{"id":127419,"date":"2025-02-07T12:50:22","date_gmt":"2025-02-07T15:50:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/?p=127419"},"modified":"2026-08-07T21:19:49","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T00:19:49","slug":"when-to-apply-pre-emergent-herbicide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/when-to-apply-pre-emergent-herbicide\/","title":{"rendered":"When to Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicide (Spring &amp; Fall Guide)"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Key Takeaways:<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>\u2022 <strong>Apply pre-emergent before weeds appear<\/strong>: It stops seeds from sprouting but won\u2019t kill weeds you can already see.<br>\u2022 <strong>In spring, apply <\/strong>when soil temperature reaches 50 to 55 degrees to stop summer weeds like crabgrass.<br>\u2022 <strong>In fall, apply<\/strong> when soil temperature drops to about 70 degrees to stop winter weeds like annual bluegrass.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stop weeds before they start. Pre-emergent herbicide is your secret weapon for a weed-free lawn, but timing is everything. Apply too early or too late, and you\u2019ve wasted your time and money.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The best time to apply pre-emergent depends on your local soil temperature and the season, since spring and fall each target different weeds. With tips from turfgrass experts, this guide shows you exactly when to apply pre-emergent based on your location and the weeds you\u2019re fighting.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Too busy to time it perfectly? LawnStarter\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnstarter.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=fertilization\">lawn treatment pros<\/a> handle pre-emergent applications at exactly the right time for your lawn. We take weed prevention off your to-do list. <\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-237a21f9-cdbf-47d6-813b-5a2038458408\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">In this article:<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/when-to-apply-pre-emergent-herbicide\/#0-when-to-apply-pre-emergent-herbicide\" style=\"\">When to Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicide<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/when-to-apply-pre-emergent-herbicide\/#1-what-is-pre-emergent-herbicide\" style=\"\">What is Pre-Emergent Herbicide?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/when-to-apply-pre-emergent-herbicide\/#2-spring-pre-emergent-application\" style=\"\">Spring Pre-Emergent Application<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/when-to-apply-pre-emergent-herbicide\/#3-fall-pre-emergent-application\" style=\"\">Fall Pre-Emergent Application<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/when-to-apply-pre-emergent-herbicide\/#4-weeds-needing-both-spring-and-fall-applications\" style=\"\">Weeds Needing Both Spring and Fall Applications<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/when-to-apply-pre-emergent-herbicide\/#5-when-pre-emergent-doesn%E2%80%99t-work\" style=\"\">When Pre-Emergent Doesn\u2019t Work<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/when-to-apply-pre-emergent-herbicide\/#6-faqs\" style=\"\">FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 id=\"0-when-to-apply-pre-emergent-herbicide\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">When to Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicide<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Apply pre-emergent herbicide twice a year: in spring once soil temperature holds at 50 to 55 degrees, and in fall once it drops to about 70 degrees. Both windows land before your target weeds germinate.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Pre-Emergent-Herbicide-Infographic_Lawnstarter_Update01-01-1.jpg\" alt=\"Pre-Emergent Herbicide Infographic\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Pre-emergent herbicide infographic. Photo Credit: Aris Berroya<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><\/td><td><strong>Soil Temperature<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Timing<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Spring<\/strong><\/td><td>50 to 55 degrees<\/td><td>Late winter to early spring, before weeds sprout (targets crabgrass, foxtail, spurge)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Fall<\/strong><\/td><td>70 degrees<\/td><td>Late summer to early fall (targets <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/common-winter-weeds\/\">common winter weeds<\/a> like chickweed, henbit, annual bluegrass)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Apply pre-emergent herbicides <strong>before<\/strong> you see weeds. Pre-emergents create a barrier in the soil that stops weed seeds from sprouting. Once weeds are visible, you need a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/types-of-post-emergent-herbicides\/\">post-emergent herbicide<\/a> instead.&nbsp;<\/p>    <h2 id=\"1-what-is-pre-emergent-herbicide\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is Pre-Emergent Herbicide?<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/what-are-pre-emergent-herbicides\/\">Pre-emergent herbicides<\/a> prevent weeds from growing in your lawn by stopping seeds from germinating. Think of it as an invisible barrier just below the soil surface.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pre-emergent weed preventers are best suited for grassy weeds and annual weeds that reproduce by seeds, says <a href=\"https:\/\/utia.tennessee.edu\/person\/?id=186581\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rebecca Grubbs-Bowling<\/a>, assistant professor and turfgrass Extension specialist at the University of Tennessee. \u201cThey don\u2019t work as well on perennials.\u201d<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How it works:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Stops weed roots and shoots from developing<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Must be applied <strong>before<\/strong> weeds appear<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Lasts 8 to 12 weeks (varies by product)<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Does not kill existing weeds<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related:<\/strong>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-apply-pre-emergent-herbicide\/\">How to Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicide<\/a><\/p>    <h2 id=\"2-spring-pre-emergent-application\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Spring Pre-Emergent Application<\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/granular-herbicide-1.jpeg\" alt=\"Two plastic bags of granular pre emergent product sit on green lawn beside a push spreader, ready for application to prevent weed growth.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Two plastic bags of granular pre-emergent product sit on green lawn. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/bags-of-lawn-fertilizer-and-herbicide-with-broadcast-spreader-in-yard-with-healthy-grass-lawn-care-weed-control-and-landscaping-concept\/799145291?asset_id=799145291\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">JJ Gouin<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>When to apply in spring:<\/strong> \u201cThe soil temperature (not air temperature) should be in the <strong>50 to 55 degree range<\/strong>,\u201d says Grubbs-Bowling.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many dormant seeds <a href=\"https:\/\/lancaster.unl.edu\/spring-preemergence-weed-control-applications\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">begin germinating<\/a> once soil temperatures hit 55 degrees. This is when summer annual weed seeds start germinating.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">LawnStarter pro Chuck Vogt of <a href=\"https:\/\/metrolawns.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Metro Lawns<\/a> in Atlanta, Georgia, puts pre-emergent down in late winter for this reason. <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;<span style=\"color: #000000;\">During the first months of the year, January and February, we put down a pre-emergent that will limit and minimize those weeds that would otherwise grow up during the summer. <\/span>You can\u2019t wait until late spring to minimize weeds,\u201d he says.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s a guide for when to apply spring pre-emergents by region:<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Region<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Best Application Window<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>What You\u2019re Preventing<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Florida<\/td><td>Early February<\/td><td>Crabgrass, spurge<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Texas<\/td><td>Early to mid February<\/td><td>Crabgrass, annual bluegrass, sandbur, foxtail<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Mid-Atlantic (Virginia, North Carolina)<\/td><td>Mid-February to mid-March<\/td><td>Crabgrass, foxtail, goosegrass<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Midwest (Missouri, Illinois)<\/td><td>Mid-March to mid-April<\/td><td>Crabgrass, foxtail, goosegrass<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Northeast (Pennsylvania, Massachusetts)<\/td><td>Late March to early April<\/td><td>Crabgrass, foxtail, goosegrass<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Wisconsin, Minnesota<\/td><td>Mid-April to mid-May<\/td><td>Crabgrass, foxtail<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Colorado, Mountain states<\/td><td>Mid-March to mid-April<\/td><td>Crabgrass, foxtail, goosegrass<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to check soil temperature:<\/strong><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t guess, measure.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Use online <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.greencastonline.com\/tools\/soil-temperature\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">soil temperature maps<\/a> from your county Extension office or a local weather station.<\/p><\/li>    <li>Or <strong>use a soil thermometer<\/strong>. Push 3 inches into the soil. You can find inexpensive soil temperature gauges online or at local garden shops. You can also use a 3-inch meat thermometer.<\/li>    <li><p><strong>Check for 3 consecutive days<\/strong> that the soil temperature is 50 to 55 degrees before applying.<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Common spring weeds prevented<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Crabgrass: <\/strong>The No. 1 grassy lawn weed; spreads rapidly in summer heat<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Dandelions<\/strong>: Yellow flowers that turn into puffballs<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Spurge<\/strong>: Mat-forming weed with reddish brown stems<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Ragweed<\/strong>: Fern-like weed that produces a large amount of pollen<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Sandbur<\/strong>: Painful, spiky seed heads<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Yellow foxtail<\/strong>: Bushy spike seed heads<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-apply-crabgrass-preventer\/\">When and How to Apply Crabgrass Preventer<\/a><\/p><\/li>    <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-get-rid-of-crabgrass\/\">How to Get Rid of Crabgrass in Your Yard<\/a><\/p><\/li>    <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/benefits-of-dandelions-yard\/\">How Dandelions Benefit You and Your Yard<\/a><\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 id=\"3-fall-pre-emergent-application\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fall Pre-Emergent Application<\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/spraying-herbicide.jpeg\" alt=\"Spraying herbicide from the nozzle to Para Grass weeds\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Spraying herbicide. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/spraying-herbicide-from-the-nozzle-to-para-grass-weeds\/297885202\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kritchai<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>When to apply in fall: <\/strong>Apply when soil temperature drops to <strong>70 degrees<\/strong>, which prevents <a href=\"https:\/\/agrilifetoday.tamu.edu\/2020\/09\/23\/apply-fall-preemergence-herbicide-to-avoid-spring-weeds\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">winter annual weeds<\/a> that germinate in fall.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s a guide for when to apply fall pre-emergents by region:<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Region<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Best Application Window<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>What You\u2019re Preventing<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Florida<\/td><td>Mid-October to mid-November<\/td><td>Annual bluegrass, chickweed, henbit<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Texas<\/td><td>Late September to October<\/td><td>Annual bluegrass, chickweed, henbit, rescuegrass<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Mid-Atlantic (Virginia, North Carolina)<\/td><td>August to September<\/td><td>Annual bluegrass, chickweed, henbit<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Midwest (Missouri, Illinois)<\/td><td>September<\/td><td>Chickweed, henbit<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Northeast<\/td><td>September<\/td><td>Chickweed, henbit<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Common fall and winter weeds prevented:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Annual bluegrass:<\/strong> Light green, grows in cool weather<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Cheatgrass: <\/strong>Light green stems with feathery tips<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Chickweed<\/strong>: Small white flowers, thrives in shade<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Henbit<\/strong>: Purple tubular flowers, scalloped leaves<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Persian speedwell<\/strong>: Delicate blue flowers<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Why fall matters:<\/strong> Winter annuals usually germinate in the fall, overwinter as small plants, then proliferate as temperatures warm up in the spring.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-get-rid-of-cheatgrass\/\">How to Get Rid of Cheatgrass<\/a><\/p><\/li>    <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/read-your-weeds-identifying-weeds-lawn-health\/\">Read Your Weeds: Identify Them to Learn About Your Lawn\u2019s Health<\/a><\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 id=\"4-weeds-needing-both-spring-and-fall-applications\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Weeds Needing Both Spring and Fall Applications<\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/spray-herbicide.jpg\" alt=\"Person holding handheld sprayer applying pre emergent treatment onto green lawn beside circular concrete planter with soil and scattered leaves.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Person holding handheld sprayer applying pre-emergent treatment onto green lawn. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/gardener-spray-herbicide-to-kill-weed-in-the-lawn-in-garden\/415514647\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">plo<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some weeds are tricky, since they can germinate in either season:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Clover <\/strong>can be either a summer or winter annual. Apply pre-emergents in both spring and fall to treat this weed. Many homeowners now embrace clover for its benefits, as it is nitrogen-rich and pollinator-friendly. Learn about reasons to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/were-thinking-over-why-we-kill-clover\/\">plant a clover lawn<\/a>.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Spurge,<\/strong> a broadleaf weed, can be easily identified by its red hairy stem and dense mat of dark green leaves close to the ground. Various species germinate at different times. Treat in both seasons for full control.<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-get-rid-clover-not-kill-grass\/\">How to Get Rid of Clover and Not Kill Grass<\/a><\/p><\/li>    <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-prevent-spurge-weed\/\">How to Prevent Spurge Weed in Your Lawn<\/a><\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 id=\"5-when-pre-emergent-doesn%E2%80%99t-work\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">When Pre-Emergent Doesn\u2019t Work<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pre-emergents fail when:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>Applied too late<\/strong>: Weeds have already germinated<span style=\"background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\">.<\/span><\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Applied too early<\/strong>: The barrier breaks down before peak germination, leaving less protection when weeds sprout<span style=\"background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\">.<\/span><\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Soil is disturbed<\/strong>: Aeration, dethatching, or digging breaks the barrier.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>Not watered in properly<\/strong>: Pre-emergents need water to activate.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>The wrong product is applied<\/strong>: Some pre-emergents don\u2019t target all weeds.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>The barrier runs out<\/strong>: Most pre-emergent products last only 8 to 12 weeks, so you&#8217;ll need <a href=\"https:\/\/weeds.ces.ncsu.edu\/weeds-teaching\/landscape-weed-management\/preemergence-herbicides\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">timely reapplication<\/a> to protect your lawn for the whole season.<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 id=\"6-faqs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQs<\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17883757822008577\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can I Mow After Applying Pre-Emergent?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Wait 1 to 2 days before mowing. If you need to mow, do it before applying pre-emergent so you don\u2019t disturb the freshly laid barrier.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-178837578220053\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">When Do I Water After Application?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Watering activates the barrier, and the timing depends on the formula:<br>\u2022 <strong>Granular:<\/strong> Water immediately, within 24 hours.<br>\u2022 <strong>Liquid:<\/strong> Wait 12 to 24 hours, then water lightly.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17883757822005584\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can I Apply Pre-Emergent to New Grass?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">No. Wait until the grass is at least 1 year old. Pre-emergents will prevent your new grass seed from germinating along with the weeds.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 id=\"7-let-lawnstarter-handle-weed-prevention\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Let LawnStarter Handle Weed Prevention<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Timing pre-emergent applications perfectly means monitoring soil temperatures, watching weather patterns, and applying at exactly the right moment. Miss the window by a few weeks, and weeds take over.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>LawnStarter\u2019s lawn treatment pros:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p>Apply pre-emergent at the optimal times of year<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Use professional-grade products<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Include weed control in comprehensive lawn care plans<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Guarantee results<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnstarter.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=fertilization\">Get a free quote for lawn treatment<\/a>. We\u2019ll keep weeds out of your lawn so you can enjoy it instead of fighting it.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read More:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/guide-weed-control-yard\/\">Guide to Weed Control in Your Yard<\/a><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main Image: A lawn care worker applies herbicide across a green lawn using a portable pump sprayer. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/weedicide-spray-on-the-weeds-in-the-garden-spraying-pesticide-with-portable-sprayer-to-eradicate-garden-weeds-in-the-lawn-pesticide-use-is-hazardous-to-health-weed-control-concept-weed-killer\/326387848\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ImageSine<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/p><div class=\"ays-arp-under-posts-container ays-arp-elegant-layout related-posts\" id=\"ays-arp-under-posts-container-127419-6abcbd8972a42\"  data-id=\"6abcbd8972a42\" data-ratio=\"1\"><h2 class=\"ays-arp-under-posts-container-title\">Related Posts:<\/h2><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"ays-arp-id-6abcbd8972a42\" value=\"127419\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-posts\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-header\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img-row\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/new-homeowners-guide-diy-or-pro\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  ><img src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Homeowner-moving-in-their-new-house-1-768x512.png?wsr\" alt=\"A couple carrying moving boxes toward the entrance of a modern two-story house with several more boxes stacked on the front steps and walkway.\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Homeowner-moving-in-their-new-house-1-768x512.png?wsr\" alt=\"A couple carrying moving boxes toward the entrance of a modern two-story house with several more boxes stacked on the front steps and walkway.\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img ays-arp-under-post-img-mobile\"><\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-content\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-title-row\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/new-homeowners-guide-diy-or-pro\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  >Just Moved In? A New Homeowner&#039;s Guide...<\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-read-more-row\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/new-homeowners-guide-diy-or-pro\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  ><span class=\"ays-arp-under-post-read-more\">Read more<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-header\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img-row\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/lawn-care-cost-new-homeowners-guide\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  ><img src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/How-Much-Does-Lawn-Care-Cost-A-New-Homeowners-Budgeting-Guide-768x512.png?wsr\" alt=\"A two-story residential house with a brick exterior and balcony next to a manicured lawn\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/How-Much-Does-Lawn-Care-Cost-A-New-Homeowners-Budgeting-Guide-768x512.png?wsr\" alt=\"A two-story residential house with a brick exterior and balcony next to a manicured lawn\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img ays-arp-under-post-img-mobile\"><\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-content\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-title-row\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/lawn-care-cost-new-homeowners-guide\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  >How Much Does Lawn Care Cost? A...<\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-read-more-row\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/lawn-care-cost-new-homeowners-guide\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  ><span class=\"ays-arp-under-post-read-more\">Read more<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-header\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img-row\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-assess-new-lawn\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  ><img src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/How-To-Assess-Your-New-Lawn-768x512.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"A family of four stands with their backs to the camera on a lush green lawn, arms wrapped around each other, gazing at their newly purchased single-story home beside a \"House for Sale \u2013 Sold\" sign.\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/How-To-Assess-Your-New-Lawn-768x512.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"A family of four stands with their backs to the camera on a lush green lawn, arms wrapped around each other, gazing at their newly purchased single-story home beside a \"House for Sale \u2013 Sold\" sign.\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img ays-arp-under-post-img-mobile\"><\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-content\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-title-row\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-assess-new-lawn\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  >Inherited a Lawn? How to Assess Your...<\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-read-more-row\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-assess-new-lawn\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  ><span class=\"ays-arp-under-post-read-more\">Read more<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-header\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img-row\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/fall-lawn-care-checklist\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  ><img src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/HEROfallchecklist-SMALL-768x576.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Illustartive image showing fall leaves and a rake in the background. The words \"LawnStarter, your fall lawn care checklist\" are overlayed in the foreground.\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/HEROfallchecklist-SMALL-768x576.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Illustartive image showing fall leaves and a rake in the background. The words \"LawnStarter, your fall lawn care checklist\" are overlayed in the foreground.\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img ays-arp-under-post-img-mobile\"><\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-content\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-title-row\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/fall-lawn-care-checklist\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  >LawnStarter&#039;s Fall Lawn Care Checklist<\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-read-more-row\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/fall-lawn-care-checklist\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  ><span class=\"ays-arp-under-post-read-more\">Read more<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-header\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img-row\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/straw-over-grass-seed\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  ><img src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Straw-768x512.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Gardener covering lawn with straw mulch\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Straw-768x512.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Gardener covering lawn with straw mulch\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img ays-arp-under-post-img-mobile\"><\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-content\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-title-row\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/straw-over-grass-seed\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  >Should You Put Straw Over Grass Seed?<\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-read-more-row\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/straw-over-grass-seed\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  ><span class=\"ays-arp-under-post-read-more\">Read more<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">\n            #ays-arp-under-posts-container-127419-6abcbd8972a42 {\n                width: 100%;\n                word-break: break-word;\n            }\n\n            #ays-arp-under-posts-container-127419-6abcbd8972a42 .ays-arp-under-post {\n                width: calc(20% - 10px);\n                overflow: hidden;\n                padding: 10px;\n                border: none;\n            }\n\n            #ays-arp-under-posts-container-127419-6abcbd8972a42 .ays-arp-under-post-img-row .ays-arp-under-post-img {\n\t\t\t    object-fit: contain;\n\t\t\t    object-position:center center;\n                border: unset;\n                padding: unset;\n                border-radius: 0px;\n                height: 100%\n            }\n\n            #ays-arp-under-posts-container-127419-6abcbd8972a42 .ays-arp-under-posts-container-title,\n            #ays-arp-under-posts-container-127419-6abcbd8972a42 .ays-arp-under-post-title  .ays-arp-under-post-link,\n            #ays-arp-under-posts-container-127419-6abcbd8972a42 .ays-arp-under-post-excerpt-row {\n                color: #333333;\n            }\n\n            #ays-arp-under-posts-container-127419-6abcbd8972a42  .ays-arp-under-posts  .ays-arp-under-post {\n                background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);\n            }\n\n            #ays-arp-under-posts-container-127419-6abcbd8972a42  .ays-arp-under-posts  .ays-arp-under-post:hover {\n                background-color: rgba(255,255,255,0);\n            }\n\n            #ays-arp-under-posts-container-127419-6abcbd8972a42 .ays-arp-under-post-title,\n            #ays-arp-under-posts-container-127419-6abcbd8972a42 .ays-arp-under-post-link {\n                line-height: 1.5;\n            }\n\n            #ays-arp-under-posts-container-127419-6abcbd8972a42 .ays-arp-under-post-title a{\n                font-size: 16px;\n            }\n\n            #ays-arp-under-posts-container-127419-6abcbd8972a42 .ays-arp-under-post-date-author-row {\n                color: rgba(51,51,51,0.7);\n            }\n\n            #ays-arp-under-posts-container-127419-6abcbd8972a42 .ays-arp-under-posts a:active,\n            #ays-arp-under-posts-container-127419-6abcbd8972a42 .ays-arp-under-posts a:hover,\n            #ays-arp-under-posts-container-127419-6abcbd8972a42 .ays-arp-under-posts a:focus,\n            #ays-arp-under-posts-container-127419-6abcbd8972a42 .ays-arp-under-posts a {\n                text-decoration: unset;\n                cursor: pointer;\n                outline: unset;\n                text-decoration-skip-ink: none;\n                background: unset;\n                opacity: 1;\n            }\n\n            #ays-arp-under-posts-container-127419-6abcbd8972a42 .ays-arp-under-post-img-row .ays-arp-under-post-img.ays-arp-under-post-img-mobile {\n                display: none; 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Time it right to stop weeds before they start.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":132,"featured_media":154682,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[9,12],"class_list":["post-127419","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lawn-care-2","tag-lawn-care","tag-weed-control"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/AdobeStock_326387848.jpg?wsr","author_info":{"display_name":"Danielle Gorski","author_link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/author\/danielle-gorskilawnstarter-com\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>When to Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicides<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn when to apply pre-emergent herbicide: spring at 50 to 55 degrees soil temp and fall at 70 degrees. Time it right to stop weeds before they start.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/when-to-apply-pre-emergent-herbicide\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"When to Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicides\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn when to apply pre-emergent herbicide: spring at 50 to 55 degrees soil temp and fall at 70 degrees. 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