When Should I Apply Pre-Emergent To My Lawn In Georgia?

As a homeowner in Georgia, maintaining a lush and healthy lawn is likely one of your top priorities. A key aspect of proper lawn care is preventing the growth of unwanted weeds. One effective way to achieve this is by applying pre-emergent herbicides. These specialized products create a barrier in the soil, preventing weed seeds from germinating and taking root. However, timing is crucial when it comes to applying pre-emergents in Georgia. Applying pre-emergents at the right time can significantly reduce the need for post-emergent herbicides and manual weed removal, saving you time and effort in the long run.

Factors to Consider When Determining Timing for Pre-Emergent Applications in Georgia

Several factors come into play when determining the optimal timing for pre-emergent applications in Georgia. The most critical factor is the germination period of the target weeds. Different weed species have distinct germination times, and understanding these timelines is key to effective weed control. Additionally, consider the climate and weather conditions in your specific region of Georgia. Soil temperature, moisture levels, and sunlight exposure can all influence weed seed germination. Consulting with a local lawn care expert can provide valuable insights into the specific timing for pre-emergent applications in your area.

Timing for Pre-Emergent Applications in Georgia

For common warm-season weeds like:

• Crabgrass and annual bluegrass, early spring is the preferred timing. Aim to apply pre-emergents when soil temperatures consistently reach around 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This typically occurs around late February to early March in most regions of Georgia.

For cool-season weeds such as:

• Chickweed and henbit - Fall applications are more effective. Apply pre-emergents in late summer or early fall, around August to September, when soil temperatures begin to cool down.

Lawn Care Schedule for Georgia, Including Pre-Emergent Applications

To establish a well-rounded lawn care schedule in Georgia, it's important to consider the different tasks throughout the year, including pre-emergent applications. Here's a general seasonal schedule to guide you:

1. Spring: Apply pre-emergents for warm-season weeds like crabgrass and annual bluegrass. Begin mowing regularly and fertilize as needed.

2. Summer: Continue mowing and watering your lawn. Monitor for any signs of weed growth and address them promptly.

3. Fall: Apply pre-emergents for cool-season weeds like chickweed and henbit. Aerate the soil if necessary and overseed any bare or thin areas.

4. Winter: Prepare your lawn for the upcoming spring by cleaning up debris and protecting it from cold temperatures.

Remember, these are general guidelines, and the specific timing may vary depending on your region in Georgia and the specific grass type you have. Consulting with a lawn care professional can provide tailored recommendations for your specific needs.

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What To Do In Spring For The Perfect Lawn

What to do in Spring for a perfect lawn.

Spring is finally here! Help prepare your lawn for a year of healthy growth with the care it needs to help it thrive. With these steps, you will prepare your lawn to defeat the weeds, diseases and drought.

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1.Rake

You’ll want to remove lingering fall leaves and grass blades that did not survive winter. Left alone, these dead blades add to your lawn's thatch layer.

2. Overseed

Fill bare or thin spots in the lawn by overseeding. Late spring is the best time to overseed warm-season grass. Fall is the ideal time for cool-season grass.

3. Aerate

Aeration is the solution for compacted soil in high traffic areas and is absolutely vital to the success of your lawn. How often you should aerate your lawn depends on soil type. A lawn care technician would be able to assess the correct timing for your particular lawn type. Late spring to early summer is the right time to aerate warm-season grasses. Fall is the best time for cool-season types.

4. Dethatch

Spring is the perfect time to dethatch turf. Aim for early spring for cool-season grasses and late spring to early summer for warm-season grasses. Learn more about dethatching by calling our office here.

5. Weed

If Crabgrass has taken over your lawn, apply pre-emergent herbicides ASAP to keep seeds that dropped last summer from germinating. Timing is critical for this application. You can call our office by clicking here to learn about application timing and pre-emergent application tips.

Use post-emergent broadleaf herbicides for perennial and winter annual weeds in warm-season lawns. Treat or dig perennial weeds as they start appearing in cool-season lawns or try 5 In 1 Weed & Feed. It kills lawn weeds like Dandelion and Clover, pulls kills Crabgrass. Learn more about post-emergent herbicides.

6. Fertilize

Fertilizer should be applied roughly three weeks after your grass begins to green up. If you fertilize too early, you will risk feeding the weeds as well as creating a fertilizer run off due to all the spring rain showers.

7. Water

Overwatering your lawn can do more damage than good. Let your lawn start to green up naturally and irrigate only if rains are scarce and grass shows signs of real dehydration. We usually get enough spring rain showers in Georgia to quench its thirst.

8. Mow

Be sure to cut at the proper height for your type of grass. You will want to avoid mowing too low because this allows sunlight to reach soil, encouraging weed seeds to germinate.

If you are interested in having a lawn care technician from our team come out and provide a customized lawn care plan to achieve your specific grass goals, click the link below to be directed to one of our client experience coordinators who can help you!