The easiest way to avoid a weed takeover this spring is to schedule a pre-emergent treatment. In areas that have received a lot of rain recently, as we have here in Arizona, the window of time when pre-emergent weed control is effective is even shorter with rain accelerating the germination process. So, the time is NOW!

With pre-emergent weed control, you can stop the growth of weeds before they gain momentum. Pre-emergents should not only be used in the spring, but also in the fall to help stifle any weeds that thrive during the winter season. The herbicide barrier that pre-emergents provide will prevent any roots or shoots from growing up through your soil, and you'll be able to enjoy the weed-free lawn you've always wanted.

How Pre-Emergent Weed Control Works

Our lawn care professional spraying a lawn for weeds in Chandler, AZ.

Pre-emergent weed control doesn't stop the germination of the seeds. However, once the seed germinates and begins to grow, it will encounter the herbicide barrier, and that's where the magic happens. The barrier inhibits root and shoot growth so that the weed cannot develop into a mature plant. In other words, the pre-emergent herbicide stops growth in its tracks before you ever even see the weed grow above your soil.

Even better, pre-emergent weed control will not damage the already established plants and grasses in your lawn, so only pesky weeds will be prevented from sprouting. Once applied, the best practice is to water in the treatment, activating the herbicide and ensuring it soaks into the soil where the weed seeds and roots are trying to grow.

There are options for both liquid and granular pre-emergent weed control depending on your preference for application.

Why Spring is the Key Time to Apply Pre-Emergent Weed Control

Liquid weed control treatment being sprayed in the spring season in Mesa, AZ.

In winter, most weeds will die and leave behind seeds or roots that are dormant throughout the colder weather, even if you're in an area that doesn't completely frost over. As the weather warms up and spring approaches, those seeds "wake up" and begin to germinate in the warmer soil. It's essential to treat your lawn in spring before the weeds become established, as the pre-emergent herbicide will not affect any established plants.

By the time you see weeds sprouting, they have already taken hold of the soil around them, sapping nutrients from your lawn to grow. At that point, you will have to pivot to a different methodology to rid your lawn of weeds, so that's why the window for a pre-emergent treatment is so short. You need to act fast to ensure that the weeds germinating in your soil don't get the chance to grow into full-blown plants.

Fall is Another Great Time to Schedule Pre-Emergent Weed Control

In the Gilbert, AZ area, common weeds that establish themselves during the winter include henbit and Carolina geranium. Scheduling a pre-emergent weed control application in the fall will prevent any surprises come spring. As we all know, weeds are difficult to deal with once they've established themselves in a lawn. To cover all the bases, it's best to apply in both spring and fall so no weeds are slipping through the cracks.

Ready to make your lawn weed-free? Call us today to schedule our pre-emergent treatments!

At Little John's Lawns, we have been helping customers rid their lawn of weeds since 2012 in Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, AZ and surrounding cities. With spring knocking on our door, the time for pre-emergent treatments is NOW. We have a comprehensive program in place to ensure your lawn looks its best and stays healthy throughout the changing seasons. Call us today at 480-264-5399 to get a quote for our weed control program!