Spring Pre-Emergent

Get ahead of weeds with a properly timed spring pre emergent. Instead of reacting to weeds after they appear, applying pre emergent creates a protective barrier in the soil that prevents seeds from sprouting. If you’re putting down pre emergent at the right time, you’ll stop crabgrass, goosegrass, and many broadleaf weeds before they start.

Why Apply Pre Emergent in Spring?

Most spring lawn weeds germinate as soil temperatures climb through the mid-50s. A pre-emergent forms a thin barrier at the soil surface that stops new seedlings from establishing. The result is a cleaner lawn, less competition for nutrients and water, and a better foundation for summer color and density.

When to Apply

Apply your spring pre emergent before soil temperatures reach 55°F and again per label if you need extended coverage. In many regions that means early spring and again 6-8 weeks after. Water in immediately after application to activate the barrier. Avoid disturbing the soil after watering (raking, core aeration, heavy dethatching) because it can break the barrier.

What Weeds It Prevents

• Crabgrass
• Goosegrass
• Annual bluegrass (poa annua) where it is still germinating
• Chickweed, henbit, and other early-spring broadleaf weeds (product dependent)

How to Apply

1. Use a calibrated broadcast spreader for even coverage.
2. Follow label rates and make sure the turf is dry before spreading.
3. Water in with at least 0.25" of irrigation to activate.
4. Avoid disturbing the soil barrier after activation.

Our Recommended Spring Pre-Emergent Options

Guardian 13-0-10 (with Nutrients)

Guardian 13-0-10 combines season-long pre-emergent control (prodiamine) with nitrogen and potassium to support color, density, and stress tolerance going into summer. Ideal when you want feeding and weed prevention in one pass.

Safeguard 0-0-7 (Nutrient-Free)

Safeguard 0-0-7 delivers the same dependable pre-emergent protection without added nitrogen—great for lawns you don’t want to push with spring growth or areas where you only want barrier control.

Specticle (Warm-Season Lawns Only)

Specticle (indaziflam) provides extended control on warm-season grasses (Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine). Apply before soil temps cross 55°F for excellent crabgrass and broad-spectrum prevention. Do not use on cool-season turf.

Seeding This Spring?

If you plan to seed or overseed, do not apply pre-emergent—it will block your grass seed from germinating. Feed with a non-pre-emergent fertilizer instead (for example, our nutrient blends) and plan pre-emergent for a future window when you’re not seeding.

Key Tips

• Time applications by soil temperature; aim just before 55°F.
• Water in to activate; keep pets and people off until dry.
• Consider a split application for extended control (per label).
• Don’t aerate or heavily rake after activation.

Whether you’re applying pre emergent for the first time or fine-tuning your program, these products make putting down pre emergent simple and effective for a cleaner, healthier lawn all season.