TREE & LAWN CARE BLOG
When Should I Apply Pre-Emergent To My Lawn In Georgia?
When Should I Apple Pre-Emergents 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:
Spring: Apply pre-emergents for warm-season weeds like crabgrass and annual bluegrass. Begin mowing regularly and fertilize as needed.
Summer: Continue mowing and watering your lawn. Monitor for any signs of weed growth and address them promptly.
Fall: Apply pre-emergents for cool-season weeds like chickweed and henbit. Aerate the soil if necessary and overseed any bare or thin areas.
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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The Benefits of Aerating Your Lawn
Over time it’s very common to see your lawns vibrancy fade away, being replaced with bare spots, burnt spots and weeds. Without proper maintenance, a thick, lush lawn can diminish quickly. A few most common reasons for a dull lawn are:
Soil compaction
Heavy traffic
Lack of fertilization or watering schedule
High temperatures
Drought
So how do you get your lawn to thrive again?
The first step to a healthy lawn is healthy soil. This is the base component all things above ground feed off of, so it is important to maintain proper soil nutrients to get good results. Most suburban lawns fall victim to soil compaction from heavy traffic and everyday activities which strips your lawn from one of its main components - oxygen.
Aeration is a technique our lawn care specialists use to pull small soil cores out, breaking up the compaction and allowing oxygen to enter and organic matter from the cores to be spread throughout your lawn.
Aerating your soil before over-seeding can provide substantial growth. Our machines place small pockets all over your lawn, giving the grass seed optimal soil contact, boosting germination results and preventing wash outs.
If you have brown spots, burnt spots or trouble with weeds on your lawn, click the link below to be connected with one of our lawn care specialists now!
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Weed Prevention Tips for Spring
There’s nothing like a lawn with no trace of weeds in sight. For most, weed prevention can be a daunting task but with the right information and products, you can easily achieve all of your lawn care goals.
The key to having a yard full of lush, weed free, green grass is to start with a pre-emergent.
What is a pre-emergent?
Pre-emergent is a herbicide that when applied correctly and at the right time can prevent *most* weeds from emerging in the spring and summer months. Pre-emergent spray starts with the root of the problem, the actual seed of the weeds BEFORE they form. However, they don’t kill the weed seeds, instead, they completely stop the growth process from happening all-together and before they are even germinated.
When should I spray pre-emergent in Georgia?
For this process to be effective, the herbicide must be applied to the soil at the right time and temperature, which is between 50-55 degrees. In Georgia this date ranges from beginning of January to March 20th. Information regarding the temperature of your soil can be found online from numerous resources.
Will pre-emergent herbicides damage my grass?
If you have just recently installed a new pallet of sod, its best to wait until this grass has a chance to settle in before tackling the weed problems that might arise. It is important to know which pre-emergent reacts with the specific type of grass you have in order to avoid any mishaps. For example, methylated seed oil should never be used on Bermuda grass. Be sure to consult with your local lawn care technician in regards to which pre-emergent is most highly recommended for your grass and soil type.
Should I use spray or granulated pre-emergent?
This question solely relies on preference. Either or will do the job as long as they are mixed and applied evenly and thoroughly to the grass. Pre-emergents are essentially strong barriers to prevent weeds from popping through. This is why it is important to make sure your application is very evenly distributed.
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