Spring is a critical time when it comes to weed control! In order to prevent weeds and maintain a healthy yard throughout the Spring and Summer, it is extremely important that you apply a pre-emergent herbicide.

A pre-emergent is an important tool in weed control, but properly timing the application can be tricky. It is also important to note that it is not possible to completely eliminate weeds with a single application and there is no magic cure that kills all weeds. Weeds cannot be completely eliminated because they have different life cycles and methods of reproduction. Seeds have the ability to lay dormant for years before they germinate, even surviving droughts, fires, and herbicide applications. Even if you were to completely rid your property of seeds they can easily be transported back to the property by wind, water, animals or human activity.

To get a better idea of how a pre-emergent works, let’s examine 3 key facts of pre-emergent weed control.

1) Pre-emergents are designed to control germinating weed seeds.

A pre-emergent is designed to target weeds that have not yet emerged from the soil. To get the best results and to avoid wasting time and labor, make sure the weeds are not visible above the ground at the time of the application.

Note* A pre-emergent is not designed to control existing weeds. The weed will only be killed when it begins to sprout from the seed and hits the herbicide barrier.

2) A pre-emergent must be mixed correctly and applied evenly over the entire area for the best results.

Pre-emergent herbicides need to be mixed correctly for the solution to be at the appropriate strength. Make sure to carefully read the manufacturer’s directions and don’t forget to adjust your sprayer. Spot spraying will not achieve proper results, as there is still plenty of space for weeds to come through.

Note* It usually takes about 1-2 gallons of solution to cover 1000 square feet.

3) A pre-emergent herbicide must be watered in.

Watering the pre-emergent in activates the herbicide, creating a barrier just below the surface. Most products will call for 0.5 inches of water or rain within 21 days after application. If you’re working with a non-irrigated area, apply the pre-emergent just before rain is anticipated.

Contact Complete Home Services today to schedule your next yard service and keep your lawn looking beautiful all Summer long!

VistaScapes is a Complete Home Services division providing Landscape Design, Installation, Maintenance, Fertilization, Sod Installation, Turf Seeding, Mulching, Lot Cleanup, Erosion Control, Retaining walls, and Hardscaping. Serving Union County Georgia, Fannin County Georgia and Towns County Georgia. For your Home Maintenance needs visit our Complete Home Services website at www.CompleteHomeServicesUSA.com