🌱 June Lawn Alert: Time to Stop Summer Weeds Like Crabgrass Before They Take Over! Pre Emergent
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
🌱 June Lawn Alert: Time to Stop Summer Weeds Like Crabgrass Before They Take Over! Pre Emergent
Hey neighbors! As we head into June, those sneaky summer weeds are getting ready to sprout — especially in freshly disturbed soil, lawn edges, or under new sod. Crabgrass loves the heat and is one of the biggest headaches for homeowners. But the good news? Now's still a great window to apply pre-emergent herbicides to create a protective barrier in your soil.
Weeds That Germinate Around This Time of Year
Summer annual weeds germinate when soil temperatures warm up (typically 55–70°F+) and water is applied plentifully. Common culprits include:
Crabgrass — The #1 enemy. It spreads fast in thin or stressed lawns, with that distinctive "crab-like" growth pattern.
Crabgrass Foxtail (yellow, green, or giant) — Another grassy weed that pops up in hot weather.
Barnyardgrass and Watergrass (similar and related to crabgrass).
Other broadleaf summer weeds like spurge, pigweed, and lambsquarters.
These weeds complete their life cycle by fall, dropping thousands of seeds that wait for next year. Stopping them now prevents a bigger battle later!
Best Pre-Emergents to Use
According to experts like those at AskTheLawnDoctor.com (and standard turf management advice), pre-emergents are your best defense. Here are top recommendations:
Prodiamine (e.g., Barricade): Excellent for season-long crabgrass control. Great choice for most lawns. Often applied in a split application (spring + early summer follow-up).
Prodiamine/Barricade Dithiopyr (e.g., Dimension): Unique because it offers some early post-emergent control on young crabgrass (up to a few weeks after germination) while preventing new ones. Also good for broadleaf weeds.
Dimension Pendimethalin: Reliable and widely available in products like Scotts Halts or similar.
Pro Tips for Success:
Apply when soil temps are in the right range and before you see weeds sprouting.
Water it in lightly after application to activate the barrier.
For heavy crabgrass history, consider a second application in early summer.
Always follow label rates — over-applying can harm your lawn.
Why It Matters
A thick, healthy lawn is your first line of defense. Pre-emergents help you maintain that beautiful green carpet without constant pulling or spot-treating.
Spring Lawn Care Tips Healthy Green Yard
Quick Reminder:Â If you've recently seeded or plan to, skip pre-emergents in those areas as they can prevent grass seed from germinating too.
Got questions about your specific lawn? Head over to AskTheLawnDoctor.com for more expert turf advice tailored to common issues like this. They emphasize proper timing and consistent care for beautiful results.
If you do get crabgrass, have no fear it is an annual plant and will die at the end of its growing season. Save the headaches put out preemergent in mid to late June before it gets hot.
Who's putting down pre-emergent this week? Drop a comment and share your lawn wins! 💪🌿
Comments