Centipede Grass Pre-Emergent

Protect your Centipede lawn from invasive weeds with our top-rated pre-emergent herbicides. Centipede grass is a low-maintenance, slow-growing warm-season grass that thrives in acidic soils. But its slow growth makes it vulnerable to aggressive weeds like crabgrass, Poa annua, and goosegrass. Our pre-emergent products stop these weeds before they sprout, keeping your lawn clean and uniform.

With the right timing and product, you can prevent weeds all season long—without overfeeding or stressing your Centipede turf.

When to Apply Pre-Emergent to Centipede Grass

Apply pre-emergent twice a year for season-long weed prevention:

• Spring Application: Apply between February 1 – March 15, before soil temps hit 55°F to block summer annuals like crabgrass.
• Fall Application: Apply from September 1 – October 1, before temps drop below 70°F to prevent winter weeds like Poa annua.

Avoid applying if you plan to seed—pre-emergents prevent all seed germination, including grass seed.

What Makes a Good Pre-Emergent for Centipede Lawns

Centipede grass requires less nitrogen than other warm-season grasses. The best pre-emergent for Centipede lawns will:

• Contain Prodiamine for long-lasting weed control
• Be low-nitrogen or zero-nitrogen to match Centipede’s needs
• Include potassium for root strength and disease resistance
• Be safe for low-input lawns with minimal growth stimulation

Recommended Products for Centipede Grass

Guardian 13-0-10 Pre-Emergent Fertilizer with Prodiamine

• Prevents crabgrass, Poa annua, and other common weeds
• Low-nitrogen 13-0-10 analysis supports Centipede’s slow growth habit
• Excellent for spring and fall use

0-0-7 Pre-Emergent with Prodiamine

• Zero nitrogen formulation—ideal for Centipede lawns that don’t need extra feeding
• Best for low-input turf or areas that already have good fertility
• Great option for fall applications to prevent winter weeds

How to Apply Pre-Emergent on Centipede Grass

• Apply evenly using a broadcast spreader
• Water in with 0.25 to 0.5 inches of irrigation or rainfall
• Avoid disturbing the soil after application—this breaks the protective barrier
• For season-long coverage, apply again 6–8 weeks later if using shorter-acting products