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Help & Resources

How Pre-Emergent Weed Treatments Can Save Your Lawn This Spring

Published February 21st, 2025 by Neff Exterminating Inc

As the snow melts and temperatures rise in the White Mountains, it’s time to start thinking about your lawn. While spring is a season of growth and renewal, it’s also a critical time for weeds to take root and invade your lawn. Without proper intervention, weeds can rob your grass and plants of nutrients, leaving your yard looking sparse and unhealthy.

Pre-emergent weed treatments are a proactive way to protect your lawn and set the stage for a lush, green landscape. Here’s how they work and why they’re essential for a weed-free lawn this spring.


What Are Pre-Emergent Weed Treatments?

Pre-emergent weed treatments are herbicides designed to target weeds before they sprout. These treatments create a protective barrier in the soil, preventing weed seeds from germinating. They don’t kill existing weeds, but they are highly effective in stopping new weeds from growing.

Common weeds controlled by pre-emergent treatments include:

  • Crabgrass
  • Dandelions
  • Foxtail
  • Clover

By applying pre-emergents at the right time, you can significantly reduce the number of weeds in your lawn, making it easier to maintain throughout the growing season.


Why Spring Is the Ideal Time for Pre-Emergent Weed Control

Spring is the critical period when many weeds begin to germinate. By applying pre-emergent treatments early, you can disrupt this process and keep weeds from establishing themselves in your yard.

Key Reasons to Act in Spring:

  1. Weed Seeds Are Most Vulnerable
    • Early spring is when weed seeds are primed to sprout. A pre-emergent herbicide stops them before they can take root.
  2. Less Competition for Grass Growth
    • Eliminating weeds early gives your grass a head start to grow strong and healthy without competing for nutrients.
  3. Long-Lasting Protection
    • Most pre-emergent treatments provide protection for several months, covering the entire spring growing season.

Benefits of Pre-Emergent Weed Treatments

1. Prevents Weed Growth Before It Starts

One of the biggest advantages of pre-emergent treatments is that they stop weeds at the source, eliminating the need for constant weeding and post-emergent herbicides later.

2. Saves Time and Effort

Manually removing weeds can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. Pre-emergents drastically reduce the number of weeds that appear, saving you time and effort.

3. Improves Lawn Health

Weeds compete with grass for water, sunlight, and nutrients. By preventing weeds, you ensure that these resources go toward your lawn, resulting in a healthier, more vibrant yard.

4. Enhances Curb Appeal

A weed-free lawn is not only healthier but also more attractive. Pre-emergent treatments help you achieve a pristine, uniform appearance that enhances the overall beauty of your property.


How to Apply Pre-Emergent Weed Treatments

Effective application of pre-emergent herbicides requires proper timing and technique.

Step 1: Timing Is Key

Apply pre-emergent treatments when soil temperatures reach around 50°F, as this is when most weed seeds begin to germinate. In the White Mountains, this typically occurs in early to mid-spring.

Step 2: Prepare Your Lawn

  • Remove debris and mow your lawn to ensure the treatment reaches the soil.
  • Water your lawn lightly to help the pre-emergent herbicide activate.

Step 3: Uniform Application

  • Use a spreader to apply the herbicide evenly across your lawn.
  • Avoid over-applying, as this can harm grass and other plants.

Step 4: Water After Application

Water your lawn after applying the treatment to help it penetrate the soil and form a protective barrier.


Why Choose Professional Weed Control Services?

While pre-emergent treatments can be applied as a DIY project, professional weed control services ensure the job is done correctly and effectively. At Neff Exterminating, we offer expert weed control solutions tailored to the unique conditions of the White Mountains.

Our Services Include:

  • Comprehensive lawn inspections to identify problem areas.
  • Timely application of pre-emergent treatments for maximum effectiveness.
  • Ongoing maintenance to keep your lawn healthy and weed-free.

Call us today at (928) 536-6862 or schedule a service online.


Additional Tips for a Weed-Free Lawn

  • Maintain Healthy Grass: Fertilize and water your lawn regularly to promote strong, dense grass that naturally crowds out weeds.
  • Aerate Your Lawn: Aeration improves soil health and allows nutrients to reach the grass roots.
  • Mulch Landscaping Beds: Mulch helps suppress weeds while retaining soil moisture for plants.

Protect Your Lawn This Spring with Neff Exterminating

Don’t let weeds take over your yard this spring. By starting early with pre-emergent weed treatments, you can enjoy a healthier, more beautiful lawn throughout the growing season.

Trust Neff Exterminating to provide professional, reliable weed control services that deliver results.

Contact us at (928) 536-6862 or request service online.

Make this spring the season your lawn thrives—without the hassle of weeds!


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