Often Asked Spring Weed Control Questions
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.
Wow! Spring is off to a fast start.
What a week of the landscape bursting with color!
Forsythia… Redbuds… Tulips… Daffodils… I could go on and on.
Spring also means lawns that have not been on a regularly scheduled lawn care program are also bursting with weeds.
Flowering Quince is one of the early spring bloomers. You can find this one in a grouping at the Myriad Gardens. Quince grows well in full sun to partial shade and has a dense spreading growth pattern.
The colors of spring are dynamic this year. Make time to take a stroll through the Myriad Gardens and enjoy the spring show.
Blooming Forsythia is a sign that you need to get a pre-emergent on your lawn if you haven’t already.
Who doesn’t love the bright color of Creeping Phlox in the early spring landscape?
Weeds generate a lot of questions this time of year. Let’s visit about a few of the most asked questions:
Is it too late to apply a pre-emergent herbicide?
When is it too late to put a pre-emergent on your lawn?
Why is it so important to prevent crabgrass?
Why is it important to apply a second pre-emergent application in the spring?
If I put a pre-emergent on my lawn every year in the spring, why do I have weeds now?
Before we get to the questions, let’s break down the word “pre-emergent”:
Pre - before. Emerge – come into view, to be seen.
A pre-emergent herbicide is used to prevent annual weed seeds from germinating by drying out the unwanted weed seed before it starts to grow.
Pre-emergent herbicides have little to no impact on weeds we are already seeing.
Henbit, an annual winter weed that is littering lawns is easy to prevent with fall pre-emergent applications.
Crabgrass seedling
Early Summer Crabgrass
Mid-Summer Crabgrass
Commonly asked pre-emergent questions:
“Is it too late to apply a pre-emergent herbicide?” (The most asked lawn care question this time of year.)
Crabgrass, the most feared annual summer weed, germinates when soil temperatures reach 55 degrees for 3 consecutive days, which is typically mid-March in central Oklahoma.
Currently soil temperatures in the Oklahoma City metro are hovering right around the magical 55 degrees. But, with colder temperatures this week, we should see a little lower soil temperature for a few days.
It is not too late to prevent the germination of most summer annual weeds this year. But it is best to apply a pre-emergent on your lawn as soon as possible.
Crabgrass is a very prolific yellowish to light green annual grassy weed that is east to prevent with a pre-emergent herbicide application.
“When is it too late to put a pre-emergent on your lawn?”
There are two reasons why it is never too late to start a weed control program:
1. The high quality professional pre-emergent herbicide we use will control newly germinated crabgrass during its first stage of development. So, if you do not apply a pre-emergent before germination, we can gain complete control if an application is within the first 2 weeks of germination.
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 is it so important to prevent 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.
If you do not apply a pre-emergent on your lawn every year before crabgrass germination, it is certain that you will have crabgrass in your lawn during the summer.
Crabgrass is a fast grower and if left unattended will rapidly dominate turf. Just like the name suggest, it spreads low to the ground. It can be found in almost every turf and landscape setting during the summer months where a pre-emergent was not applied.
During the summer crabgrass grows faster than turfgrass and thrives under stress conditions of drought, heat, and low soil fertility, when 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.
Crabgrass will make a home in thin areas of turf this summer. Two keys to preventing crabgrass are two timely pre-emergent applications and a thick healthy lawn.
Why is it important to apply a second pre-emergent application in the 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 break down. The purpose of a second pre-emergent is to provide protection through the summer months.
Another reason for a second pre-emergent is to prevent other troublesome summer grassy weeds: goosegrass and sandbur.
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 a key step in reducing goosegrass.
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 a key step in reducing goosegrass.
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.
If I put a pre-emergent on my lawn every spring, why do I have weeds now?
The most common weeds in lawns right now are henbit, chickweed and poa annua. All three are winter annual weeds. Henbit and chickweed are winter annual broadleaf weeds. Poa annua is a winter annual grassy weed.
Winter annual weeds need to be prevented in the fall with a pre-emergent herbicide just like summer annual weeds need to be prevented now. Winter annual weeds start germinating in September as soon as we start getting cool fall nights. Two fall pre-emergent applications are just as important as spring applications to have a weed free lawn.
The winter annual weeds currently in lawns can be controlled by mixing a post emergent herbicide with the pre-emergent application. By this time of year winter annual weeds are reaching maturity. As annual weeds mature their growth slows as they put their energy toward flowering and producing seeds before they die.
The challenge is weeds are slower to react to weed control applications as they mature. As growth slows, they do not draw in the herbicides as quickly as they do when they are actively growing.
Two important take aways -
If you haven’t put a pre-emergent on your lawn yet this spring, it is not too late. But the sooner the better!
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!
The timing of pre-emergent applications, the quality of the herbicide applied, and the right quantity are all critical components for achieving your best lawn this season.
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, your lawn receives the critical First Pre-emergent Application and the important Second Pre-emergent Application every spring.
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 applications, please respond to this email or give us a call.
Lorne Hall
Hall | Stewart Lawn Care Programs
(405)367-3873
Picture of the week! I found this Ornamental Peach putting on a brilliant spring show in one of our customer’s landscape and couldn’t resist taking pictures.
Two Important Pre-Emergent Questions
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.
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
The most feared weed... Crabgrass!
Crabgrass is so well known — it’s the most talked about and most feared of all weeds. Most people are so captivated with the fear of having crabgrass take over their lawn that it is common for them to refer to any weed as the dreaded “Crabgrass!”
Crabgrass is so well known — it’s the most talked about and most feared of all weeds. Most people are so captivated with the fear of having crabgrass take over their lawn that it is common for them to refer to any weed as the dreaded “Crabgrass!”
With March as the critical point in preventing crabgrass, I thought we should hold a quick educational seminar on crabgrass.
What is crabgrass?
It is a summer annual grassy weed. This means that 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 prolific grower and if left unattended will rapidly dominate turf. It can be found in almost every turf and landscape setting during the summer months if not properly managed.
What is the crabgrass life cycle?
Crabgrass germinates every spring when soil temperatures reach 55 degrees for 2-3 consecutive days. Typically, this occurs in central Oklahoma during the first week of March. This year, soil temperatures are lagging with a current temperature of 50 degrees in central Oklahoma. Last year, crabgrass germination started the last week of February. During late spring and summer, crabgrass grows faster than turf grass and thrives under stress conditions of drought, heat. and low soil fertility — when 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.
Crabgrass seedling
Early Summer Crabgrass
Mid-Summer Crabgrass
What is the best way to control crabgrass?
Prevention is the key to crabgrass control. A pre-emergent herbicide must be applied before soil temperatures reach the magical 55 degrees. If Forsythia is blooming, it is a clue that crabgrass has started to germinate. In addition to applying a pre-emergent, thick turf development is the key to reducing your exposure to crabgrass. Sunlight is required for crabgrass to germinate and a thick turf will limit the amount of light reaching the soil surface. A good turf maintenance program during the season consisting of regularly mowing, correct amounts of water, timely fertilizer, and annual aeration will produce a think lawn that is less susceptible to crabgrass invasion the next spring.
Will one pre-emergent application be enough?
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. Additionally, crabgrass will continue to germinate throughout the season. It is recommended that a second application be made in April through May for season long prevention.
If crabgrass is only a warm season weed, then what are the weeds in lawns now?
Just like crabgrass is a summer annual weed, there are also winter annual weeds. The most popular winter annual weed is poa anna. It is a cool season grassy weed that first germinates in early fall about the time we get our first few cool nights. To have a clean lawn coming out of winter and going into spring, two fall pre-emergent applications need to be put on your lawn – one in early fall and one in late fall.
If you haven’t put a pre-emergent on your lawn yet this spring, is it too late?
This year, because of the cooler weather it isn’t too late. But, you must get it done very soon! Also, it is never too late to start preventing weeds. Weeds are always germinating. Even if you are late with the application, it is better than not doing it at all. Additionally, the best pre-emergent herbicides will control annual weeds in the first stage of growth. Always use a quality product or service for the best results.
The Best News About Crabgrass
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 to prevent crabgrass this year!
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 crabgrass and how to prevent it from taking over your lawn, please contact us at (405)367-3873.
Lorne Hall
Hall|Stewart Lawn + Landscape