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Pre-Emergent vs. Post-Emergent Herbicides: How To Use Each


So, you’ve vowed this is the year you’ll win the war against weeds.

You’ve got your flame thrower, your tank, your aerial assault plan. You’ve taken a leave from work.

Good planning, but you’ve gone a bit overboard.

Have you considered pre-emergent or post-emergent weed control?

Pre-emergent vs. post-emergent herbicides — what’s the difference?

Take off your biohazard suit and let’s take a look.

Pre-emergent Weed Control: Get a Jump on the Villains

Using pre-emergent weed control makes you feel wily and smart. You’ll show those weedy devils! Dare them to take root in your protected yard!

By applying pre-emergent herbicides during the winter or early spring (before growth begins), you can help prevent weeds from growing.

sign in lawn after fertilization

Unlike other weed control products that kill weeds that have already sprouted, pre-emergent herbicides work ahead of time, preventing seeds of unwanted plants from sprouting in the first place. They target the weed seeds before they have a chance to germinate. (We told you it was wily.)

Timing is everything. It’s important to apply the pre-emergent herbicides early enough because if you wait too late, they won’t be effective. Here in Idaho we typically start applying pre-emergent around April 1.

But Here’s the Thing: Weeds Still Show Up

So, the weedy villains took you up on your dare. Aaarrrrggh!

Don’t despair. We’re talking pre-emergent vs. post-emergent weed control here for a reason. Once weeds have broken ground, you can use post-emergent herbicides to control them.

But you need to know what you’re up against.

Crabgrass growing along edge of pavement

Weeds can be either grassy or broadleaf, with each kind requiring a specific treatment plan. Once you know what type of weed is in your lawn, you can take action with a weed killer that targets the type of weed you have. Be sure to follow the label instructions exactly.

Pro tip: To prevent the chemicals from drifting, make sure there is little to no wind when you apply them. That will keep the product from going places it shouldn’t, like into flower beds or water sources.

Or, better yet, kick pesky weeds to the curb with professional weed control that includes pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides— pre-emergent weed treatment in the spring, to battle weeds before they sprout; broadleaf applications to hit dandelions and clover; and spot treatments when pesky intruders sneak in.

No need to puzzle over why or when to apply pre-emergent or post-emergent weed control — you get both, with perfect timing.

You Did Everything Right: Whyyyyy Do You Still Have Weeds?!

Let’s pause here for a moment of swearing. (Insert your favorite words here.)

Despite your best efforts, or the efforts of your lawn care service, or even that flame thrower, weeds happen, even with pre-emergent and post-emergent weed control.

lawn care technician sprays for weeds

Weeds are really evil. They love to lurk in your lawn as seeds, sometimes for years, just waiting for the right conditions to come along. And seeds are everywhere, from in your dog’s fur to the bottom of your shoe. Birds are famous for dropping them in your yard.

Some resistant perennial weeds can take multiple herbicide applications over several seasons to control — even with the best weed control tactics.

How to Prevent Weeds in Idaho Falls or Boise, ID? Let Us Help

Weeds hate a thick, healthy lawn. Dense grass crowds out weeds and blocks the sunlight their seeds need to sprout. Weeds love to push through struggling lawns to take over weak spots.

So beat weeds by keeping your grass thick, lush, and healthy with a lawn care service annual maintenance program for healthy, strong roots.

Lawn Buddies Truck with hoses and equipment

When you choose Lawn Buddies, you get one premium, six-visit lawn care program that includes everything your lawn needs to grow healthy and green, including weed control that’s perfectly timed throughout the year.

Most weeds are banished over the course of the six-step program. But some extra-tough weeds like thistle, field bindweed, and black medic often require a different herbicide, which is an additional visit on top of the normal lawn treatment.

Is Your Lawn Ready for a New Best Friend?

Pre-emergent vs. post-emergent herbicides? Stop worrying about weeds and partner with a company that’s expert in Idaho weed control.

Choose a professional lawn care service in the Idaho Falls or Boise, ID area that bundles your yard’s most-needed treatments into one convenient, no-fuss plan that tells you the cost up front.

Welcome to one premium, six-visit lawn care program that includes everything your Idaho lawn needs to grow healthy and green.

Fertilizer, weed treatments, and grub control, all wrapped up in six visits, each perfectly timed throughout the season, so your grass is green and strong and resists weeds.

We’ve got your back.

Got a few minutes? That’s all you need to get started.
Fill out the form on this page.
Call us at (208) 656-9131.
Or read more about our services.

Then kick back and relax in your healthy, thriving yard.

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