Applying Pre-Emergent Herbicide for a Beautiful Lawn

Spring is right around the corner, and if you want your lawn to be one of the best in the neighborhood, it's time to start thinking about how you can accomplish that. Applying pre-emergent herbicides will prevent weeds from sprouting up in your yard, but this process is all about timing. A pre-emergent is designed to provide a barrier to stop weeds from coming in, so it's important to apply the herbicide when the weeds would germinate. It's best to apply pre-emergents two to three weeks before the weeds normally begin to sprout in your area. In Oklahoma many experts recommend that you apply a pre-emergent when the forsythia blooms, which is often in late February or early March. This round of pre-emergent is used to manage grassy weeds like crabgrass. Be sure that you never apply herbicides to new sod. The sod needs time to establish and herbicides could kill the grass. You can always hire a professional to do the job, but if you decide to use the do-it-yourself method, take extra precautions when applying the herbicide. To stay safe and to make sure the chemicals are as effective as possible, carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions on the product label. Keep pets and children off the treated lawn until it's dry. Always wear gloves and protective clothing when applying chemicals. And please protect the water tables and environment by using only the recommended amount of the product. If you don't get the pre-emergent herbicide on your lawn in time, don't worry. A post-emergent product can kill already established weeds, but use caution when using this kind of herbicide. Some of these products target certain kinds of weeds, while others will kill any kind of plant, grass, flower or shrub it comes into contact with. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions. We look forward to admiring your beautiful lawns and flowerbeds this spring!