Now that we’ve started treating our customers’ lawns with the Early Spring application, we’re often asked: “Is it too early to do this in the first half of March?” The short answer: no! This is actually a great time to protect your lawn from troublesome grassy weeds like crabgrass and foxtail. So why can it be done so early? I’m glad you asked.
Warming Soils and the Looming Threat of Crabgrass
Although crabgrass is a summer annual that thrives in hot temperatures, effective prevention starts much earlier in the spring. Crabgrass seeds begin to germinate when soil temperatures reach 55°F for three consecutive days—usually in late April or early May. South-facing areas or spots near reflective surfaces can warm sooner, which can trigger an early weed outbreak.
After application, the active ingredient takes a few weeks to fully absorb into the soil. ULTRALawn’s specialized pre-emergent also remains stable until soil temperatures hit 50°F, making early application even more important.
Late Spring and the ULTRALawn Boost
One thing that sets ULTRALawn apart is that we include pre-emergent weed control in both of our spring applications. A single application provides 90 to 120 days of protection, but when you look at the calendar, one treatment isn’t enough. A second application extends coverage through the peak of summer, giving every lawn the strongest defense against crabgrass. This split-application approach offers timing flexibility and ensures every customer is fully protected for the entire crabgrass season.
Manufacturer’s Recommendation
Every product we use undergoes rigorous testing by both the manufacturer and the Environmental Protection Agency. This testing ensures the active ingredient is used safely and effectively. Following the instructions on the product label is essential for anyone applying it. Interestingly, fall application of pre-emergent—before the soil freezes—is also an effective way to control spring weeds. The product stays in place over the winter and activates in the spring when soil temperatures reach 50°F.
An Ode to Agriculture: Growing Degree Days
If you research the best time to apply pre-emergent, you’ll find a variety of answers: when the forsythia bloom, when daytime temperatures regularly reach 60 degrees, or between April 1 and April 15. There are many opinions, and relying solely on the calendar can be risky because weather conditions vary from year to year.
Since around 1950, a calculation called Growing Degree Days, or GDD, has been used extensively in agriculture to monitor and predict environmental events. Specific occurrences such as when flowers bloom, insect life cycles, and the time it takes for corn to mature can all be tracked using GDD. GDD is a running total of how many heat units have accumulated throughout the growing season. Using this system, scientists have developed accurate benchmarks and guidelines for farmers, gardeners, arborists, and horticulturists. The ideal window for a single crabgrass pre-emergent application can be very short, which is why we wisely treat your lawn twice for complete coverage.
With this knowledge and expertise, we can better serve our thousands of customers and ensure that every lawn starts the season strong.
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