Weeds begin growing long before you see them. If you want a clean, healthy lawn, pre-emergent weed control is the first step. Pre-emergent products stop weeds before they sprout. They work in the soil, not on visible weeds.
Mid to late February is the best time to start using a pre-emergent in North Texas. Waiting too long allows weed seeds to germinate, and once that happens, pre-emergents cannot stop them.
Why Timing Matters
Pre-emergent application depends on soil temperature, not the calendar. For spring applications, pre-emergent should be applied before soil temperatures reach 55 degrees. That is when weed seeds such as crabgrass begin to germinate.
Applying early gives you the best control and prevents weeds from taking over your lawn in spring and summer.
Best Pre-Emergent for Most Homeowners
I recommend Dimension for most homeowner lawns. Dimension contains Dithopyr and works well on warm-season grassy weeds like crabgrass. It also controls more than 45 grassy and broadleaf weeds.
Dimension is unique because it has both pre-emergent and early post-emergent activity. That means it can control young crabgrass after it has already germinated. Because of this, timing is not nearly as critical as with some other products.
One 50 lb bag of Dimension covers about 10,000 square feet, making it a cost-effective option for most lawns.
Other Pre-Emergent Options for North Texas Lawns
There are other products that work well in North Texas turf when applied correctly.
Barricade, also known as Prodiamine, provides strong control of crabgrass, annual Poa, goosegrass, and spurge. It works best when applied early and requires more precise timing.
Pendimethalin, a dinitroaniline herbicide, controls crabgrass and several broadleaf weeds, including henbit and chickweed.
Products like Prowl are commonly used in agriculture. While effective, Prowl can stain concrete and hard surfaces. For that reason, it is not a good choice for homeowner lawns.
How Often to Apply Pre-Emergent
One application will not last the entire growing season. I recommend a split application approach.
Apply your first pre-emergent in late February. Follow up with a second application in early to mid-May. This helps reduce weed seed germination through the summer months and prepares your lawn for fall weed control.
A fall pre-emergent application should be made in early September to help control winter weeds.
Organic Pre-Emergent Option
Corn gluten meal is the most common organic pre-emergent. It is important to note that corn gluten meal is not corn meal.
Corn gluten meal is unique because it also functions as a fertilizer. The timing is the same as chemical pre-emergents. Apply before soil temperatures reach 55 degrees.
Organic pre-emergents are less consistent than chemical options, so I recommend applying corn gluten meal more often to maintain control.
Common Questions About Pre-Emergent
Pre-emergents do not kill existing weeds. They prevent weeds from germinating. Existing weeds require a post-emergent product.
Pre-emergents also prevent grass seed from germinating, so avoid seeding until the product label allows it.
Rain helps activate most pre-emergents, but heavy rainfall soon after application can reduce effectiveness.
Get Ahead of Weeds This Season
Pre-emergent weed control sets the foundation for a healthy lawn. Applying the right product at the right time saves money and reduces the need for weed control later in the season.
Stop by our store for lawn and garden supplies, effective pre-emergents, and local expertise you can trust. We are here to help you protect your lawn before weeds ever appear.
