Crabgrass Prevention: Timing Your Pre-Emergent Application

Crabgrass Prevention: Timing Your Pre-Emergent Application

Warm winter spells might tempt you to apply crabgrass preventer early, but soil temperature is the real trigger. Crabgrass seeds germinate only after several days of soil temperatures above 55°F. In Atlanta, mid-March is the traditional target, with a second application in May to catch late germinators.

How to Track Soil Temperature

Use the Automated Environmental Monitoring System to check real-time soil temps at a station near you. Conditions vary widely even within the metro area.

Practical Advice

• Wait until late February for the first application.
• Reapply in May to maintain a chemical barrier.
• Pre-emergents last longer in cold soil, so early application isn't necessary.

Precision saves money and prevents unnecessary chemical use. Let the soil, not the calendar, guide you.