Pre-emergent herbicide prevents weed seeds from germinating and growing, so you can relax and enjoy your beautiful yard without constantly scrubbing away at those pesky weeds! This article highlights some of the best pre emergent herbicides on the market and discusses their features and benefits.
Overview of the best pre emergent herbicide
Best Granular
Preen Weed Killer
- Granular
- 4.93 lb covers 805 sq. ft
- Single application blocks weeds for up to 6 months
Best Liquid
Glyphosate Plus Weed Preventer
- Active ingredient - Glyphosate + Imazapyr
- Liquid (spray)
- 7.4 ounces treat 1000 sq. feet area.
Best Systemic
Tenacity Herbicide
- Systemic
- Active ingredient: Mesotrione 40%
- 8 oz bottle provides 96 gallons of solution.
Pre-emergency herbicides are essential to any gardener's arsenal because it helps prevent future problems with unwanted plants.
Weed killers like Pre-emergent herbicides are often made up of an active ingredient called 2,4-Dinitroaniline (2,4D), which makes these products effective for killing weeds while not harming other plants.
Where To Buy Pre Emergent Herbicide? Where Can I Buy Pre Emergent Herbicides?
Pre-emergent herbicides are available at all garden centers and hardware stores. Pre-emergency herbicides can also be found online, but you should always purchase them from a trusted retailer to ensure the safety of your plants.
Pre Emergent herbicides can be expensive but last for an entire growing season.
Pre Emergent Weed Killer: What Are The Benefits?
- Pre-emergent herbicide prevents weed seeds from germinating and growing.
- Pre-emergent herbicides can be used for total vegetation control (bare ground) or spot control of brush, vines, and weeds.
- Pre-emergent herbicides can also be used with other products, such as insecticides and fertilizers (following the manufacturer's instructions).
Incorporating Pre Emergent Herbicide: Are There Any Disadvantages?
Pre-emergent herbicide is a common treatment for preventing weeds, but there are some disadvantages to using pre emergent weed killer:
- Pre-emergent weed killers can only be used on bare soil areas and must wait at least 3-4 months after seeding.
- Pre-emergent herbicide also won't affect plants that have already started to grow, so it's important to follow application instructions carefully.
- Pre Emergent should not be applied when the ground is saturated, or there is heavy frost.
Things to consider before purchasing pre emergent herbicides:
- Length and size of your lawn/garden,
- An issue with existing weeds affecting the landscape,
- Desired results regarding how much ground coverage you want for your product.
- Pre-emergency herbicides may be harmful to pets if ingested in high amounts.
- Pre-emergent herbicides may cause allergic reactions in some people. Check carefully before purchasing
- Pre-emergent herbicides are not available in all countries, so be sure to check your country's laws before purchasing.
- Also, consider personal preference since pre-emergent herbicides often come in granules and liquids.
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Granular Pre Emergent Versus Liquid Pre Emergent Fertilizer
Pre-emergent herbicide is sold in granular or spray form and comes in different brand formulas (see below).
Pre Emergent Herbicide
There are several pre emergent weed control herbicides, but major ones include dinitroanilines as the active ingredients. Here is the best weed pre emergent herbicide list, all of which consists of dinitroanilines:
5 Best-Rated Pre Emergent Herbicide Review
Here are the best rated pre emergent herbicide available in the market.
1. Preen Weed Killer (Best Granular Pre Emergent Herbicide)
Preen Extended Control Weed Preventer - 4.93 lb. - Covers 805 sq. ft.
Features:
- One application of the preen weed killer blocks weeds for up to 6 months.
- Preen Weed Killer can be used around more than 600 perennials, groundcovers, trees, and shrubs as listed on the product label. Preen Weed Killer prevents common broadleaf garden weeds such as dandelion, chickweed, purslane, and henbit, as well as grassy weeds like crabgrass, foxtail, and bluegrass for up to 6 months.
- Not made to use on flower seeds, lawns, vegetable gardens, water gardens, or other food-producing or edible plants.
- Preen Extend Control is best used in the spring when you've spread mulch on your landscape beds to prevent weeds from growing. If you forget to use it early in the season - no problem - this stuff may be used whenever weeds develop.
Pros:
- A flip-top applicator cap makes it easy to apply. It has got an excellent shaker dispenser which helps to get down quickly.
Cons:
- It won't kill weeds growing under your mulch but will stop new seeds from germinating.
2. Percent Glyphosate Plus Weed Preventer (Best Liquid Pre Emergent Herbicide)
RM43 43-Percent Glyphosate Plus Weed Preventer Total Vegetation Control, 1-Gallon
Features:
- It is a combination of two herbicides and surfactants. Kills weeds and prevents weeds for up to 1 year
- Treats 43,243 square feet. Makes up to 5 gallons of spray solution for spot treatments.
- Ideal for fence rows, gravel paths, sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, and around farm buildings and barns
Pros:
- The manufacturers claim that it can be used for total vegetation control (bare ground) or spot control of brush, vines, and weeds
Cons:
- Apply to locations where no vegetation is desired as it may kill desired vegetation too.
3. Tenacity Herbicide (Best Systemic Pre-Emergence and Post-Emergence Herbicide)
Tenacity Turf Herbicide - 8 ounces From Syngenta
Features:
- Tenacity herbicide is a systemic pre- and post-emergence herbicide for the selective contact and residual control of weeds, especially in turfgrasses. It is one of the best pre emergent herbicides for lawn and turf.
- It is effective against Barnyardgrass, Chickweed, Carpetweed, Clover, Crabgrass (large & smooth), Foxtail, Goosegrass, Dandelion, Henbit, Yellow Nutsedge, Thistle, Purslane, Wild Carrot, and others.
- Shelf Life: 5-8 years from the date of manufacture when properly stored.
- Keep out of direct high temperatures and sunlight.
Pros:
- This product successfully controls nimblewill and other difficult-to-control weeds such as clover and bentgrass.
Cons:
- Not recommended for use when the temperature you are applying is above 90 deg. F.
4. Quali-Pro Prodiamine Granular Pre Emergent Herbicide
Quali-Pro Prodiamine, Pre-Emergent Herbicide, 5 lbs, Yellow Granules
Features:
- Quali-Pro's Prodiamine granular pre emergent herbicide consists of Prodiamine as an active ingredient.
- Provides pre-emergent grass and broadleaf weed control.
- The flexible application allows for spring and fall use providing season-long crabgrass control.
- Available in a 5-pound bottle. For most turf, people generally use 0.83 ounces (by weight) of the granule per every 1,000 sq. ft.
- Effective against annual bluegrass, Henbit, Knotweed, Chickweed, Spurge, Foxtail, Goosegrass, etc.
Pros:
- It can be used in a tank mix with fertilizers and iron solutions.
Cons:
- Because the mixing and application rates are so tight, a hose-end spraying device is not recommended.
5. Harvest Lazer Blue Concentrated Spray Pattern Indicator
Liquid Harvest Lazer Blue Concentrated Spray Pattern Indicator 8 Ounces
Features:
- It is a liquid pre emergent herbicide. It mixes only with water-based solutions and will probably not work with oil-based.
- It easily marks grass and lawns.
- Mix with herbicides, fungicides, pesticides, & fertilizers.
- Indicates where application spray has been made for the most accurate coverage
- Non-permanent and nonstaining
- Drift reduction formula
Pros:
- It shows where you have spread the liquid and makes it easier to see the result.
- Easy to use. Nonstaining as the chemical can be washed off with the help of water and soap.
Cons:
- You need to be careful with chemicals as they get noticeable after spills.
- It will stain your hands for a few days, so wear gloves while measuring.
Pre Emergent Weed Killer: What Are The Side Effects?
- Pre-emergency herbicides can irritate the eyes or skin if exposed to large amounts or if touched, so it's important to follow application instructions carefully.
- Pre-emergent weed killer can kill beneficial insects, so it's best to avoid applying Pre Emergent when bees are active.
- Pre-emergency herbicides can also damage plants and grasses, so they should only be used on bare ground areas or where the plants you don't want will be killed, while Pre Emergent remains effective.
- Pre-emergent herbicides can also adversely affect aquatic organisms if washed into the ground or waterways, so it's important to read application instructions very carefully before applying Pre Emergent.
- Pre-emergency weed killer shouldn't be applied in combination with fertilizer unless the Pre-emergent weed killer manufacturer is allowed.
- Pre-emergency weed killers may not be available in all areas, and pre emergent weed killers can be expensive, but they last for an entire growing season.
Pre-emergent herbicide should only be applied before weed germination for maximum results. Pre-emergent herbicides are generally effective four months after application but may vary by formulation and environmental conditions. Pre-emergent herbicide can also be used in agricultural fields, orchards, and vineyards. Pre-emergent herbicides are selective and will not kill grasses. Pre-emergent herbicide can be used to rid vegetation around tree seedlings for weed control. Pre-emergent herbicide is also an effective solution for controlling weeds in flower beds where vines, such as ivy and periwinkle, are present. Pre-emerge herbicide should not be applied to bare soil or mulched areas as Pre-emergent herbicide can burn young seedlings. Pre-emergent herbicides should also be used cautiously around water sources such as fish ponds, streams, and rivers.
We hope you find the perfect product for your needs! Read the reviews and ratings before purchasing to ensure you get the best product for your money.
Read more about 10 Front Yard Landscaping Ideas For Minimum Effort!
FAQs
When should I use pre emergent herbicide?
Pre emergent herbicides are an important part of any gardener's toolkit. They kill weed seeds before they have a chance to germinate, preventing pesky weeds from taking over your garden.
Is pre emergent herbicide safe to use?
Pre-emergent herbicides are not known to cause any long-term damage when used according to the manufacturer's instructions.
What is pre emergent herbicide?
Pre emergent herbicide is a type of weed killer that kills the seeds of weeds before they have a chance to grow, preventing them from germinating.
How does pre emergent herbicide work?
Pre-emergent herbicide works by preventing weed seeds from germinating and growing. It absorbs into the seeds, killing them before they have a chance to sprout.
Pre emergent when to apply?
Pre-emergent herbicides can be used for total vegetation control before weed grasses grow. In lawns, Pre-emergent herbicide is used to control weeds before they begin growing in spring and summer. Generally, Pre-emergent herbicide should be applied in spring before new weed growth begins. Pre-emergent herbicide can also control surface and subterranean weeds in agricultural fields, fences, and tree seedlings. Pre-emergent herbicides can also be used in gardens and flower beds for weed control where vine plants such as vines, ivy, and periwinkle are present.
What can pre emergent herbicide be used for?
Pre-emergent herbicide can control several kinds of weeds, including dandelions, clover, and crabgrass. Pre-emergent herbicide can also be used to select broadleaf weeds such as purslane. Pre-emergent herbicide is often applied to lawns and gardens to prevent weed growth. Pre-emergent herbicide should always be used over the recommended rate and carefully follow instructions. Pre-emergent herbicide comes in liquid or granular form and can be applied by hand or with a broadcast spreader. Pre-emergent herbicides will not kill weeds established in the lawn or garden but will prevent new weed growth.
Can you apply pre emergent in the rain?
Pre-emergent herbicides should not be applied in the rain, or if they are likely to rain within 6 hours, They should only be applied when the ground is completely dry. Pre-emergent herbicides can be sprayed on weeds while they are still wet, but once Pre-emergent herbicide has dried on the weeds, the rain will not affect their effectiveness.
Can T5 Grow Lights Be Used in Conjunction with Pre Emergent Herbicides for Gardening?
Yes, top T5 grow lights can be used in conjunction with pre emergent herbicides for gardening. The T5 lights provide the necessary light spectrum for plant growth, while the herbicides help prevent weed growth. When used together, they can result in a healthier and more productive garden.
Pre emergence weed killer: Is It safe for pets?
Pre-emergency weed killer is considered safe for pets if applied according to Pre Emergent instructions.
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