3 Reasons NOT To Apply A Spring Pre-emergent On Your Lawn

Most recommendations say applying a pre-emergent every year but do you really need to? There are a few cases where pre-emergents may not provide the results that you think you are getting. Lets talk about it in this video.
Just Know...We Workin'
Elevated Lawnscapes Partners and Affiliates:
GCI Turf Grass Seed with Mountain View Seed Cultivars
gciturfacademy.com/collection...
Big League Lawns Roller 10% Discount Code: ELEVATEDLAWNSCAPES23
www.bigleaguelawns.com/
Simple Lawn Solution 5% Discount Code: ELEVATED5
simplelawnsolutions.com/
*Please note that these links are affiliate links and at no additional cost to you. I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link. Please understand that I have experience all of these products and companies listed. I recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something through my links. Please only purchase the listed products if they fit your lawn and soil needs to get you to your desired immaculate lawn or garden.

[@morte2195]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. You have just repeated the best piece of lawn care advice I ever got. Don't just apply pre-emergent out of habit, or because everyone seems to be recommending it. I've gone 7 years without applying any pre-emergent on my Southern Idaho one acre KBG lawn, without seeing any significant weed pressure. I can easily get by with a few rounds of spot spraying, and just focusing on making the turf itself thrive. That saves me hundreds of dollars each Spring, and is better for the environment.

[@ElevatedLawnscapes]

I love to hear this testimony! I am striving to get to where you are. I have been considering not applying pre-emergent for a couple seasons so I decided to go for it this year and see what happens.

[@PoloFieldsLawnService]

Yes, sirrrr, I'm in the same boat with you, Cam. No Pre-emergent needed on the Polo Estates. Great video, bruh

[@ElevatedLawnscapes]

Appreciate it bro. Did you apply a pre-emergent last year?

[@PoloFieldsLawnService]

@ElevatedLawnscapes No sirrrr, and remember the year before that, the imposter invaded my lawn with a pre-emergent in his mix. At that time, I was going on 3 years with no pre-emergent. This is year 2 for me now

[@Hermulus]

Many thanks and just subscribed. Looking forward to learning more!

[@ElevatedLawnscapes]

Awesome, thank you! Check out my Livestreams which have a lot of information presented.

[@ScoutFX]

I don't do pre-emergents, I'll pull by hand if I see something. I try to grow my grass nice and thick, making it more accessible to spot weeds. If things get out of hand, I'll spot spray.

[@ElevatedLawnscapes]

That is a very valid approach. Thanks for watching 🙏🏾!

[@tonynichols2872]

Can this is why I really like your channel , Polo, Turf Therapy and GCI Turf. You all keep it real. You don't promote chemicals to promote them. Get the dirt right and the turf think can you may not even need a pre-emergent! Yessir! We workin!

[@ElevatedLawnscapes]

I appreciate that Tony 🙏🏾! My goal is to keep it honest, real, and relatable to the homeowner or pro. My approach is to put down what I need when it comes to products. Thanks for watching and supporting!

[@robertlark10]

Very sensible video. Thanks for opening my eyes to saving product/$!

[@ElevatedLawnscapes]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching 🙏🏾!

[@Xjoeblowx]

Been pulling out that poa annua with the Gardena weeder. So far that’s been the most effective way of getting rid of it instead of using chemicals. I swear that weed is stubborn. Great vid !

[@ElevatedLawnscapes]

Poa is a tough one to deal with.

[@AlexKunstar]

Your lawn looks absolutely crazy nice 🤙

[@ElevatedLawnscapes]

Thanks 👍🏾!

[@dupdiz]

Video quality is excellent good point of view. (Grass is amazing on camera) I always see videos that cannot distinguish grass blades, so don’t know how you do it. Continue the great content. I feel like I come here for the truth lol.

[@ElevatedLawnscapes]

It takes some investment and production effort for a quality video product. I appreciate your acknowledgement of the video quality and the information being provided 🙏🏾!

[@MrPESensation]

Good video !!! The interesting topic of discussion is --- The weed products that will be banned in the near future! Most products that say they kill POA are no longer readily available. More and more states are stopping the shipments of the good stuff.

[@ElevatedLawnscapes]

Thanks. Yes, products are being removed from residential use. Which is why it is becoming more important that homeowners and professionals are more knowledgeable and responsible with their applications to not influence further removal of products.

[@hatpeach1]

Good advice. It's my sense that seed is a better value application than pre-emergent, particularly long term. Weeds in my lawn were essentially gone after three or so years of Round[ing] up what were the impossible areas. The rest got hand weeded or Weed-B-Gon'd. Eventually, the weeds gave up.

[@ElevatedLawnscapes]

That is a valid approach to take. An established dense lawn is the best pre-emergent and weed control.

[@alexbarton1572]

What's up Bro? I appreciate the information. Does this information apply to warm season lawns? I have burmuda grass but I really enjoy watching your videos. I have benefited from your content several times. Have a blessed day.

[@ElevatedLawnscapes]

This can apply to warm season grass but its a little different because Bermuda is still going to be dormant during the time most of the weeds are germinating. Which means there is going to be less competition for the weeds when they are germinating. As far as the weeds that the pre emergent is effective on and timing all remains true for Bermuda and cool season grass. Thanks for watching and supporting the channel 🙏🏾!

[@stevenocita1502]

Cam, Thanks again your videos contain so much info and easy to follow. I was wondering I can get prodiamine with fertilizer or without at my turf supply which has a 13-0-1 or just prodiamine 0-0-7. what would you recommend I plan on putting a second application about 30 to 45 days later but still waiting for that 50 to 55 degree ground temp.

[@ElevatedLawnscapes]

It all depends if you are trying to kill 2 birds with 1 stone. If so, I would go with the 13-0-1. If you want more control of your amount of pre-emergent duration and the amount of Nitrogen you are applying, I would go with the 0-0-7. Then apply your fert separately when the time is right. Thanks for watching 🙏🏾!

[@craiggillett5985]

Interesting- I learnt something !! they sell pre emergents in New Zealand under brand names such as weed and feed, no more weeds, spring booster …. liquid sprays in canisters attached to the garden hose. It’s not commonly known as pre emergents. And once again, hello from New Zealand 🇳🇿

[@ElevatedLawnscapes]

Hello Craig! If you look at the ingredients in those products that are available that will tell you if its a pre-emergent or a post emergent herbicide. Many of the weed and feed products here in the States are to kill weeds that are already present. Hope all is well on your end

[@craiggillett5985]

@@ElevatedLawnscapes ahhh I think you’re right. Post emergent. Although they are not to be used on new lawn / fresh grass, and yes lode down here is slow and steady and all is well. Thanks for asking

[@Rileybabiey7]

Thank you for this information! Looks like my weeds are the winter weeds. I didnt get a pre-emergent down in fall due to seeding and fixing my lawn from house work damage. Since i have the winter weeds growing now, what is your suggestion to get rid of them but not kill my grass (tall fescue)? Thank you!

[@ElevatedLawnscapes]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqWzYYGfi9p9e9Usi=ERQ01dRYOPg9M40G

[@zacharymilos392]

Ive spent the last few seasons putting down pre, and I still got weeds. Going to skip this year and overseed and treat anything that pops up with post and see how that goes.

[@ElevatedLawnscapes]

Proper timing and application are important for pre-emergents to work effectively. Also, as shown in the video pre-emergents controls a limited number of weeds. Thanks for watching 🙏🏾!

[@Browns4life]

You're not using the right pre then.

[@Browns4life]

Or not putting it out at the right time, needs put out before soil reaches 40 degree temp.

[@zacharymilos392]

@@Browns4life that would mean I need to have put it out in Feb, but we still get Temps near freezing some nights, so my sprinklers aren't on yet. Plus, aren't most pre like prodiamine mostly effective for like 30-60 days? Most of the weeds I get tend to come up closer to June/July. I want to try overseeing this spring with some Rye to see if I can fill in any open spots vs using more chemicals.

[@ElevatedLawnscapes]

@@zacharymilos392 @zacharymilos392 Approaching 40° soil temp is a pretty early, approaching 50° is more reasonable. Prodiamine can provide up to 6 months of coverage within the yearly rate. I recommend using a liquid to have better control of your application rates for the duration of coverage and also using the split application method for coverage further into the summertime.

[@monkeyslawncareandgardenin473]

A couple more years for me, neighbors yards are loaded with grassy weeds

[@ElevatedLawnscapes]

Thats a valid approach because you know the history and the weed pressure that you will experience due to your neighbors.

[@SuperiorPressureWashingLLC]

Great info! What about unwanted Bermuda in a fescue lawn? What would be the best approach to eradicate it?

[@ElevatedLawnscapes]

The best approach and the more effective for longer duration removal would be renovating that area using 3 rounds of non-selective herbicide. There are herbicide products that will control but may not fully eliminate it such as Fusilade, Pylex, Triclopyr. Bermuda is a hard one to fully remove, even when you do it may only be for a period of time. Results may very on the success.

[@SuperiorPressureWashingLLC]

Thank you for responding!@@ElevatedLawnscapes

[@lisao9677]

Great video and great lawn! What battery powered backpack sprayer do you recommend or use?

[@ElevatedLawnscapes]

I have the old Strom sprayer that is 5 yrs old. I would recommend getting the Flowzone Typhoon or Cyclone. I will probably be updating to one of those in the near future. Thanks for watching.

[@lisao9677]

@@ElevatedLawnscapes Thanks so much for your assistance. I'll keep watching.

[@lisao9677]

@@ElevatedLawnscapes I bought a Flowzone Typhoon and used it today for the first time. It is amazing! Thank you for your recommendation. I spot sprayed some Speedzone to weeds. Can you please tell me a spray tip you recommend me using when applying something to my entire 8,000 sq. feet yard? I've already applied my first pre-emergent (granular) prior to getting this sprayer but I want to use this sprayer to apply Prodiamine for my second pre-emergent application this spring. Unlike your gorgeous yard, mine needs the pre-emergent. I'm hoping in about 3 years I'll have a respectable lawn again. BTW, I'm looking for something a little better than the wide tip that came with the sprayer. Thank you so much for your assistance. Your videos rock! I trust your recommendations completely.

[@AndyMcGinnis]

Man, I'm so thankful for this video! I have Yukon Bermuda in (yes) southern Ohio, and this is the first year using the popular chemical Prodiamine. I did the double app- one in fall, and one in mid March. Well, so far it's been my worst lawn year :(. The nasty cold spell in mid January, paired with over-applying the Prodiamine gave me big dead patches. I've had a much better lawn with colder winters, so I know it was the combo of both. I'm about to ditch pre-em altogether, or, just apply lightly in fall ONLY to fight Poa a little bit. Do you think this will make my Bermuda overall healthier in my climate? (coolest part of zone 7)

[@ElevatedLawnscapes]

Over application of pre-emergent can definitely have a negative impact on the health of your lawn. A fall and spring application on Bermuda is normal and standard practice but you need to apply at the proper rates. Without seeing what your lawn looks like, it sounds like you are dealing with spring dead spot which isn't really a result of pre-emergent applications. My dad has the same issue in his Bermuda without applying any fall pre-emergent. It's more disease related.

[@AndyMcGinnis]

@@ElevatedLawnscapes Ok thanks for the quick reply! Yeah I've actually sprayed Kabuto the last couple years to fight off SDS, and thought I had it under control, but this year seems like something different, as the dead patches are in a completely different spot. Maybe it has migrated across the yard? I may have to treat once again, and that stuff is expensive :(. Would you happen to know of a more cost-effective alternative?

[@ElevatedLawnscapes]

@AndyMcGinnis I have not done my research on spring dead spot prevention but the one option I have heard of was Kabuto. Outside of that I'm not sure but I will be looking into something for my dad's lawn for this upcoming fall.

[@stewardb82]

Great video. I’m in Michigan and did a full renovation back in September. It turned out great, however coming out of winter the lawn is full of hairy bittercress. Temps reached the 60s (air temp) over the weekend so I sprayed it with Speedzone. Any other suggestions for getting rid of /controlling this weed?

[@ElevatedLawnscapes]

Speedzone will get the job done. Its the only weed that I get every season and that's what I use. Here is another video where I cover weed control kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpTXqH-GhphlhaMsi=XZYzPr-6QTTF1pVo

[@stewardb82]

@@ElevatedLawnscapes appreciate the reply! Checking that video out now!

[@BUDS228]

No Pre-emergent either. Did a fall dormant seed and don’t want to kill it.

[@ElevatedLawnscapes]

I agree, you should not apply a pre-emergent if you did a dormant seed. The seed will be germinating this spring. Thanks for watching 🙏🏾!

[@Tenpennycustoms4958]

What would the recommendation be with Pro diamine using granular or liquid application between lawn and using it to treat a rock garden area?

[@ElevatedLawnscapes]

Recommend using a liquid application of prodiamine for better coverage and control of the rate that is being applied. For a rock area, you can use use prodiamine but something like Snapshot or Preen is labeled to control more weeds than Prodiamine.

[@Tenpennycustoms4958]

@@ElevatedLawnscapes thank you! Great video and keep up the content 👌🏽

[@Sir_Mack]

What if you've done a fall renovation? I've read some people say you shouldn't use pre emergent in the spring following a fall reno because it does something to the roots?

[@ElevatedLawnscapes]

Thanks for watching and I hope it was helpful info.

[@jamaalrichmond523]

If you are over seeding in fall aug-sept when will you put down pre emergent for the winter

[@ElevatedLawnscapes]

I don't. You will have to pick seeding or Pre-emergent for the fall with a cool season lawn. Many people with warm season grass types will apply a fall pre-emergent because they will not be seeding in the fall.

[@geronimoberrios76]

Have you ever had to deal with POA annua / trivia. If you have how did you deal with it, what is your recommendation

[@ElevatedLawnscapes]

Yes I have. My method is a typically using a non-selective herbicide and reseed. Or replace the dead area with some grass from another area or that I have grown for that purpose.

[@Mexi99]

I usally get a lot of crabgrass but as i look at my lawn doesnt feel like there is much but there is a lil. i have tenacity i was going to put in a few weeks or so. Think it would be a waste ? I plan to reseed some areas.

[@ElevatedLawnscapes]

Its still early in the season for crabgrass germination so you may not see much right now. If you historically have a lot of crabgrass i recommend you applying a pre-emergent. As I stated in the video I haven't had any crabgrass in about 3-4 years. If you are going to seed you will have to skip the pre-emergent and just take what you can get from the Tenacity. There are better products that are more effective at removing existing crabgrass but not with seeding.

[@Mexi99]

i didnt have much last year if any honeslty i just want to be ready . @@ElevatedLawnscapes

[@TurfCulture]

Team no-pre!

[@ElevatedLawnscapes]

Yessir...let's see how it goes.

[@ljcruz127]

Where would you recommend purchasing a Fescue seed from?

[@ElevatedLawnscapes]

If you are local to MD Newsom seed for Mountain View Seed. If you are looking for an online option I would say gciturfacademy.com/collections/gci-grass-seed/products/gci-turf-type-tall-fescue-grass-seed?rfsn=7622948.7b5a40. I have a number of videos discussing why I use Mountain View Seed fescue seed.

[@ljcruz127]

@@ElevatedLawnscapes I live in Las Vegas, NV. Warm climate

[@ElevatedLawnscapes]

@@ljcruz127 If you are in a warm climate like that, i would recommend growing a warm season grass type and not a cool season grass type.

[@ljcruz127]

@ElevatedLawnscapes I placed 1,800 sq ft of this sod 2 years. What they sell here in Vegas is fescue. After dethatching in October, and overseeding, seems my grass has died. I know it's dormant now but I'm with hopes next month (April) I can seed again to bring back my once beautiful lawn.

[@ElevatedLawnscapes]

@@ljcruz127 If its dormant then you cannot compare what it looks like now to what it will look like when its within the active growing season. It may look like its dead but more than likely its not given its dormant.

[@jamaalrichmond523]

What about dallis grass

[@ElevatedLawnscapes]

Whats about Dallis Grass?

[@bobziadie2988]

I enjoyed your video, your lawn looks great. Curious as to where you are located and what type of grass do you have? I am in PA and have a tall fescue lawn. Unfortunately for me I have about 20,000 square feet to deal with and it can be a bear and very expensive to treat with the various chemicals and fertilizers. Again, nice job on the video.

[@ElevatedLawnscapes]

Thanks! I am located in Maryland so not too far from you. I understand where you coming from with managing the larger sq ft. I would stick to the basics fertilization (NPK) nothing fancy needed, water if possible, a high quality seed during overseeding if needed, and frequent mowing.

[@byronturnbow2189]

you didn't have crabgrass because you applied pre emergent. You can do a video this summer on how to get rid of crabgrass

[@ElevatedLawnscapes]

I eliminated crabgrass that did exist 3-4 years ago when I established my lawn and have had control since then. As I stated in the video, if I do get small outbreaks i can spot spray or hand pull. So tune in to find out.

[@byronturnbow2189]

@@ElevatedLawnscapes ok cool.

[@byronturnbow2189]

Very hard to kill crab grass

[@ElevatedLawnscapes]

@@byronturnbow2189 Its not hard to kill existing crabgrass with the right products especially if you are doing a full renovation which is what I did 5 years ago. In my opinion its harder to control the seed bank of crabgrass seeds than it is to kill existing crabgrass. Having a full lawn of turf is one of the best defenses against that. Crabgrass and weeds in general are opportunistic for thin areas and bare areas in your lawn.

[@scoobydoo5447]

Let the dandelions grow then hand pick them and toss them in a salad! 😂

[@ElevatedLawnscapes]

Good thing I don't have any to worry about 🤣. Plus prodiamine is not labeled for them any way.

[@Browns4life]

Don't do a pre emergent but you got all kinda chemicals behind you.

[@ElevatedLawnscapes]

I never said don't use chemicals, I never that I never use chemicals. I said think about is the product that you are applying really doing what you think it is. Some people are applying pre-emergent thinking that it is going to prevent weeds that its not even labeled for. Or they are applying pre-emergent for weeds that have already germinated over winter. All points made in this video. Have a good day.