Pre-emergence Herbicides

Weeds can be a gardener's worst nightmare. To help keep them in check, you can use pre-emergence herbicide products.

Pre-emergence herbicides are applied before weeds are a problem and keep weed seeds from growing and emerging from the soil.
They're commonly used in the lawn, but can also be applied to landscape beds. A two- to three-inch layer of mulch will also help keep weed problems down in your beds.

Pre-emergence herbicides can be applied in either liquid or granular form, and are often specific to particular kinds of weeds. Always read and follow directions for how and where to apply any pesticide.

UF/IFAS Sites

• Fall Weed Control
• IPM Florida: Estimated Effectiveness of Recommended Herbicides on Selected Common Weeds in Florida (PDF)
• Pesticide Information Office
• Q&A: Apply Pre-emergence Herbicide Before Laying Sod?
• Tackle Existing Weeds and Build a Defense Against Future Weeds

UF/IFAS Publications

• Control Summer Weeds in the Lawn in Late Winter (PDF)
• Preemergence Herbicides For Use on Ornamentals
• Pre- and Postemergence Herbicides for Use Around Palms and Cycads (PDF)
• Start Your Battle with Summer Weeds Now (PDF)
• Survey of Herbicides Available for Homeowners in Lee County (PDF)
• Time for Preemergence Herbicides, If Needed (PDF)
• Weed Management in Home Lawns

Also on Gardening in a Minute

• Crabgrass
• Sandburs

Other Sites

• Managing Weeds in Warm Season Lawns--Clemson Cooperative Extension
• Preventing the Spring (and Summer) Weed Flush in Lawns--University of Georgia Cooperative Extension (PDF)
• Strategies for Turfgrass Weed Control with Preemergence Herbicides--North Carolina State University TurfFiles
• Q&A: Can I Apply Too Much Pre Emergent Herbicide?--eXtension.org
• Q&A: Weed Control and Fertilizer Blend?--Alabama Cooperative Extension Service
• Weed Control for Home Lawns: Preemergence Herbicides--University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension
• Weed Control for the Home Landscape--Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Service