Professional Weed Control: Pre-Emergent vs Post-Emergent Herbicides, Explained

If you’re like a lot of homeowners, you probably feel like weeds are your #1 enemy! We know that weeds are a major source of frustration. Often, homeowners tell us that weeds are their main lawn care gripe.

That’s why it’s so important to understand how to successfully attack weeds.

Jump to Section

• What’s the Difference Between Pre-emergent vs Post-emergent Weed Control?
• Is Pre-emergent Weed Control Better Than Other Types of Weed Control?
• Which Weeds Can You Prevent from Growing in the First Place?
• What’s the Best Way to Control Lawn Weeds in Mississippi?
• Is It Too Late to Kill Weeds in My Lawn After They’ve Started to Grow?
• What Are Some Other Ways to Get Rid of Weeds in My Lawn?
• Choosing Weed Control & Lawn Care in Tupelo, Oxford & New Albany, MS

There’s a lot more involved in weed control than homeowners tend to realize. And when something isn’t working, they often need a different solution.

In this article, we will talk about pre-emergent vs post-emergent weed control, along with other types of weed killers and why they’re important.

Understanding more about the common lawn-care herbicides and how they are used can help set you up for success.

What’s the Difference Between Pre-emergent vs Post-emergent Weed Control?

Weed control products can be categorized into two types of weed killers: Pre-emergent or post-emergent weed control.

Pre-emergent weed controls prevent weeds from germinating in the first place. Post-emergent weed controls kill weeds that have already started to grow.

While we would love to use pre-emergent on everything (after all, prevention is always the best course of action), no pre-emergent works on all weed varieties. Many weed types have to be addressed post-emergently, or even some that require specialized controls.

Using the wrong weed control approach is a common reason why weeds may keep coming back.

Is Pre-emergent Weed Control Better Than Other Types of Weed Control?

It’s not that pre-emergent weed control is better, as all different types of weed killers are both necessary and have a vital role in an effective weed control plan. However, when possible, it’s always optimal to be proactive and prevent weeds with pre-emergent controls. 

Certain grassy weeds, such as crabgrass, can get out of hand quickly if preventive measures are not taken.

But as we’ve mentioned, pre-emergents do not work on all weed types. Many types of weeds will still require post-emergent or even specialty controls. This is why it is so important that your weed control arsenal is robust…and varied!

In addition, while pre-emergent controls can be highly effective, breakthroughs will still occur. It’s important that your weed control approach is not solely reliant on pre-emergent products. You’re still going to need other types of weed killers to be successful.

Which Weeds Can You Prevent from Growing in the First Place?

Pre-emergent, preventative weed control products can be effective on many grassy and broadleaf weeds that spread and grow by seed. Pre-emergent products work by forming a barrier that prevents germination.

Two weeds we commonly use pre-emergent herbicides on in our region include chickweed and crabgrass. Both are invasive weeds that spread aggressively. We also have success using pre-emergents on annual bluegrass.

The timing of pre-emergent applications is critical, as they must occur before germination to be effective.

If you don’t remove weeds like crabgrass or chickweed before they seed, then those thousands of seeds they produce have already been disbursed, which means they’ll return next season.

What’s the Best Way to Control Lawn Weeds in Mississippi?

The best way to control lawn weeds in Mississippi and throughout our region is with a professional weed control program that includes a diverse array of weed control products.

Homeowners often go wrong when they try to make weed control a one-size-fits-all approach. Certain weeds will respond better to certain controls. And some weeds require specialty controls and highly targeted applications.

Nutsedge, sometimes called nutgrass, is an example of a weed that requires specialty control.

Because of all this, you must rely on different types of weed killers for optimal success.

After all, we have many different types of weeds here in North Mississippi. Our climate makes weed problems highly prevalent. You must be aggressive to maximize your results.

Is It Too Late to Kill Weeds in My Lawn After They’ve Started to Grow?

No, it is not too late to kill weeds in your lawn, even if they have already started growing. This is where a post-emergent weed control is going to be effective. As we’ve mentioned, post-emergents work on weeds that have already germinated and are growing above the surface.

Sometimes people do attempt to hand-pull weeds that are already growing. Believe it or not, this can potentially create more trouble for you.

Hand-pulling weeds can sometimes be a quick and effective way to get rid of weeds. The problem is, there are some weeds where hand-pulling actually stimulates new growth.

Certain weeds, like nutgrass, will spread when pulled. That’s because nutgrass (aka nutsedge) grows via underground tubers and nutlets. When a weed is pulled, this can stimulate those dormant underground tubers to sprout and spread!

This is why spraying weeds is typically the best course of action.

What Are Some Other Ways to Get Rid of Weeds in My Lawn?

Weed control products play an undeniably important role in controlling weeds. But there’s more to it than that.

Along with a varied weed-control approach (using a variety of products), you also want to make sure you’re practicing good lawn care habits, like proper mowing and watering. When you mow your lawn too short, the lawn can become stressed and more prone to weed growth.

In addition, when you don’t water your lawn properly, you risk creating an environment that is better for weeds than for healthy grass.

Taking steps to grow a thick, healthy lawn will help naturally choke out weeds. A thick lawn will make it more challenging for weeds to creep in. Lawn fertilization can play a valuable role in promoting a thick and healthy lawn.

At the end of the day, the thicker and healthier your lawn is, the better it will stand up against weeds!

Choosing Weed Control & Lawn Care in Tupelo, Oxford & New Albany, MS

Lawn care can be complicated, and weed control is no different. Choosing between pre-emergent and post-emergent weed control products is just one decision when it comes to an effective weed control program. That’s why it’s best to work with a pro who understands everything there is to know about the different types of weed killers.

Ultimately, you want to choose a lawn care company that takes this seriously and helps you get the best results. That means you’ll want to partner with the right lawn care professional.

There’s nothing better than having a professional take over these services, as they’ll have access to the best weed-control products and be trained in the best approaches.

Of course, your options certainly aren’t limited when it comes to lawn care and weed control in Tupelo, Oxford, and New Albany, MS. Many companies in our region offer these services. However, you want to be sure you choose a company that will treat you right.

You don’t want to have to make phone calls that go unanswered or work with a revolving door of technicians. You want to find a lawn care partner that you can trust.

At Lawn & Pest Solutions, we’re ready to help.

We can provide a complete, proactive lawn care program that includes everything you need to keep your lawn strong: proper fertilization, preemergent and post-emergent herbicide weed control strategies, aeration, insect and disease control scouting, and tips on proper mowing and watering.

When you have a professional eye on your property who can recognize common lawn weeds in North Mississippi immediately and know how to address them, you can keep weeds in check before they get out of hand.

Ready to learn why Lawn & Pest Solutions could be your choice for lawn care services in North Mississippi? We’re excited to learn more about you and help you have the best lawn on the block. Get started today with a free quote. Together, we can prepare a customized plan for you and your lawn.