Lawn Preemergent Tips and Mistakes

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Doc talks about tips on applying lawn preemergent. Timing is critical but there are also other things to keep in mind. Important note... Preemergence herbicides have NO EFFECT on weed seeds. A common myth is that they STOP seed germination when in fact they stop / hinder the growth of roots and shoots. This is why TIMING is critical.

[@DeGarmo2]

First time homeowner starting last December. Did not prep at all for the lawn and it was a pretty rough year. Have been looking into a bunch of KZbinrs to help and Doc will definitely be one of the ones I check often!

[@DelaTX]

Thanks for the video Doc! I’m eager to throw down my pre-emergent and jumpstart my lawn. I’ve been following you for 4 years now and thanks to you we have a beautiful lawn which I am very proud of. I loved it when Andersons asked if they could use one of my photos on their social media. Your knowledge is priceless and very much appreciated! I refer your channel to everyone. Thanks again Doc!

[@HowTowithDoc]

You are now a LAWN GOD... living amongst mortals... 😂

[@DelaTX]

@@HowTowithDoc 👍🏼🏆

[@valeriek5020]

Thank you, I have been playing in the dirt and learning about my lawn..........watching lawn care videos is what I do to learn as much as I can. I am new to all this, but passionate about having green stuff growing in my yard. You, although a bit intimidating, have my interest. I will have to watch this particular video many times to digest all the information. PREEMERGENT IN SPRING.........I am going to try this and hopefully I can catch the proper time to apply. I will purchase a soil thermometer and watch for the forsythia. I prefer to use liquid as granular anything scares me and I might burn my grass that has a family of weeds throughout. I will be confident in my ability to win. Thank you for the freebe...a lot to digest, but such a wealth of information................I use rye grass seed and although Kentucky might be the best as it roots horizontally, the texture is so different from the rye grass I have now. I am preparing my lawn for seeding (late August) and will seed first week in September.................so I cannot put sown preemergent next Spring??????

[@nelsonhuie7382]

Thanks for video. Getting excited for the spring and will be prepping for pre-emergent. I have used tenacity when I over seed and have not had issues.

[@DCF1VER]

Started watching this video by mistake, I thought you were a different lawn care guy I follow. You guys are so similar in your approach to premergents. Any way. I like your vid. Consider me a new subscriber 👍

[@WhittyPics]

I put mine down back around Thanksgiving and again around Christmas like you suggested and I am in the best shape I have been in years. I am not seeing any POA ANNUA like I normally do right now.

[@eduardo13405]

Your videos are very good I’m really getting into this whole thing in making my yard look like my neighbors nice looking green grass. I’ve messed up a few times as far as when to do the aerating,over seeding and using spectocide but I’m not giving up I know I’ll get it soon. Just learning now about this now pre emergent process. I live in northern in northern central Wisconsin but it’s too cold in march to put down pre emergent and then watering because during march we’re still in like the 30’s and will look crazy watering down my yard in that type of weather so what do you recommend I do? Thank you in advance

[@eckdavid2472]

You give useful information here: I really LOVE the soil temperature map. Thanks!

[@brianhensley300]

Thanks for commenting about the chairs and great talk about the pre emergent I did a big reseeding last fall with tall fescue looking forward to seeing it really take off this season

[@davidphillips2541]

Great videos!!! I need a lawn guide for my centipede lawn.

[@Teeitup78]

Ive studied turfgrass for 28 yrs. Built and managed championship pga golf courses. Doc is rite on point. Cell division interruption pre emergent. Take a look at yardbrah lawn. He’s on point with all his apps

[@stevenfoster9099]

isn't tenacity ok with new seed????

[@kentb.1456]

​@@stevenfoster9099the only one, yes.

[@bladesofglorylawns]

You said follow and look at lawn bruh 😂 😂

[@tonynew9588]

You have told us this stuff so many time. But I still enjoy your videos

[@gabrielagabyrodriguez72]

So glad I found this video… I was goi g to seed thinking the rain would secure the seeds 😮

[@bfinch00]

Doc, you are the man I live in Southern California and I have common Bermuda grass. I’m so excited for this season. Thanks for all of your tips.

[@luv2bredd2]

Oh, yes Doc , I'm in Hiram Ga. Really need your help on my lawn. I'm the lady that just asked for your help to keep my yard in tack.

[@jimgreyard6623]

I love it! I'll think of your new farm as the Turnip Head's Farm. Keep us bermuda guys in the cycle as you go through spring and green up. Thanks Doc

[@rjike49]

Hey @HowToWithDoc! Question about the PE disbursement. With the split treatment and putting down the granular first, what rate should we be utilizing? I’m also in GA (NW area) and will be putting down my 1st part in a week or two so want to make sure I get the right amount of bags for my 11,000sqft lawn. Thanks Doc!

[@robertnobles4319]

I’m in Florida with St Augustine grass. Love your site, however I need warm grass info

[@sergioblanco4504]

I put down pre-emergent granular on my palmetto st. Augustine grass and I honestly think it brought on crabgrass in my lawn. I had never had crabgrass on my lawn until after I put down pre-emergent. I decided to never put it down and just take care of any weed reactively. This was my first experience using pre-emergent as well.

[@jimmymiller4732]

Mike, I applied my Fall pre-emergent application the week before Labor Day Weekend using The Anderson's 18-0-4 + Barricade (0.38%.) The first week of December I started seeing weeds starting to breakthrough. I ran over to Home Depot and picked up 4 bags of Spectracide which I think has 0.17% Dithiopyr. I purchased their Dimension 18-0-4 w/0.164% Dithiopyr and had intended to apply it Mid-February but I have someone coming to grind up some tree stumps and roots within the next 2-3 weeks. Do you think the Spectracide will carry me thru until Early to Mid March then apply the Dimension? Or would it be too soon to apply any fertilizer? Looking for Anderson's Dimension without Fert as I would prefer to apply that then a quick release 10-10-10. Your thoughts? Commerce GA Soil Temp 45

[@valjalava1951]

Great video I just found your channel,what can you recommend for hydragas plants and azaleas

[@bob8289]

good info on yard and garden, thanks

[@endopaxd.5195]

Great video, Doc. Your guides are superb. I apologize if I failed to find it, but what is the liquid product you use in your split application algorithm that is a combination of pre-and post-emergent applied four weeks after application of the Prodiamine 65WDG? Thanks.

[@Raider2K07]

Been watching your vids for years .. thanks for all the great info. I don't ever recall you speaking on Gallery Pre ( Isoxaben) .. From personal experience it is the perfect addition to the pre emergent arsenal .. I use it with Prodiamine .. it covers broadleaf's which Prodiamine doesn't. Chamber Bitter, Dog Fennel, Dandys as well as the winter rascals as well. And another great feature is.. Isoxaben shows low acute toxicity by all routes. Anyway thought it was worth a mention we need all the help we can get right ? Thanks again for all the info

[@vonmousetrap]

Doc, would really like to see a demo of that queen size bed, being assembled. Thanks

[@HowTowithDoc]

Will do

[@ripmaster896]

Hey doc lawnmaster here you didn't talk about the new fertilizer the is coming out and did you see. That the greenshocker is not on Amazon and I emailed them and they are working to get it back up on Amazon. Do you know what the lean and green fertilizer is for or have you ever used it. Thanks lawnmaster 🏆

[@HowTowithDoc]

Coming in the next videos... forgot

[@bigredwag]

Doc, link to the queen bed cabinet thingy 👍 thx!

[@HBlakeH]

Glad I started regiment a week ago. It's been high 80s low 90s here in TX already with soil temp of around 80

[@TOML0856]

YOUR videos are just full of useful information . But I do miss that lady that hates spiders. Hope she back soon in one of your next videos

[@thefosterhousevfx]

Is there any difference in your jump start program with Cool Season grasses and Warm Season grasses?

[@troycrna1717]

Central Illinois. I have sections of an existing lawn that have low spots (skid steer ruts) with fresh soil and seed (still very cold here) can I put pre on the existing lawn and if so do I need to stay far from the new soil

[@stevehawkins4776]

Good morning. A lot of comments here already so I apologize if this is already covered. I'm curious how you control weeds in the "bedded" areas... mulch, stone, pine straw, etc. Do you apply the same preemergent products and plan to these areas? Great content... thanks for sharing with us.

[@HowTowithDoc]

Yes you can use PE in those areas as long as you are not planting SEEDS there.

[@stevehawkins4776]

@@HowTowithDoc Fantastic… thanks again for all the great content.

[@Michel.Alvarado]

Thanks for the valuable info doc!

[@Otsp922]

Doc can you make a free App? That would be awesome. There is a couple out there but would much rather have something from you.

[@mjcolla31]

Thanks, Doc! What are your thoughts on applying the Barricade first? Then 4 weeks later, apply Tenacity tank mixed with Turflon Ester? I have a tall fescue lawn but I'm fighting a war against some unwanted bermudagrass in several lawn locations.

[@CWBush73]

How did you start learning so much about grass and everything, Doc?

[@Rawnstarr]

Hey Doc! Just wanted to point out a potential typo on the guide since HUMICHAR is mentioned twice. I assume one of those two instances of HUMICHAR were supposed to be the PE. "Step #2 Around the time you put out your EARLY granular pre-emergent, also apply a treatment of HUMICHAR™ and a treatment of 10-10-10 PGF Balanced . Then apply the HUMICHAR™ at the bag rate." Also, when you say "around the time", would you do all 3 in one treatment if you were looking to maximize effectiveness?

[@atc06jh]

Doc, if you need to put lime down, what product do you recommend for zoysia?

[@HowTowithDoc]

Anything that local store can deliver... look back two videos.

[@atc06jh]

@@HowTowithDoc Thanks! I'm in the Canton area so I'll see what I can find.

[@mikeb8624]

Soil temps in Upstate SC are right for first treatment of pre-emergent so I did a granular DG Barricade application. Will do a liquid Dow Dimension treatment split in 4 weeks but need proper amount to use in the Andersons 20:1 hose end bottle. Can you provide the info? Can't seem to get proper ratio info anywhere. Thanks Doc!

[@douglasbarnhart3324]

Thanks for the video Doc see ya on the next one.

[@karynsebbo6197]

No Fall pre-emergent application?

[@DeGarmo2]

@@karynsebbo6197 not relating to this video specifically but I feel like the primary bit of advice I’ve seen most often on overseeding and preemergent timing is to overseed in the fall and use preemergent in the spring.

[@woodsoncircle]

Awesome info, thanks Doc!

[@dianebernard9841]

I love watching your videos. I live in north Texas and have a mix of Bermuda/St Augustine grasses. Do you recommend the same products for this grass mix, or anything different? I know some products are good for one grass type and not the other. Thank you.

[@DianeThrasher]

I’m North Texas as well and would like to know like you if one of the guides would work for St Augustine/Palmetto grasses.

[@Lion_lamb]

I think I put my granular preemergent down too early. I also did it before spring aeration and Clemson website says don’t aerate after preemergent or you break the barrier. Maybe I should just push 2nd liquid preemergent out a bit.

[@mrmanown]

You gonna check in on the old Bermuda lawn to see how it’s fairing under new ownership?

[@adamghazal9204]

Everything looks great. Thanks Doc!

[@Linorodarteofficial]

I just fertilized my dad’s front yard this morning while it was drizzling right before the rain hit. Wish Id seen this video sooner😩

[@josephyuhasz5327]

The two variables that are emphasized are Date and Soil Temp. Which one is the overriding variable....soil temp drives the decision regardless of date or vice versa

[@jaymeyers950]

Wat would you recommend to use to see what the soil temperature is ??

[@dthrasher60]

What if you have a lawn that is St Augustine and/or Palmetto? Do either of your lawn care guides work for those type lawns as well?

[@bethlav3457]

Do you have info on st augustine lawns?

[@brianthornton5345]

Looking good

[@anthonyhenderson9530]

@howtowithdoc is it to late for me to put down a pre emergent? Here in Texas the temps are avg 80 degrees. Weed are over taking my Bermuda lawn.

[@jammosu6498]

What about tenacity?

[@howa9362]

I'm in Marietta GA. My 5 day average is 52. Seems too early to me. Do I wait a couple of weeks or do it now?

[@analogalien]

Great video Doc. I live in Long Island. Should I use my preemergent when I put my seed down? Or will it harm the grass seed?

[@DeGarmo2]

@@analogalien 7 months later… preemergent will prevent the seeds from germinating.

[@analogalien]

@@DeGarmo2 Thank you.

[@pecoseagles20]

Just bought a house in West Texas, and I’d like to know when is the best time to completely redo the yard, till, add soil, seed, and water.

[@Manbunmen65]

When the soil temperature is just getting warm enough to plant whatever you want to put in the ground. If you till or add dirt to dormant grass, what do you think will happen when it rains...wash away. I add dirt when my bermuda starts growing thats in April into early May.

[@carlthetruthwilliams9447]

Great advice and vid. Thank you. Subbed.

[@seriejohnson698]

It’s been extra warm here in Michigan 40s and 2 50 degree days

[@stevenfoster9099]

I follow your advice often, but pre-emergent(Tenancity) can be applies with new seeding. I did it last year with no issues. At your 10 minute mark.

[@jdmonroe08]

Doc, in the zone 5 area where pre-emergent is Jan 1st - Mar 20th, my time to apply is now, even have some weeds coming up now. However, with rains and clay soil, my soil is saturated. I'm struggling with the temps being right, but the soil being wet. How should I approach this?

[@MizzCaliGal-ve4um]

Hello! I have a similar situation. I'm new to lawn care and dealing with a yard that's severely neglected. I relied on a mow and blow service for eight years. My lawn has never undergone aeration, dethatching, fertilization, or even soil testing. Recently, I applied fungicide for brown patch, and I'm aware of a grub issue for late spring/early summer. My plan was to tackle weeds with a post-emergent week, followed by a pre-emergent and slow-release fertilizer two weeks later. However, heavy California rains are causing pooling in my turf type tall fescue due to compacted soil, which is mostly clay. I believe I need to dethatch, aerate, and amend the soil, in order for the treatments to take. I'm uncertain about the proper steps because we mow year-round so it seems grass and weeds are always growing. I lack the funds for professional help but want to avoid wasting money on ineffective products or methods. There's not much on YT for us in California because honestly, most everyone I know hires a mow and blower. I'm ordering my first lawn mower next week. My yard looks like it has chicken pox.If you have a video for my situation, please advise... TY.

[@yellowhammerua7178]

Doc, I’m going to follow the suggested schedule for my Bermuda yard in AL. My yard is matted with dead grass. It struggles to receive water, sunlight and nutrients. Will my pre emergent application be able to penetrate through?

[@bipi4363]

Sounds like you need to dethatch your lawn. Rent or buy a SunJoe dethatcher. You'll be amazed at how much dead grass it will pull up from the lawn.

[@TheSeminolaRuckus]

I’m in Warner Robins Doc what part of GA are you at

[@crandallscooking]

Where'd you get the queen-size cabinet bed?

[@user-my3pv9kx2h]

How do I decide whether I should go with the liquid dimension 2EW pre-emergent or the barricade granular? I'm guessing the liquid as much cheaper? Any real pro or con to the options? I am just north of Atlanta.

[@donnydonnaking2537]

Do you accept videos to help give advice on. We bought a place that has a lot of sand and Pin oak trees. I think we need to start over. We need a lot of help😊

[@JoeGoslin]

What happens if I put pre-emergent down way too early. Can I re-apply on March 10th to be sure that the pre-emergent is applied. Then, I am assuming that you use the liquid producet in the middle of April. Is this correct? We are in Acworth, Ga and I am new to Georgia.

[@marquisem5]

We moved into our home last October. The sod was put down a few weeks prior. I am wondering if I should wait until next year to apply pre and post emergent? I have fescue

[@mhughesmatt20]

Go to 8:15. We're in the same boat brotha

[@juanez8]

Should I dethatch before laying down the pre-emergent?

[@MrBenjaMeme]

I moved into a home and have no idea what grass methods the previous owner did. Not sure whether to seed or pre emergent

[@sandieweatherup]

What do you use on creeping charlie? That weed makes me 😠😡😤

[@BriBo24x7]

Is there anything that can be used in place of the Dimension 2EW Herbicide? That price for a half gallon is ridiculous!

[@HowTowithDoc]

We are having Andersons develop one.

[@BriBo24x7]

Awesome,! Thanks for the reply. I made the mistake of buying 5 gallons of 24D a few years ago for around $200 (because that was the only size I could get it in) and have barely touched it. I basically set that money on fire. That's why I'm reluctant to do anything like that again.@@HowTowithDoc

[@scottrucker9108]

Two questions. What happened to the mini split idea and can you show how the bed works. Place is looking awesome.

[@juanlyrodriguez3339]

Question for anyone that can help, should I scalp my lawn prior applying pre-emergent? Thank you

[@HowTowithDoc]

As long as it's watered in... really doesn't matter much.

[@roccyandy]

Hi, I'm in Brooklyn NY. I have some pretty bad grass area of 5100 square fit. I have a lot of crab grass, and some grass type that grew 6ft tall, mosquitoes in the summer. Bad. We can't enjoy the yard and I feel overwhelmed. I don't mind cutting grass but idk what to do. I want to see and get rid of these nasty grass, shrub lol. It's February and I want to start getting busy. Please help 😊

[@rtmfenix5441]

Doc… love your channel but where is the love for st Augustine or centipede grass?

[@prettygirlebony1027]

Doc keep the videos coming. I’m tired of Netflix 😂

[@HowTowithDoc]

The new series out are SO SLOW... makes me seem like a speed demon. IE Mr and Mrs Smith. Horribly slow.

[@TheWellington4]

Question... if i use the pre emergant now in march, am i clear to seed in june? Or should i just not seed untill the next season?

[@HowTowithDoc]

It's usually about 60 - 90 days. See if the label says it too.

[@TheWellington4]

@@HowTowithDoc copy that, thank you!

[@ThePauly2554]

Soil temperature at what depth though??

[@HowTowithDoc]

2-4"

[@NatashaGoehring]

Do you use preemergent on your flower beds for weeds?

[@HowTowithDoc]

We did at the old house yes.

[@danielleg2616]

Im a little confused. Please help. March. My temps have been days of unusually warm weather 45- 70s and rain with forsythia and Flowers blooming and now we're back in 40s abs and 30s for one week. Should i still put it down now? Rain not expected for 7 days

[@HowTowithDoc]

You should be able to Google your PE date. Just use historical data. Don't rely on what is going on today or this week.

[@danielleg2616]

@@HowTowithDoc thks

[@kennethsmith3073]

i seeded tall fescue September and im having a poa problem. i was looking at put down pre emergent in march. what should i do

[@frankieb7205]

Can you cut your yard prior to applying pre emergent?

[@dmdlawn]

Which product for round 2 ? I heard it’s a liquid one but don’t know which one.

[@HowTowithDoc]

Roll down on the page www.howtowithdoc.com/lawn-preemergent/

[@sy73326]

Does anyone see the soil temperature map? I don’t

[@HowTowithDoc]

Just posted

[@polocash11]

Is there one that won’t stop my grass seed?

[@davewilliams9948]

I wish you’d made this video a few years ago. I made the mistake of putting down pre emergent a couple of days prior to laying my sod. 4 weeks after, it still hadn’t established itself, and I could lift it right off the ground. Lesson learned!😊

[@TexasBluebonnets22]

Can I put down weed and feed after I put down pre-emergent?

[@michaelgrant2009]

Hey @HowTowithDoc are you talking about the same John Pope I know from Forsyth, GA (my hometown)? That man taught me everything I know about growing up on a farm and managing land. He is a GREAT guy!

[@JGrevenstuk]

What you can do about crabgrass what is a good crabgrass killer

[@HowTowithDoc]

We use DRIVE

[@Manbunmen65]

If I put out my premergent in march like I have before, I would be covered up in poa anna. I did it this year first week of january and barely any weeds so far.

[@HowTowithDoc]

Nice

[@chrislambert5249]

Don't forget to install a SMOKE DETECTOR in the cabin!! 🔥🚨🔔

[@HowTowithDoc]

Video coming.

[@LectroDev]

Darn it… I’m at 55 degree temp already. I better get on the PE!

[@nawtyshygirl6468]

Scan the QR code it’s the same as the guide.

[@69mjar]

I use a digital meat thermometer

[@aussie2uGA]

I have to say, the germination map must have been made by a committee. I mean c'mon, they interweaved white, white with black waves, white with angled lines, but then gave us shaded green/grey for other areas. Unreal unless they wanted you to have to stare at it far longer than needed...

[@rodwilliamson7233]

I certainly don't disagree with your preemergent strategies but when one has a big lawn, no automatic irrigation and a busy life the watering suggestions are discouraging. I appreciate your advice however.

[@ispot4651]

Thought you were on a sabbatical 😂

[@adammyrick4002]

Preemergents only stop the germination process for about 2 weeks after activation then your good to plant is the rule of thumb for me

[@shanemillwood1957]

Might want a small exhaust fan in the bathroom

[@HowTowithDoc]

Posted a sign... rotten people keep out.