Works before weeds appear
Pre-emergent stops weeds at germination. It will not kill weeds that are already up.
In the 7-Step Program
Pre-Emergent
Pre-emergent works by stopping weeds before they come up, so it has to go down first. That happens twice a year in the 7-Step Program: once in spring ahead of the summer weeds, and again in fall ahead of the winter ones.
Two applications, one before each weed season
Pre-Emergent in the 7-Step Program.
The spring application is timed as soil temperatures approach 55°F, which in the Midlands tends to fall from late February into March, and it targets the weeds that come up through summer. The fall application goes down before winter weeds germinate. We confirm the products and timing for your lawn before each one.
Depends on seasonal timing
Your soil conditions and the weed we are targeting set the timing.
Twice a year, spring and fall
Two applications, because summer weeds and winter weeds germinate at different times of year.
How we work
We check the lawn before we treat it.
- 01
Check the grass and season
Your grass type and soil set the window for treating that weed.
- 02
Apply before germination
Spring and fall, on two of your scheduled 7-Step visits.
- 03
Treat later growth
Follow-up visits address fertilization and weeds that emerge during the year.
| The question | Common mistake | GLS Turf process |
|---|---|---|
| What pre-emergent is for | Common mistakeThe product goes down after weeds are visible. | GLS Turf processPre-emergent goes down before the target weeds germinate. |
| When it goes down | Common mistakeA fixed calendar date can miss the right soil conditions. | GLS Turf processThe treatment window follows soil conditions and the target weed cycle. |
| What happens after the first application | Common mistakeOne application is expected to control weeds for the year. | GLS Turf processA second pre-emergent goes down in fall, and later visits treat weeds that come up anyway. |
Questions
Common questions about this service.
Is pre-emergent included in the 7-Step Program, or is it extra?
Included. It is part of the program price, not a separate line item.
How many times a year does pre-emergent go down?
Twice. One application in spring ahead of the summer weeds, and one in fall ahead of the winter weeds. Both are part of the 7-Step Program.
What does pre-emergent actually do?
It leaves a barrier in the top layer of soil that stops weed seedlings from establishing after they sprout. Nothing you can see in the lawn today is affected by it, which is why the program also covers weeds that are already growing.
When does it go down?
Soil temperature drives the timing, not the calendar. For spring weeds in the Midlands the window opens as soil approaches 55°F, which usually lands somewhere between late February and March. A warm February moves it up. A cold one pushes it back.
I already have weeds. Is it too late for this year?
No, but pre-emergent will not touch what is already up. Those get post-emergent treatment, which is also in the program. Starting now sets the lawn up for the next germination cycle instead of the last one.
Do I need to water it in?
Yes, and rain counts. The product has to move down into the soil to do anything. Avoid dethatching or hard raking afterward, because breaking up the top half inch of soil breaks up the barrier with it. Your technician texts instructions after each visit.
Will it stop grass seed from growing too?
Yes. Pre-emergent does not tell the difference between weed seed and grass seed. If you are planning to seed or overseed, tell us before the visit so we can work around it.
Related turf services
See the rest of the program and add-ons.
Ask about pre-emergent in the 7-Step Program.
Tell us where the property is and which grass you have. GLS Turf can explain when this treatment occurs and quote the 7-Step Program.
