgrass dies in the fall after the first hard frost. But before it dies, one mature crabgrass will produce thousands of seeds.
Why is it important to have a second pre-emergent application this spring?
Pre-emergent herbicides work by creating a barrier over the soil surface. The barrier gradually weakens over the season from foot traffic, mowing and periods of heavy rain. The edges of the lawn are the first to breakdown. The second pre-emergent will provide protection through the summer months.
The Best News About Lawn Care Applications -
If you are a subscriber to a Hall | Stewart Lawn Care Program, either the 7-Step Weed Control & Fertilizer or the 4-Step Weed Control Only, you have already had your 1st Pre-emergent Application this year and your 2nd Application is on the schedule!.
An additional reason for a second pre-emergent is to prevent other
troublesome summer grassy weeds: goosegrass and sandbur.
Sandburs start germinating at 55 degrees soil temperatures, but they reach peak germination much later at 75 degree soil temperatures. A second pre-emergent application is critical for the prevention of sandburs. Another important characteristic of sandburs is they thrive in thin, dry turf. Two spring pre-emergent herbicide applications and a thick, healthy turf are the best defenses.
Goosegrass germinates when soil temperatures reach 60 to 65 degrees. Because of the later germination period, it is common for goosegrass to dominate in lawns that only receive the first pre-emergent of the year. Goosegrass is common in areas of high foot traffic, compacted and poorly drained soils. Like most grassy weeds, prevention is the best medicine. Aeration is also an important step in reducing goosegrass.
If you haven’t put a pre-emergent on your lawn yet this spring, it is not too late!
If you have put a pre-emergent on your lawn it is important to put a second application on your lawn for season-long weed prevention!
If you are not a subscriber to a Hall | Stewart Lawn Care Program, please contact us. We want to make sure you receive timely pre-emergent herbicides to stop weeds before they start wreaking havoc on your lawn.
Preventing weeds is much easier on your lawn than trying to control them after they are up and growing. Once weeds take root, harsher products must be used that may slow turf development.
If you have questions or would like additional information about pre-emergent herbicides, please contact us at (405)367-3873.
Lorne Hall
Hall|Stewart Lawn + Landscape