Pre-Emergent Fertilizer

Pre-Emergent Fertilizer: Weed Prevention + Lawn Nutrition

A pre-emergent fertilizer is the perfect way to feed your lawn while preventing weeds before they sprout. Combining fertilizer and pre-emergent saves time and effort by delivering essential nutrients and season-long weed control in a single application. Whether you need a spring pre-emergent fertilizer or a pre-emergent with fertilizer for year-round protection, we’ve got the right products to keep your lawn strong and weed-free.

Should You Apply Fertilizer or Pre-Emergent First?

With a fertilizer pre-emergent combo, you don’t have to choose! Our specially formulated pre-emergent lawn fertilizers ensure that your grass gets the nitrogen, potassium, and weed prevention it needs in one easy step.

Our Top Pre-Emergent Fertilizers

13-0-10 Guardian – A pre-emergent with fertilizer, perfect for early spring applications. It blocks crabgrass and weeds while providing nitrogen and potassium to support healthy growth.
0-0-7 Safeguard – A pre-emergent option without nitrogen, ideal for preventing weeds without stimulating extra growth in dormant or low-maintenance lawns.

When to Apply a Pre-Emergent and Fertilizer

For the best results, apply a spring pre-emergent fertilizer before soil temperatures reach 55°F for three consecutive days. This prevents crabgrass and other weeds from sprouting while giving your grass the nutrients it needs to thrive.

Feed Your Lawn & Stop Weeds Before They Start

Shop our pre-emergent and fertilizer solutions today and give your lawn the best start to the season!

Can I use pre-emergent fertilizer if I plan to seed my lawn?

No. Pre-emergent lawn fertilizer will prevent all seeds from germinating, including grass seed. If you plan to overseed, wait at least 6–8 weeks after applying a pre-emergent before seeding.

How does pre-emergent fertilizer work?

Pre-emergents create a barrier in the soil that stops weed seeds from sprouting. However, they do not kill existing weeds—so they must be applied before weed seeds germinate to be effective.

When should I apply pre-emergent fertilizer?

Apply a spring pre-emergent fertilizer before soil temperatures reach 55°F for three consecutive days. This is the point at which crabgrass and other weeds start to germinate. In most areas, this falls between late winter and early spring.

Should I apply fertilizer or pre-emergent first?

If you use a fertilizer and pre-emergent combo, you can apply both at the same time. Otherwise, apply pre-emergent first to block weeds, then fertilize 2–3 weeks later to encourage healthy lawn growth.

Do I need to water in pre-emergent fertilizer?

Yes! To activate the pre-emergent barrier, water the product in with at least ½ inch of irrigation or rainfall within 48 hours of application.

Three bags of lawn care products from Lawn Envy, including North Star 20-0-10 fertilizer, displayed on a green grass surface against a dark green background.

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