The Two Types of Weed Control Every Homeowner Should Understand
Weed control is one of the most misunderstood aspects of lawn care. Many homeowners either apply the wrong product at the wrong time, or skip weed control entirely and wonder why their lawn is overrun by midsummer. Understanding the difference between pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides — and when to use each — is essential for maintaining a healthy, weed-free lawn in North Texas.
What Are Pre-Emergent Herbicides?
Pre-emergent herbicides work by creating a chemical barrier in the top layer of soil that prevents weed seeds from germinating. Think of it as a shield — it doesn't kill existing weeds, but it stops new ones from ever sprouting.
When to apply in North Texas: The timing window is critical. For spring application, you need to apply pre-emergent before soil temperatures consistently reach 55°F, which typically occurs in late February to mid-March in the Rockwall and East Dallas suburbs area. A second application in early September targets fall-germinating weeds like annual bluegrass and henbit.
What it controls: Crabgrass, dallisgrass, goosegrass, annual bluegrass, henbit, chickweed, and other annual weeds that germinate from seed each year.
Important limitations: Pre-emergent herbicides do not kill weeds that are already growing. If you can see the weed, pre-emergent won't help — you need post-emergent treatment.
What Are Post-Emergent Herbicides?
Post-emergent herbicides kill weeds that are already actively growing. They come in two main types:
Selective post-emergents target specific weed types without harming your lawn grass. For example, a broadleaf herbicide will kill dandelions and clover but won't damage your Bermuda grass.
Non-selective post-emergents (like glyphosate) kill everything they touch — weeds and grass alike. These are useful for spot-treating areas but should never be broadcast across your lawn.
When to apply: Post-emergent herbicides work best when weeds are young and actively growing. In North Texas, the prime windows are April through May for spring weeds and October through November for winter weeds. Avoid applying during extreme heat (above 90°F) as this can stress your lawn.
The North Texas Weed Control Calendar
Here's how pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides work together throughout the year:
Late February to March: Apply spring pre-emergent to prevent summer annual weeds. This is your most important application of the year.
April to May: Spot-treat any breakthrough weeds with selective post-emergent herbicide. Target broadleaf weeds like dandelions, clover, and dollarweed.
June to August: Avoid herbicide applications during peak heat. Focus on maintaining a healthy, dense lawn through proper mowing and watering — a thick lawn is the best weed defense.
Early September: Apply fall pre-emergent to prevent winter annual weeds like henbit, chickweed, and annual bluegrass.
October to November: Spot-treat any remaining warm-season weeds with post-emergent before they go dormant.
Common Herbicide Mistakes
Applying pre-emergent too late: If you wait until you see crabgrass, it's already too late for pre-emergent. By the time weeds are visible, they've already germinated and pushed through the soil barrier.
Using non-selective herbicide on the lawn: Spraying Roundup (glyphosate) across your lawn will kill the grass along with the weeds. Always use selective herbicides for broadcast lawn applications.
Applying during drought stress: Herbicides can damage a lawn that's already stressed from heat and drought. Make sure your lawn is healthy and well-watered before applying any chemical treatments.
Skipping the fall pre-emergent: Many homeowners only apply pre-emergent in spring, but the fall application is equally important for preventing winter weeds that can choke out your lawn during dormancy.
Go Green Electric's Weed Control Program
Our Platinum maintenance plans include a comprehensive weed control program with properly timed pre-emergent and post-emergent applications throughout the year. We use professional-grade products applied at the correct rates and timing for North Texas conditions.
Because we're on your property weekly, we catch weed problems early — before they spread and become harder to control. Our team monitors your lawn's condition and adjusts treatments based on what we see, not just a generic calendar.
Serving Rockwall, Rowlett, Heath, Sunnyvale, Forney, Garland, and Mesquite. Ask about adding weed control to your maintenance plan.
