Importance and Benefits of Pre-Emergent Treatment

Spring is just around the corner, so it is time to start thinking about pre-emergent treatment in the landscape beds.

In the case of weeds and diseases we aim to flatten the curve, and pre-emergent is the start. Applying pre-emergent while the ornamental plants are dormant is the best and first step for seasonal weed prevention.

Controlling weeds once they and the ornamentals have appeared is difficult and tedious work. Pre-emergent can be applied in one visit so timing is critical for weed control. Pre-emergent herbicide does not move once applied to the soil; precision is essential. Noxious weeds that emerge from seed can be controlled with the treatment.

Among the services performed, the pre-emergent treatment is very important. Pre-emergent does exactly what it sounds like. It kills weeds prior to their emergence. Now, it’s a bit more complicated than that so we’d like to share, why pre-emergent is so important and describe the benefits.

How Pre-Emergents Work

The herbicides that are contained in a pre-emergent treatment application create, in essence, a barrier of vapor that destroys weeds before they are germinated. Pre-emergents used in residential mixtures often come in granular form and are mixed with fertilizer.

The timing of your pre-emergent application is vital to their effectiveness. Strategic timing is needed so your weeds can be controlled prior to their emergence from the soil.

Tips for Successful Treatment

Though it may seem counterintuitive, pre-emergent treatments are not effective against existing weeds, only weeds that have yet to be germinated. To control existing weeds, we recommend a few things such as pulling the weeds, application of weed killer, or hiring a lawn service such as Aztech Landscaping to treat and eradicate your weeds.

The ratio of fertilizer to herbicide must be precise, and the spread of the solution must be as even as possible. It really needs to be like a blanket to smother the weeds.

Weed Free Planting Beds

Aside from normal weed treatments, a pre-emergent treatment is the most basic and earliest form of weed prevention. It doesn’t matter if you do all you can pulling weeds if you’re not controlling them before germination. 

It’s important that either you or a professional such as Aztech Landscaping perform a pre-emergent treatment each year toward the end of February or at the beginning of March for optimum results.

Contact us today to schedule your pre-emergent application!