{"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":"2026-01-06T15:12:51","modified_gmt":"2026-01-06T18:12:51","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":"<p><strong>Stop weeds before they start.<\/strong> Pre-emergent herbicide is your secret weapon for a weed-free lawn \u2014 but timing is everything. Apply too early or too late, and you&#8217;ve wasted your time and money.<\/p>    <p>The best time to apply pre-emergent is when <strong>soil temperature reaches 50-55 degrees F<\/strong> <strong>in spring<\/strong> and <strong>drops to 70 degrees F in fall<\/strong>. With tips from an expert, this guide shows you exactly when to apply pre-emergent herbicides based on your location and what weeds you&#8217;re fighting.<\/p>    <p><strong>Too busy to time it perfectly?<\/strong> LawnStarter&#8217;s lawn treatment pros handle pre-emergent applications at exactly the right time for your lawn. We take weed prevention off your to-do list. <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnstarter.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=fertilization\">Get a free lawn treatment quote<\/a>.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-754969e2-b872-417a-971c-d1a1f9d1e356\" 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\">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-doesnt-work\" style=\"\">When Pre-Emergent Doesn&#8217;t Work<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/when-to-apply-pre-emergent-herbicide\/#6-faq-about-pre-emergents\" style=\"\">FAQ About Pre-Emergents<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Key Takeaways<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>\u2022 Apply <strong>before<\/strong> weeds appear. Pre-emergents don&#8217;t kill existing weeds.<br>\u2022 Apply in both spring and fall for year-round weed prevention.<br>\u2022 Spring applications prevent summer weeds.<br>\u2022 Fall applications prevent winter weeds.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-when-to-apply-pre-emergent-herbicide\">When to Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicide<\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"515\" 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\" class=\"wp-image-127599\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Pre-Emergent-Herbicide-Infographic_Lawnstarter_Update01-01-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Pre-Emergent-Herbicide-Infographic_Lawnstarter_Update01-01-1-300x193.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Pre-Emergent-Herbicide-Infographic_Lawnstarter_Update01-01-1-656x422.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Pre-Emergent-Herbicide-Infographic_Lawnstarter_Update01-01-1-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Pre-Emergent-Herbicide-Infographic_Lawnstarter_Update01-01-1-768x494.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">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><td><strong>Targets<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Spring<\/strong><\/td><td>50 to 55 degrees F<\/td><td>Late winter to early spring (before weeds sprout)<\/td><td>Crabgrass, foxtail, spurge<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Fall<\/strong><\/td><td>70 degrees F<\/td><td>Late summer to early fall<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/common-winter-weeds\/\">Common winter weeds<\/a>: chickweed, henbit, annual bluegrass<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p>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 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-what-is-pre-emergent-herbicide\">What is Pre-Emergent Herbicide?<\/h2>    <p><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>Pre-emergent weed preventers are best suited for grassy weeds and annual weeds that reproduce by seeds, says Rebecca Grubbs-Bowling, assistant professor and turfgrass Extension specialist at the University of Tennessee. &#8220;They don&#8217;t work as well on perennials.&#8221;<\/p>    <p><strong>How it works:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Stops weed roots and shoots from developing<\/li>    <li>Must be applied <strong>before<\/strong> weeds appear<\/li>    <li>Lasts 8-12 weeks (varies by product)<\/li>    <li>Does not kill existing weeds<\/li> <\/ul>    <p><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 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-spring-pre-emergent-application\">Spring Pre-Emergent Application<\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" 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.\" class=\"wp-image-121631\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/granular-herbicide-1.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/granular-herbicide-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/granular-herbicide-1-150x100.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/granular-herbicide-1-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Granular pre emergent. 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><strong>When to apply in spring: <\/strong>\u201cThe <strong>soil temperature<\/strong> (not air temperature) should be in the <strong>50-55 degree F range<\/strong>,\u201d says Grubbs-Bowling.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p>Many dormant seeds begin germinating once soil temperatures hit 55 degrees F. This is when summer annual weed seeds start germinating.<\/p>    <p>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><strong>How to check soil temperature<\/strong><\/p>    <p>Don&#8217;t guess \u2014 measure.<\/p>    <ol class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><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.<\/li>    <li><strong>Use a soil thermometer<\/strong> (cheap at garden stores). 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><strong>Check for 3 consecutive days<\/strong> that the soil temperature is 50-55 degrees F before applying.<\/li> <\/ol>    <p><strong>Common spring weeds prevented<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Crabgrass: <\/strong>The #1 grassy lawn weed; spreads rapidly in summer heat<\/li>    <li><strong>Dandelions<\/strong>: Yellow flowers that turn into puffballs<\/li>    <li><strong>Spurge<\/strong>: Mat-forming weed with reddish brown stems<\/li>    <li><strong>Ragweed<\/strong>: Fern-like weed that produces a large amount of pollen<\/li>    <li><strong>Sandbur<\/strong>: Painful, spiky seed heads<\/li>    <li><strong>Yellow foxtail<\/strong>: Bushy spike seed heads<\/li> <\/ul>    <p><strong>See Related:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-apply-crabgrass-preventer\/\">When and How to Apply Crabgrass Preventer<\/a><\/li>    <li><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><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/benefits-of-dandelions-yard\/\">How Dandelions Benefit You and Your Yard<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-fall-pre-emergent-application\">Fall Pre-Emergent Application<\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/spraying-herbicide.jpeg\" alt=\"Spraying herbicide from the nozzle to Para Grass weeds\" class=\"wp-image-115906\" style=\"object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/spraying-herbicide.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/spraying-herbicide-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/spraying-herbicide-150x100.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/spraying-herbicide-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Herbicide spray. 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><strong>When to apply in fall: <\/strong>Apply when soil temperature drops to <strong>70 degrees F<\/strong> \u2014 this prevents winter annual weeds that germinate in fall.<\/p>    <p>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><strong>Common fall\/winter weeds prevented:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Annual bluegrass:<\/strong> Light green, grows in cool weather<\/li>    <li><strong>Cheatgrass: <\/strong>Light green stems with feathery tips<\/li>    <li><strong>Chickweed<\/strong>: Small white flowers, thrives in shade<\/li>    <li><strong>Henbit<\/strong>: Purple tubular flowers, scalloped leaves<\/li>    <li><strong>Persian speedwell<\/strong>: Delicate blue flowers<\/li> <\/ul>    <p><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><strong>See Related:<\/strong> <\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-get-rid-of-cheatgrass\/\">How to Get Rid of Cheatgrass<\/a><\/li>    <li><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><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-weeds-needing-both-spring-and-fall-applications\">Weeds Needing Both Spring and Fall Applications<\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" 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.\" class=\"wp-image-143242\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/spray-herbicide.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/spray-herbicide-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/spray-herbicide-656x437.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/spray-herbicide-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/spray-herbicide-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Pre emergent lawn spraying. 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>Some weeds are tricky \u2014 they can germinate in either season:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><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.<a href=\"https:\/\/claude.ai\/chat\/44404cec-126c-46c3-bd57-eb2f55107979#\"> <\/a>Learn about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/were-thinking-over-why-we-kill-clover\/\">reasons to plant a clover lawn<\/a>.<\/li>    <li><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.<\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-when-pre-emergent-doesnt-work\">When Pre-Emergent Doesn&#8217;t Work<\/h2>    <p>Pre-emergents fail when:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Applied too late<\/strong>: Weeds have already germinated<\/li>    <li><strong>Soil is disturbed<\/strong>: Aeration, dethatching, or digging breaks the barrier<\/li>    <li><strong>Not watered in properly<\/strong>: Pre-emergents need water to activate<\/li>    <li><strong>The wrong product is applied<\/strong>: Some pre-emergents don&#8217;t target all weeds<\/li> <\/ul>    <p><strong>See Related:<\/strong> <\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/what-is-core-aeration\/\">What is Core Aeration?<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/applying-post-emergent-herbicides-to-your-lawn\/\">Applying Post-Emergent Herbicides to Your Lawn<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-faq-about-pre-emergents\">FAQ About Pre-Emergents<\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1764055267548\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can I Mow After Applying Pre-Emergent?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Wait 1-2 days before mowing. If you need to mow, do it <strong>before<\/strong> applying pre-emergent.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1764055274501\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">When Do I Water After Application?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Here\u2019s when you should water after a pre-emergent herbicide application:<br\/><br\/>\u2022 <strong>Granular:<\/strong> Water immediately (within 24 hours)<br\/>\u2022 <strong>Liquid:<\/strong> Wait 12-24 hours, then water lightly<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1764055282783\"><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.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1764055288666\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How Long Does Pre-Emergent Last?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Most pre-emergent products last 8-12 weeks. That&#8217;s why you need both spring and fall applications for year-round weed control.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-let-lawnstarter-handle-weed-prevention\">Let LawnStarter Handle Weed Prevention<\/h2>    <p>Timing pre-emergent applications perfectly means monitoring soil temperatures, watching weather patterns, and applying at exactly the right moment. <strong>Miss the window by a few weeks, and weeds take over.<\/strong><\/p>    <p><strong>LawnStarter&#8217;s lawn treatment pros:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Apply pre-emergent at optimal timing<\/li>    <li>Use professional-grade products<\/li>    <li>Include weed control in comprehensive lawn care plans<\/li>    <li>Guarantee results<\/li> <\/ul>    <p><a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnstarter.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=fertilization\">Get a free quote for lawn treatment \u2192<\/a><\/p>    <p>We&#8217;ll keep weeds out of your lawn so you can enjoy it instead of fighting it.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-e5e5f085-ed52-4ce2-a548-7eaba1a6687c\" data-mobilecollapse=\"false\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"true\"> <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-e5e5f085-ed52-4ce2-a548-7eaba1a6687c\" tabindex=\"0\"> \t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-e5e5f085-ed52-4ce2-a548-7eaba1a6687c\" style=\"color: #000000; \"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-e5e5f085-ed52-4ce2-a548-7eaba1a6687c\">  <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/agrilifeextension.tamu.edu\/asset-external\/a-homeowners-guide-to-herbicide-selection-for-warm-season-turfgrass-lawns\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">A Homeowner\u2019s Guide to Herbicide Selection for Warm-Season Turfgrass Lawns<\/a>.\u201d Texas A&amp;M AgriLife Extension.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/agrilifetoday.tamu.edu\/2020\/09\/23\/apply-fall-preemergence-herbicide-to-avoid-spring-weeds\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Apply Fall Preemergence Herbicide to Avoid Spring Weeds<\/a>.\u201d By Adam Russell, communication specialist. Texas A&amp;M AgriLife.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/weeds.ces.ncsu.edu\/weeds-teaching\/landscape-weed-management\/preemergence-herbicides\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lectures 5 &amp; 6: Preemergence Herbicides<\/a>.\u201d By Joe Neal, professor of weed science and Extension specialist. NC State University Extension.<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/utia.tennessee.edu\/person\/?id=186581\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rebecca Grubbs-Bowling<\/a>, assistant professor in Plant Sciences and turfgrass Extension specialist at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Personal interview.<\/li> <\/ul>  <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>   <p>Main Image: Lawn fertilizer spreader positioned on pavement beside grass. Image Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/wheelbarrow-fertilizer-spreader-for-garden\/1188952877\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">WH_Pics<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With pre-emergent herbicide, timing is everything. Apply in spring when soil temperatures are 50-55 degrees F and in fall when soil temps drop below 70 F.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":132,"featured_media":127892,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[12],"class_list":["post-127419","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lawn-care-2","tag-weed-control"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/spreader.jpeg?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 v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>When to Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicides<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"With pre-emergent herbicide, timing is everything. 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Apply in spring when soil temperatures are 50-55 degrees F and in fall when soil temps drop below 70 F.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/when-to-apply-pre-emergent-herbicide\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Lawnstarter\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-02-07T15:50:22+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-01-06T18:12:51+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/spreader.jpeg?wsr\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"820\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Danielle Gorski\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Danielle Gorski\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/lawn-care-2\\\/when-to-apply-pre-emergent-herbicide\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/lawn-care-2\\\/when-to-apply-pre-emergent-herbicide\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Danielle Gorski\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/406e86b8c28432c8a8799f1e7b919165\"},\"headline\":\"When to Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicide (Spring &amp; Fall Guide)\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-02-07T15:50:22+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-01-06T18:12:51+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/lawn-care-2\\\/when-to-apply-pre-emergent-herbicide\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1225,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/lawn-care-2\\\/when-to-apply-pre-emergent-herbicide\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/spreader.jpeg?wsr\",\"keywords\":[\"weed control\"],\"articleSection\":[\"General Lawn Care\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"FAQPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/lawn-care-2\\\/when-to-apply-pre-emergent-herbicide\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/lawn-care-2\\\/when-to-apply-pre-emergent-herbicide\\\/\",\"name\":\"When to Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicides\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/lawn-care-2\\\/when-to-apply-pre-emergent-herbicide\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/lawn-care-2\\\/when-to-apply-pre-emergent-herbicide\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/02\\\/spreader.jpeg?wsr\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-02-07T15:50:22+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-01-06T18:12:51+00:00\",\"description\":\"With pre-emergent herbicide, timing is everything. 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Her favorite part about her yard is decorating it for the holiday season.","url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/author\/danielle-gorskilawnstarter-com\/"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/when-to-apply-pre-emergent-herbicide\/#faq-question-1764055267548","position":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/when-to-apply-pre-emergent-herbicide\/#faq-question-1764055267548","name":"Can I Mow After Applying Pre-Emergent?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Wait 1-2 days before mowing. If you need to mow, do it <strong>before<\/strong> applying pre-emergent.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/when-to-apply-pre-emergent-herbicide\/#faq-question-1764055274501","position":2,"url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/when-to-apply-pre-emergent-herbicide\/#faq-question-1764055274501","name":"When Do I Water After Application?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Here\u2019s when you should water after a pre-emergent herbicide application:<br\/><br\/>\u2022 <strong>Granular:<\/strong> Water immediately (within 24 hours)<br\/>\u2022 <strong>Liquid:<\/strong> Wait 12-24 hours, then water lightly","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/when-to-apply-pre-emergent-herbicide\/#faq-question-1764055282783","position":3,"url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/when-to-apply-pre-emergent-herbicide\/#faq-question-1764055282783","name":"Can I Apply Pre-Emergent to New Grass?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"No. Wait until the grass is at least 1 year old. Pre-emergents will prevent your new grass seed from germinating.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/when-to-apply-pre-emergent-herbicide\/#faq-question-1764055288666","position":4,"url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/when-to-apply-pre-emergent-herbicide\/#faq-question-1764055288666","name":"How Long Does Pre-Emergent Last?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Most pre-emergent products last 8-12 weeks. That's why you need both spring and fall applications for year-round weed control.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/127419","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/132"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=127419"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/127419\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/127892"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=127419"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=127419"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=127419"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}