Planting Bed Care

Why do you use Pre-Emergent Weed Control??

A: Those pesky patches of unwanted growth that mar the most perfectly maintained lawn can create an endless series of headaches for you. Weeds are not only ugly, but they can have a devastating effect on an entire landscape if they are allowed to spread. These same weeds compete with grass for sunlight, water and essential nutrients. Once they overtake what was once a healthy, plush, vibrant turf, it can quickly turn into a wasteland of very troublesome weeds.

 Weeds are classified into two major categories:grassy weeds and broad leaf weeds, Like grasses, weeds are also classified as a cool-season and warm-season weed. Pre-emergent herbicides differ in their ability to provide control, so the first step is to correctly identify the weed. Make sure you read the label, because some herbicides that are designed for one type of species wont necessarily work on others. Also, knowing what kind of weed you are dealing with will help you correctly time your application. Weed species germinate at different soil temperatures. Because pre-emergent needs to be applied prior to seed germination, it is necessary to know when the weed species in question will germinate.

Pre-emergent weed control works by applying a specifically formulated herbicide early in the growing season. This creates a barrier-or a "weed prevention zone" in the top 1-2 inches of soil, preventing weeds from emerging through the surface. A good pre-emergent product applied at the right time will ensure that your lawn will retains it's well-manicured beauty and avoid those unsightly weeds popping up later in the year.

 It is also important to remeber that pre-emergent herbicides must be watered in after applying. that is to create the barrier that prevent germination. this should be done at least 7 days prior to the initial germination date and to allow the herbicide barrier to be established in the soil.