By now you know we're firm believers in pre-emergent applications. This time of year we get hundreds of phone calls and questions about pre-emergent, and many of them involve the same concerns.
Today I want to address the top three myths—or reasons people give us for why they think they're better off skipping the spring pre-emergent. If any of these sound familiar, keep reading.
Myth #1: "I Have Winter Rye, So I Need to Skip Spring Pre-Emergent"
We get this call all the time, and it's based on a misunderstanding of how pre-emergent timing works with winter rye.
Here's the confusion: pre-emergents keep seeds from germinating. Winter rye is planted by seed in the fall. So yes, if you apply fall pre-emergent, your winter rye seeds will never germinate—that's the application you need to skip if you overseed with winter rye.
But by mid-February, your winter rye should be well-established and thriving. It's no longer in seed form; it's an established grass. At this point, spring pre-emergent is completely safe for your winter rye—and absolutely necessary to prevent spring and summer weeds.
For homeowners in Midlothian, Prosper, and throughout the DFW area who overseed with winter rye, don't let this confusion cause you to skip an essential application.
Myth #2: "My Neighbors Don't Take Care of Their Lawn, So Pre-Emergent Is Pointless"
It's true that weeds spread from lawn to lawn. Seeds blow in the wind, birds carry them, and your neighbor's dandelions absolutely produce seeds that can land in your yard.
But here's what people miss: pre-emergents don't discriminate. They prevent all weed seeds from germinating, regardless of where those seeds came from. It doesn't matter if the seed originated in your lawn or blew in from three houses down—once it hits soil treated with pre-emergent, it won't germinate.
Don't worry about what your neighbors are doing. Focus on what you need to do for your own lawn. Homeowners in Prosper, Waxahachie, and throughout North Texas who stay consistent with pre-emergent will see results, even if they're surrounded by neglected lawns.
Myth #3: "My Lawn Is Already Full of Weeds—I'm Too Late for Pre-Emergent"
This is the one we hear the most, and it's the most important myth to bust.
You have to remember that pre-emergent is a proactive approach to weed control. Weeds are seasonal—the weeds in your lawn right now are going to die eventually, and new ones are going to pop up and take their place.
When applying 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.
The weeds currently in your lawn will require post-emergent treatment to eliminate. But applying pre-emergent now stops the next wave of weeds from ever appearing. Without it, you're just trading one set of weeds for another throughout the season.
The Bottom Line
None of these reasons justify skipping your spring pre-emergent. Winter rye is safe, your neighbor's weeds don't make pre-emergent pointless, and existing weeds don't mean it's too late. Get your pre-emergent down and set your lawn up for success.
Watch the video below to hear more about these common pre-emergent myths and why they shouldn't stop you.
For professional pre-emergent application in Midlothian and Prosper, contact Vista Lawn and Pest.
