Pre-Emergent Timing in Georgia

Super-Sod recommends applying pre-emergent herbicide to Georgia lawns three times a year in winter, spring, and early fall, based on the soil temperature in your area. In this article, we explain the ideal timing and soil temperature, plus offer a chart and other resources to thoroughly explain when to apply pre-emergent in Georgia.

First, let's define "pre-emergent." Pre-emergent herbicides are applied to Georgia lawns to prevent weed seeds from fully germinating. The root germinates first, and when it touches the pre-emergent barrier, it is killed. Killing the root causes the rest of the seed to die because it doesn't get the nutrition it needs to help the shoot germinate. Weeds are killed by pre-emergent herbicides during the germination stage, so you never even see them.

When to Apply Pre-Emergent in Georgia

Apply pre-emergent herbicide to Georgia lawns in February, April, and September. Some lawns are sensitive to frequent herbicide applications, so Super-Sod recommends following this schedule based on your lawn type.

Note: Do not apply pre-emergent herbicide if you plan on laying new sod or planting seed in 3-4 months. Pre-emergent not only inhibits weed seeds from germinating, but it also inhibits all seeds and new sod roots from growing until the pre-emergent wears off. Likewise, don't apply pre-emergent to new sod until it's fully rooted in and no seams are visible, usually after one growing season.

Winter and Spring Pre-Emergent Timing in Georgia

The winter and spring pre-emergent applications are relatively close together to prevent summer weeds: February and April are the first months to apply pre-emergent in Georgia.

Keep in mind that ground temperature is critical for the performance of your winter and spring pre-emergent applications.

In February when ground temperature rises to 55°, that's when summer weeds start germinating in Georgia. In particular, crabgrass has been proven to germinate as early as February. If you have a crabgrass infestation, this winter application is critical.

When ground temperature reaches 65°, your lawn wakes up, and summer weeds germinate too.

When ground temperatures reach 70°, your lawn is in full swing. It's also too late to spread pre-emergent for effective control of weed seed germination. 

We grouped the February and April applications in the same section because it's important to understand that the April pre-emergent application is the second half of a two-part treatment - the February application being part one. The second April application works best in tandem with the first, so please note that if you didn't spread pre-emergent in February, and are only spreading in April, that you'll still see some summer weeds, such as crabgrass. Think of the April application like it's a booster shot.

Note: If you have a Centipede or St. Augustine lawn, we recommend skipping the April pre-emergent application, and only applying twice a year - in February and September. We recommend this schedule because Centipedegrass and St. Augustinegrass are particularly sensitive to chemicals.

Fall Pre-Emergent Timing in Georgia

In the fall it's exactly opposite as described for winter and spring. Instead, apply pre-emergent when your ground temperature lowers to 65° (and before it lowers to 55°). That's usually in September in Georgia. Winter weeds become active in that ground temperature window, and pre-emergent will prevent weeds so you don't see those weeds through next spring. This September application is especially effective at controlling annual winter weeds such as Poa annua, hair bittercress, chickweed, and henbit.

For the fall September pre-emergent application in Georgia, Super-Sod recommends 16-4-8 + Pre-emergent for Tall Fescue. Note: If you plan on planting Tall Fescue seeds, skip this fall pre-emergent application.

We recommend 0-0-7 + Pre-emergent for all warm-season lawns, such as Bermuda, Centipede, Zosyia, St. Augustine.