Key Takeaways
Apply pre-emergent in early spring—just before soil temps hit the low 50s—to stop weeds before they sprout.
Get the timing right: too early and it fades, too late and weeds are already growing, so look for blooming forsythia as a cue.
Use a spreader in overlapping passes, water lightly, and keep your lawn thick and healthy to help crowd out weeds.
It might still feel chilly outside, but spring is closer than you think. Soon, the air will warm up, daffodils and tulips will dot the earth with color, and tiny green buds will transform trees into lush canopies.
And then there are the weeds. Anyone who’s confronted stubborn weeds knows how frustrating they can be, but there’s a simple way to stop them in their tracks: applying pre-emergent at exactly the right time. Apply it too early or too late, and it won’t be nearly as effective. Ahead, lawn experts share when to use it and how to get the best results.
Meet Our Expert
Lou Manfredini, Ace Hardware’s home expert
Annie Morton, gardening expert and ambassador for Hoselink
Related: 4 All-Natural, Homemade Weed Killers That Really Work
What Is Pre-Emergent for Lawns?
Pre-emergent is a lawn treatment that kills weeds before they have a chance to sprout, and it does so without harming grass. It can be helpful because it reduces the need to pull weeds or use sprays later in the season, explains Annie Morton, gardening expert and ambassador for Hoselink. While some weeds may still appear, they are dramatically reduced.
Tips
Want to go green? Most pre-emergent products are synthetic chemical products, but Morton says that if you’re looking for a more natural option that stops weeds in their tracks, you can use corn gluten meal. Other options include mulching and landscaping fabric.
When to Apply Pre-Emergent to Prevent Weeds
The best time to apply pre-emergent is early spring, which varies depending on where you live in the country, says Lou Manfredini, Ace Hardware’s home expert. Generally speaking, April and May cover most of the country, but if your region warms up sooner, then aim for late March.
Timing matters because pre-emergent creates a barrier in the soil that keeps weed seeds from sprouting. Put it down too early and the barrier can fade before weeds germinate; apply it too late and the weeds may have already started growing.
Ultimately, the goal is to apply pre-emergent just before soil temperatures reach the low 50s. “This is when the most common weeds start to germinate,” Morton says. “A good visual cue is to apply when the yellow forsythia are in bloom.” Organic pre-emergent options are especially timing-sensitive, so applying them early really matters.
Tips for Applying Pre-Emergent
Applying pre-emergent is a pretty straightforward process.
Time it for early spring: Time it for early spring: This depends on your location, but it’s typically between March and May.
Use a spreader: “Use a spreader and apply in two passes, each in a different direction,” Morton advises. “For example, go north to south, then east to west to avoid missed spots.”
Lightly water: Remember to lightly water with a hose after spreading to make sure it sets in.
Re-apply if necessary: Check the pre-emergent label to see if a second application later in the spring is recommended for continued coverage. If so, apply as directed.
Focus on lawn health: To further prevent weeds through the warm months, give your lawn lots of TLC. Morton says to build healthy soil, fertilize and aerate as necessary, and mow a bit higher. Encouraging thick turf keeps weeds from taking hold.
Related: How to Get Rid of Crabgrass for Good, According to Lawn Pros
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