Weeds can be a big problem for gardeners and landscapers. They can rapidly take over an area and choke out desirable plants. Not to mention they look ugly.
Fortunately, several options are available to help control weeds at different stages of their lifecycle. Understanding the life cycle of weeds and how to handle them properly is key to maintaining a beautiful garden
In this article, we’ll examine when to best use pre-emergent and post-emergent weed killer for lawns.
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What Is Pre-Emergent Weed Killer
Pre-emergent weed killers are placed in the soil before weeds can grow. They work by stopping weed seeds from growing, so they are most effective when used before weed seeds have had a chance to sprout. Once a weed has already emerged, a pre-emergent weed killer will not be effective.
Pre-emergent weed killer is often used in lawns, gardens, and agricultural settings. They can be used to control a variety of annual weeds, including crabgrass, foxtail, and chickweed. Understanding the germinating timeframe for these different types of weeds is key so you know what time of year pre-emergent weed killer works best.
What is Post-Emergent Weed Killer
Post-emergent weed killers are implemented after weeds have already emerged. They work by targeting the leaves and stems of the weed, causing it to die. Because they are designed to kill existing weeds, a post-emergent weed killer can be used anytime during the growing season.
There are two types of post-emergent weed killers: selective and non-selective. A selective weed killer is designed to target specific types of weeds while leaving desirable plants unharmed. Non-selective weed killers, on the other hand, will destroy most plants they come into contact with, including desirable plants.
Ideally, you will want to avoid post-emergent weed killers altogether by using pre-emergent weed killers and stopping them from growing on your lawn. However, occasionally weeds will break through the barrier in that case, we recommend determining the weed species they are and using selective weed killers to destroy them. Non-selective weed killers are typically used for large-scale agricultural scenarios.
Choose The Right Weed Killer For Your Property
When deciding which type of weed killer to use, it’s essential to consider the type of weeds you are trying to control, the stage of growth they are in, and the surrounding plants. Pre-emergent weed killers are most effective for prohibiting weeds from opening, while post-emergent weed killers are better suited for killing existing weeds.
If you’re dealing with a large infestation of weeds, a non-selective post-emergent weed killer may be your best option, as it will quickly kill any plant it comes into contact with. However, if you’re trying to control a specific type of weed, a selective post-emergent weed killer may be a better choice.
Yes, You Can Get Rid Of Those Pesky Weeds
Getting rid of weeds in your lawn can be an excruciating and annoying process. Many homeowners may feel like pulling their hair out every time those pesky weeds reappear. Fortunately, if you use the right weed killers at the right time of the germinating process, they will disappear.
