Where’s your lawn?
A nearby city is all we need as a climate reference — nothing is uploaded.
Soil temp Timing Seed scores
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Spring pre-emergent
Crabgrass preventer before seed germinates. Soil temperature — not the calendar — is the cue.
Timing An afternoon
Typical months: Mar, Apr, Feb, May
Before crabgrass germinates. Soil ~50–55°F and rising is the usual cue — too warm and you missed it.
Soil gate: Soil temp unknown — Using calendar windows only
Why
Stops crabgrass and other summer annuals from starting. Cheaper than chasing clumps in July.
Steps
- Confirm soil at 4 in is ~50–55°F and trending up — not already in the 60s.
- Mow, then apply on a dry, calm day.
- Water in if the label says so (most granules need irrigation or rain).
- Stay off until dry; keep pets off per the label.
- Do not seed or overseed until the product’s wait interval is over.
What you need
Equipment
- Spreader or sprayer
- PPE — gloves, eye protection, long sleeves
Buy before you start
- Pre-emergent granule or liquid (prodiamine, dithiopyr, or pendimethalin type)
How much
Apply about 15.0 lb across 5,000 sq ft (3 lb / 1000).
Typical 0.37%-class crabgrass preventer. Bag rate for YOUR concentration wins.
Edited rates save in this browser for next time.
Caveats
- Most crabgrass preventers also block lawn seed. Skip this if you will seed soon.
- Rates are starting templates — concentration on the bag you bought wins.