Weeds grow year-round on northern Arizona lawns and landscapes. Late summer through early fall is the best time to guard against invasive winter weed growth. Cooler temperatures and more moisture/rainfall mean more weeds can germinate, unless you know when and how to apply pre-emergent. Understanding weed growth cycles and how pre-emergent works keeps your lawn protected.
Fall Pre-Emergent: Application Tips and Tricks
Applying pre-emergent in late summer or early fall prevents weeds from growing in the winter. Here are some things to keep in mind for the best results:
- Timing: Pre-emergent targets weed germination. It won’t work after weeds sprout. By then, it’s much more difficult to control and inhibit weed growth. Timing is crucial for good weed control. If you’re waiting for a sign, consider this your reminder. Now is the time to schedule/complete your next pre-emergent treatment.
- Education: If applying pre-emergent yourself, carefully read the product labels before completing the treatment to ensure safe and effective use. For best results, work with a local lawn care and landscaping company with in-depth knowledge of local weeds and grasses.
- Watering: Pre-emergents need to be watered into the ground or rained on to activate. Plan to water your lawn or turn on your irrigation system after treatment.
- Soil temperature: Soil temperature is a more reliable indicator of when to use pre-emergent weed killer than ambient temperatures. Take the temperature at around a two-inch depth for an accurate reading.
Why Watch Out for Winter Weeds?
Many Arizona winter weeds (including annual weeds) thrive in cooler temperatures. And they quickly take over lawns. Most people don’t find weeds as aesthetically pleasing as their preferred plants and grasses, and thriving weeds will compete with those plants for water and other resources (like soil nutrients).
Pre-emergent protects your lawn against common winter weeds like chickweed, Spurge, London rocket, and henbit. Henbit and chickweed are invasive species, along with annual Bluegrass (Poa Annua), Yellow Rocket, Dead Nettle, Whitlow Grass, buffelgrass, and stinkweed. Pre-emergent reduces weed growth effectively, but a few may still pop up. Spot-treating weeds with herbicide and pulling them up by the root keeps your lawn neat and your preferred plants growing well.
Are Pre-Emergents Safe to Use?
If label instructions are followed, pre-emergent herbicides are safe. It’s important to wear protective gear to avoid contact with the concentrated product, and to water the area after application. [Once pre-emergent is watered into the soil, its active ingredients aren’t active on the lawn surface.] There are also organic options if you prefer not to use weed killers with synthetic compounds and chemicals.
Expert Weed Control, Stress Free
You’ve got enough going on with the school year and other fall obligations filling up your calendar. Let us handle time-sensitive lawn maintenance and landscaping to get it done right. We understand the precise timing necessary for best results, and can help you with weed and invasive species control year-round. Ready to protect your favorite plants and grasses and keep your lawn beautiful? Contact Zebrascapes to schedule your weed treatment today.