Top 3 Spring Pre-Emergent Myths

By now you know that we are are firm believers in pre-emergent applications. This time of year we get HUNDREDS of phone calls and questions about pre-emergent, so today I wanted to share and address the top three “myths” or reasons why people tell us they are better off skipping the spring pre-emergent.

1. Winter Rye. We get this call all of the time…”I have winter rye, therefore I need to skip the spring pre-emergent so that my winter rye is not damaged.” This is the result of some confusion between the fall and spring pre-emergent and how affect winter rye. Pre-emergents keep seeds from germinating. Winter rye is planted by seed in the fall, so it is the fall pre-emergent that has to be skipped or your winter rye will never germinate. By now (mid February), your winter rye should be well established and thriving, and therefore it is completely safe (and absolutely necessary!) to apply the spring pre-emergent application.

2. “My neighbors don’t take care of their lawn, therefore pre-emergents are a lost cause for me.” It is true, weeds spread from lawn to lawn. However, they don’t have to spread to your lawn. Pre-emergents do not discriminate, they prevent all weeds equally no matter where they come from. So don’t worry about what your neighbors are doing, just do what you need to do on your own lawn and you will see results. Pre-emergents are effective no matter what your neighbors lawn looks like.

3. “My lawn is already full of weeds, I’m too late for a pre-emergent”. This is the one we hear the most! You have to remember that pre-emergents are a proactive approach to weed control. Weeds are seasonal…the weeds in your lawn right now are going to die, and new ones are going to pop up and take their place. When applying a pre-emergent, never think about the weeds you see right now….always think about the weeds that are coming, those are the ones you need to prevent!

Hope this helps!