Spring has finally arrived! Flowers have already started to emerge, and it won’t be long before the leaves really start to fill in the trees. Naturally, with warmer temperatures comes the sound of the lawn mower — the growing season has begun! Unfortunately, grass isn’t the only thing that grows in your yard. Scattered across the soil in and below the thatch layer are countless seeds that secretly landed in your yard last fall, and they’ve been waiting all winter for this opportunity. Fortunately, there is a solution to this problem; one that kills the weeds from the onset but leaves your lawn unharmed: pre-emergent herbicides.
WHAT IS A PRE-EMERGENT HERBICIDE AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
Pre-emergent herbicides are designed to target newly germinating weeds before they become problematic. Pre-emergent herbicides vary slightly by chemistry and specific mode-of-action, but in general, they are designed to stop newly germinating seeds from rooting in the soil. Most pre-emergents work to disrupt root systems from developing. When roots are unable to locate water and nutrition, newly germinated seeds desiccate and starve once the endosperm (nutrition source inside the seed coat) has been depleted.
Specifically, many pre-emergent herbicides are members of the Dinitroaniline family of herbicides. These herbicides function as microtubule assembly inhibitors. Dinitroanilines are water-insoluble and do not work with foliar applications; they must be integrated into the soil. One of the more popular members of this family, Prodiamine
has low volatility and relatively quick half-life in the soil (the time it takes for this molecule to break down in the environment).
WHEN SHOULD PRE-EMERGENT HERBICIDES BE APPLIED?
The vast majority of pre-emergent herbicides are applied in early-mid spring (depending on latitude), right before grasses begin aggressive growth. This strategy is employed to ensure that adequate chemistry is present in the ground right before most weeds begin germinating. The later a pre-emergent is applied in the growing season, the less effective it will be against controlling a large number of weeds. Most pre-emergent herbicides have no effect on weeds that have established a root network, even if the weeds are still relatively small. The map below shows roughly when to consider applying spring pre-emergent herbicides to your lawn.
Many perennial weeds also release seeds in mid-late summer in the hopes that the seeds might germinate and root before the arrival of winter. Additionally, while pre-emergent herbicides may be successful at preventing weeds from growing in your own yard (and producing more seeds…), many seeds are transported into your yard by the wind. For these reasons, a late summer/early fall pre-emergent application should also be considered. Many landscape professionals use a pre-emergent herbicide coated onto a high-nitrogen fertilizer to avoid having to make two separate fall applications (in essence, a fall weed & feed).
WHAT CAN PRE-EMERGENT HERBICIDES BE USED ON?
Most pre-emergent herbicides are effective against many grasses (monocots) and broadleaf weeds (dicots). Considered to be a one of the most obnoxious lawn invaders, many pre-emergents also control crabgrass, however some products require multiple applications for effective control. If you have a crabgrass infestation, be sure to read the label carefully before purchasing to ensure the product will be effective.
LIST OF THE MOST COMMON WEEDS CONTROLLED BY MOST PRE-EMERGENTS.
- Annual bluegrass (Poa annua)
- Barnyard grass
- Carpetweed-04
- Chickweed (common)
- Chickweed (mousear)
- Crabgrass (large and smooth)
- Crowfoot grass
- Cup grass (woolly)
- Foxtails (annual),
- Goosegrass
- Henbit
- Itchgrass
- Johnsongrass (seedling)
- Jungle rice
- Knotweed
- Kochia
- Lambs quarters (common)
- Lovegrass, Panicum (browntop, fall and Texas)
- Pigweed
- Purslane (common)
- Pusley (Florida)
- Rescue grass
- Shepherd spurse
- Signal grass (Broadleaf)
- Speedwell (Persian)
- Sprangle top
- Spurge (prostate)
- Witchgrass
- Wood sorrel (yellow, from seed)
WHAT GRASSES ARE SAFE TO USE WITH MOST PRE-EMERGENT HERBICIDES?
- Bermuda grass
- Bahia grass
- Centipede grass
- Kikuyu grass
- Seashore Paspalum
- St. Augustine grass
- Tall Fescue (including turf-type)
- Fine Fescue
- Zoysia grass
- Buffalo grass
- Kentucky Bluegrass
- Perennial Ryegrass
- Creeping Bentgrass (0.5 inches or more in height)
NOTE:
If in doubt on your grass species, refer to the Turf Grass Climate Regions Info Graph
and consult with your local lawn care expert to determine the best pre-emergent product to use on your turf grass.
WHAT SHOULD A PRE-EMERGENT HERBICIDE NEVER BE USED ON?
Pre-emergent herbicides should NEVER be used on or around newly seeded grass, newly applied sod, or any plants being grown from seed (such as herbs, vegetables, and wild flowers). If you want to grow anything that is being started from seed, don’t use pre-emergent herbicides on or near those plants.
WHAT ARE EXAMPLES OF PRE-EMERGENT HERBICIDES AVAILABLE AT TURF CARE?
TurfCare™ Supply has a wide variety of pre-emergent control products. These herbicides can be coated onto fertilizer, soil amendments, or carriers. Such examples include:
- Barricade
- Dimension
- Echelon 4SC
- Evade 4FL
- Oxadiazon
- Pendimethalin
- Pre-M
- Prodiamine
- Ronstar
- Spectile
- Stonewall
For professional fertilizers, humic and AMP-XC™ enriched products available, please visit TurfCare’s online Product Catalog.
For green industry professionals or others interested in ordering Turfcare products, please contact our Customer Service
to find a distributor near you.
References:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/weeds/pre-emergent-herbicides.htm
http://msue.anr.msu.edu/resources/crabgrass-control-in-home-lawns
Turf Care Supply - TurfReport Blog
Turf Care Supply, LLC, a portfolio company of Platte River Equity, has officially acquired Beaty Fertilizer, the industry respected Tennessee-based manufacturer and blender of custom granular and liquid fertilizers, as well as combination products. This strategic move expands Turf Care’s manufacturing footprint, adds new product capabilities, and enhances overall production capacity. “The partnership with Beaty Fertilizer marks a major milestone in our journey and an important step forward in our mission to grow, innovate and lead in our industry,” said Mark Mangan, President of Turf Care. “This acquisition is more than just expansion; it’s a powerful opportunity to strengthen our product offerings, broaden our market reach and provide greater value to our customers. By welcoming Beaty into the Turf Care family, we are reinforcing our commitment to excellence and positioning ourselves for an even brighter future.” “We are excited about this next step in the Beaty Fertilizer story. For almost 50 years, our family and our employees have worked hard to serve customers and communities with pride and heart,” said John Beaty, President of Beaty. “Now, we are embracing an opportunity for growth with Turf Care. With our combined know-how and resources, we’ll keep building on what we’ve worked so hard to create and bring even more value to our customers, employees and partners. We truly believe this partnership will keep the Beaty legacy going strong while opening up new doors for growth and innovation.” Tarun Kanthety, Vice President at Platte River, added, “We believe the acquisition of Beaty Fertilizer represents a strategic step in expanding Turf Care’s footprint and product breadth... as it scales and enhances its value proposition to customers.”
Root out Grubs, Before they Attack Yours! White grubs, the immature stage of several scarab beetles—including Japanese beetles, masked chafers, May and June beetles, and green June beetles—are a major threat to turfgrass across the Southeast. These beetles follow a complete metamorphosis (egg, grub, pupa, adult), with most species completing their cycle in one year. Eggs are laid in early summer, grubs hatch within two weeks, and begin feeding on turfgrass roots through the late summer and fall. May and June beetles differ slightly, with a two- to three-year life cycle and prolonged feeding as third-instar grubs. Grubs damage turf by severing roots, causing grass to yellow, wilt, or lift easily from the soil. Feeding is typically concentrated in patches and worsens during hot, dry weather. Wildlife digging for grubs can create further turf destruction. Healthy turf may tolerate 5–10 grubs per square foot, but damage becomes evident as populations rise or turf is under stress. Early detection and timing are essential. Scouting begins in late June, shortly after adult beetle activity peaks. Monitoring plants favored by beetles can signal egg-laying is underway. Treatment is most effective when small grubs are active—typically from mid-July through early August. For professional turfgrass managers, insecticides containing imidacloprid (Merit®), chlorantraniliprole (Acelepryn®), or trichlorfon (Dylox®) are the most effective tools. The primary months of preventative application of Acelepryn® is from April to end of May and Merit® from April into July - targeting grubs before they hatch. Curative treatments with Dylox® or similar products are applied July through the fall, when young grubs are feeding and most vulnerable. Always follow label directions for optimal application and safety. Timing may vary slightly by regional seasonal needs. Turf Care Supply has a variety of professional TCS Growstar insecticide fertilizers available to protect your turf and prevent grub damage, before it starts. Click on the button below to view products, contact your sales rep for addition TC Growstar products available.
Platte River Equity Portfolio Company Turf Care Supply, LLC Acquires Agri-Nutrients, Inc. Brunswick, OH , October 9, 2024 – Platte River Equity (“Platte River”) portfolio company Turf Care Supply, LLC (“Turf Care”) is pleased to announce its acquisition of Agri-Nutrients, Inc. (“Agri-Nutrients”), a manufacturer and blender of custom granular fertilizers for the turf & ornamental (“T&O”) industry. This strategic acquisition provides Turf Care with an established presence in the south-central United States, an enhanced product portfolio and additional manufacturing capacity. “This acquisition represents much more than a business transaction; it is a strategic step forward in expanding our reach and enhancing our customers’ growth. By bringing Agri-Nutrients into the Turf Care family, we are broadening our product portfolio, expanding our market presence and further positioning ourselves as a leader in providing innovative solutions for our customers,” said Mark Mangan, President of Turf Care. “We are excited about joining the Turf Care team,” said Jim Montgomery, President of Agri-Nutrients. “At Agri-Nutrients, our core values center around customer service and product innovation, and we are confident that this combination will allow us to better serve the needs of our customers.” “Platte River welcomes the Agri-Nutrients team to Turf Care. This transaction underscores our long-term commitment to fostering growth through both organic and inorganic initiatives across the Turf Care platform,” said Tarun Kanthety, Vice President of Platte River. “The partnership with Agri-Nutrients strengthens Turf Care’s value-added offering, creating additional growth opportunities across the combined customer base.” B&A Corporate Advisors served as the exclusive financial advisor to Agri-Nutrients. About Agri-Nutrients Founded in 1992 and based in Catoosa, OK, Agri-Nutrients is a manufacturer and blender of custom granular fertilizers for the T&O industry, predominantly selling into the lawn care, sports turf and golf course end markets. About Turf Care Supply Established in 1974, Turf Care Supply is one of the largest formulators and blenders of urea products to the T&O market. Turf Care has a comprehensive product portfolio of fertilizers, combination products (herbicide/insecticide), soil amendments and enhanced efficiency fertilizer ingredients. Turf Care's products are sold to distributors and blenders serving the commercial, residential and golf end markets. Turf Care operates four manufacturing facilities strategically located throughout the eastern U.S. About Platte River Equity Founded in 2006 and based in Denver, CO, Platte River Equity is a private equity firm focused on investments in established lower middle market operating companies within targeted industrial sectors where it has substantial operating and investing experience. Platte River utilizes prudent capital structures in order to invest in future growth opportunities and withstand changing economic environments. The firm also provides significant ongoing support to its portfolio companies through dedicated resources across functional areas. The firm has raised funds with committed capital in excess of $1.6 billion and is currently investing out of its fifth fund. The Platte River team is the largest collective investor across its funds, deeply aligning the firm with its investors and portfolio company management teams.