Understanding the Two Applications
We asked our CSR Lead, Mallory, to explain the difference between our winter pre-emergent and our spring pre-emergent applications. Here's what you need to know about these two critical treatments for your Midlothian, Prosper, or Mansfield lawn.
Winter Pre-Emergent (Round 8 - December)
Our winter pre-emergent actually takes care of your spring weeds, so it's stopping them from germinating.
What winter pre-emergent prevents:
- Late winter weeds that germinate in cold months
- Early spring weeds (March-April)
- Weeds that would emerge as temperatures warm
- Fills gaps between fall and spring applications
Why this matters:Many of the weeds you see exploding in your lawn in March and April actually start germinating during the winter months. The winter pre-emergent stops this germination before you ever see a weed.
Spring Pre-Emergent (Round 1 - January-February)
For our spring pre-emergent, it is stopping your summer weeds from germinating.
What spring pre-emergent prevents:
- Crabgrass (the #1 summer weed)
- Summer annual grassy weeds
- Weeds that thrive in hot weather
- Sets the stage for weed-free first half of year
Why this timing is critical:Crabgrass and other summer weeds germinate when soil temperatures reach the mid-50s. Our January-February application gets ahead of this germination window, creating a barrier before conditions are right for weed growth.
Getting Ahead of the Game
So we're getting like, ahead of the game?
"Ahead of the game so it stops them before they even try to come alive."
That's exactly right! Pre-emergent is all about prevention—stopping weeds before they germinate, before you see them, before they become a problem.
The prevention advantage:
- Stop weeds at the seed stage
- No visible weeds to pull or treat
- No post-emergent chemicals needed
- Clean, beautiful lawn year-round
- Less work and lower costs
How the Two Work Together
Winter and spring pre-emergent applications work as a team:
Winter Pre-Emergent (December):Creates a barrier that prevents spring weed germination through the coldest months and into early spring.
Spring Pre-Emergent (January-February):Creates a fresh barrier specifically targeting crabgrass and summer annual weeds as we head into warmer weather.
Together, they ensure:No gaps in protection from winter through summer. By the time spring pre-emergent's effectiveness starts to decline (mid-summer), we're already into our fertilization and spot-treatment rounds.
Don't Forget Fall Pre-Emergent
These two applications are part of Vista's complete three-application pre-emergent system:
Round 6 - Fall Pre-Emergent (September-October):Prevents poa annua, henbit, chickweed, and other fall/winter weeds.
Round 8 - Winter Pre-Emergent (December):Prevents late winter and early spring weeds.
Round 1 - Spring Pre-Emergent (January-February):Prevents crabgrass and summer annual weeds.
All three applications create year-round weed prevention with no gaps in coverage throughout any season.
Why Timing Matters for Each Application
Each pre-emergent must be applied BEFORE its target weeds germinate:
Winter Pre-Emergent timing is critical because spring weeds start germinating in late winter when you least expect it. Missing this application means spring weeds get a head start.
Spring Pre-Emergent timing is critical because crabgrass germinates as soon as soil temps warm up. Apply too late, and crabgrass seeds have already sprouted—then it's too late for pre-emergent to work.
Vista's Complete 8-Round Program
At Vista Lawn and Pest, these pre-emergent applications are part of our comprehensive 8-round fertilization and weed control program:
Pre-Emergent Rounds:
- Round 1 (Jan-Feb): Spring Pre-Emergent + Post-Emergent
- Round 6 (Sept-Oct): Fall Pre-Emergent + Post-Emergent
- Round 8 (Dec): Winter Pre-Emergent + Post-Emergent
Additional Rounds:
- Rounds 2, 3, 5: Slow Release Fertilizer + Weed Control
- Round 4: Organic Fertilizer for summer strength
- Round 7: Soil Enhancement with Potassium
Every round works together to keep your Midlothian, Prosper, or Mansfield lawn healthy, green, and weed-free throughout the entire year.
