The Power of Pre-Emergents: Keeping Ohio Lawns Weed-Free This Spring

Timothy Jacobs
Mar 18
3 min read

Spring in Ohio is a time of rebirth—grass begins to turn green, trees bloom, and unfortunately, weeds look to make an appearance too. One of the most effective strategies for preventing pesky invaders is using pre-emergent herbicides. In this post, we’ll explore what pre-emergents are, why they matter, and how to incorporate them into your lawn care routine for a healthier, greener yard.

1. What Are Pre-Emergents?

Pre-emergent herbicides are specialized lawn treatments designed to stop weed seeds from germinating. By forming a protective barrier in the soil, they target weeds like crabgrass before they have a chance to break through and take root. Unlike post-emergent herbicides, which address weeds after they appear, pre-emergents focus on prevention.

2. Why Ohio Lawns Benefit From Pre-Emergents

Ohio’s climate can be unpredictable—temperatures fluctuate, and rainfall varies significantly. These conditions create an ideal environment for certain annual weeds, which thrive in cool or warming soil. Applying a pre-emergent ensures many of these seeds never get the opportunity to sprout, saving you the hassle of tackling them later in the season.

3. Timing Is Everything

For most areas in Ohio, the best window to apply a spring pre-emergent typically starts when soil temperatures hover around 50–55°F for several consecutive days. This often coincides with late March to mid-April, but it can vary by region and year. Keep an eye on both soil temperatures and weather patterns to time your application accurately.

Key Point: If applied too early, the herbicide barrier may break down before weeds start germinating. Too late, and weed seeds may have already sprouted.

4. How to Apply Pre-Emergents

Prepare the Lawn: Clear any debris and consider lightly raking to ensure the soil is exposed.
Even Application: Use a spreader for granular products or a sprayer for liquid treatments, following label instructions carefully.
Water It In: Many pre-emergents need to be activated by water, so light watering (or a gentle rainfall) within a day or two helps create the protective barrier.
Avoid Disturbing the Soil: After applying a pre-emergent, minimize deep raking or aeration, which can disrupt the barrier.

5. Common Weeds Targeted

Crabgrass: A notorious annual weed that thrives in lawns during the summer.
Foxtail: Another invasive grass weed that appears in late spring and early summer.
Other Annual Grasses: Similar grassy weeds that depend on seeds to propagate each year.

6. Beyond Spring: Fall Pre-Emergents

While spring is the most popular time to apply pre-emergents, fall applications can also help prevent cool-season weeds like henbit or chickweed. If your lawn consistently battles weeds into late summer or early fall, consider a second treatment when soil temperatures begin to drop.

7. How Lawn Harmony Landscaping LLC Can Help

Preventing weeds before they emerge can save time, money, and frustration throughout the season. At Lawn Harmony Landscaping LLC, we take a tailored approach to weed control, ensuring that the right treatments are used at the right time for your specific lawn conditions. Our services include:

Pre-Emergent Application: Precisely timed treatments to ward off common spring and summer weeds.
Mowing & Maintenance: Proper mowing heights and schedules to keep lawns healthy and better able to resist weed invasions.
Fertilization & Aeration: Encouraging strong root development and soil health, giving grass a competitive edge against weeds.

Serving Franklin, Ross, Pickaway, Fairfield, and Fayette counties, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve a lush, weed-free lawn you can enjoy all season long.

Ready to Stop Weeds in Their Tracks?

Contact Lawn Harmony Landscaping LLC for professional pre-emergent applications and year-round lawn care:

Phone: 614-425-9789
Email: LawnHarmonyOhio@gmail.com
Website: LawnHarmonyLLC.com
Facebook: facebook.com/LawnHarmonyLLC

Don’t wait for weeds to rear their heads—reach out today to schedule your pre-emergent treatment and enjoy a healthier, greener lawn all spring and summer.