Fall pre emergent

Pre-emergent weed killers belong to a group of herbicides that don’t kill unwanted plants.

How to apply pre emergent

Instead, they stop seeds from sprouting in the first place. Various pre-emergent products are available for lawns, vegetable gardens, and flower beds. Knowing when to apply pre-emergent herbicide can mean the difference between having a lush, weed-free lawn, a yard riddled with dandelions and other unwanted plants, or no lawn or flowers at all.

Applying pre-emergent weed killers too soon can keep beneficial seeds from sprouting, and applying them too late won’t do any good.

“The most effective pre-emergence herbicides are nonselective,” says Alec Kowalewski, Ph.D., associate professor and turfgrass specialist at Oregon State University. “They will prevent the germination of any plant establishing from seed,” he says.

Ahead, learn when to use pre-emergent herbicides—and when to wait.

Early spring is typically the most effective time to apply pre-emergent herbicides. 

Applying a pre-emergent herbicide wil

when should you use pre emergent

should i use a pre-emergent in the fall