December 17, 2024

Pre-Emergent Herbicide for Zoysia Grass: Timing & Tips

Maintaining a lush, healthy Zoysia lawn requires effective weed control. Pre-emergent herbicides are a key tool in preventing weeds from taking hold, especially in high-quality varieties like Zeon Zoysia, El Toro Zoysia, and Meyer Zoysia. In this article, we’ll explore pre-emergent products, when to apply them, and tips for keeping your Zoysia lawn weed-free year-round.

Why Pre-Emergent Herbicides Are Important for Zoysia Grass

Pre-emergent herbicides stop weeds before they sprout, forming a barrier in the soil that prevents germination. This is particularly beneficial for Zoysia grass, as its dense growth pattern makes it an excellent competitor against weeds—but only if weeds are controlled early.

By applying pre-emergent herbicides at the right time, you can:

Prevent common weeds like crabgrass, poa annua, and spurge.
Avoid competition for water and nutrients.
Maintain the clean, uniform appearance of Zoysia lawns.

Choosing the Right Pre-Emergent Herbicide

When selecting a pre-emergent herbicide, it’s important to choose products that are safe for Zoysia grass. Here are some proven options:

Prodiamine (e.g., Barricade®)

Popular choice for controlling grassy and broadleaf weeds.
Safe for Zeon, El Toro, and Meyer Zoysia when applied correctly.
Long-lasting control with minimal risk of harming your lawn.

Dithiopyr (e.g., Dimension®)

Provides excellent pre-emergent and early post-emergent control.
Effective against crabgrass and other summer annual weeds.

Pendimethalin (e.g., Pendulum®)

Offers broad-spectrum pre-emergent weed control.
Ideal for preventing grassy weeds in newly established or mature Zoysia lawns.

When to Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicide for Zoysia Grass

Timing is critical when applying pre-emergent herbicides for Zoysia grass. The goal is to target weed seeds before they germinate. Here’s a seasonal guide:

Spring Application (February–March)

Why: Prevent summer annual weeds like crabgrass, foxtail, and spurge.
Timing Tip: Apply when soil temperatures reach 55°F–60°F for several consecutive days. This typically occurs in early spring across the South.

Fall Application (September–October)

Why: Stop winter annual weeds like poa annua and chickweed from sprouting.
Timing Tip: Apply before soil temperatures drop below 70°F, ensuring the herbicide is active before germination begins.

Tips for Applying Pre-Emergent Herbicide to Zoysia Grass

Calibrate Your Spreader: Ensure even distribution to avoid missed spots or over-application.
Water It In: After applying, water the lawn lightly (about ¼ inch) to activate the herbicide and help it form a barrier in the soil.
Avoid Disruption: Do not aerate or dethatch immediately after application, as this can break the herbicide barrier.
Read Labels Carefully: Follow product instructions for rates and timing to avoid lawn damage.

Pre-Emergent Care for Zeon, El Toro, and Meyer Zoysia

While all three varieties—Zeon Zoysia, El Toro Zoysia, and Meyer Zoysia—benefit from pre-emergent herbicides, each has unique strengths:

Zeon Zoysia: Known for its fine-blade texture and dense growth, Zeon is naturally weed-resistant when maintained properly. Pre-emergents help keep it pristine by preventing weeds from taking hold.
El Toro Zoysia: With its drought tolerance and rapid establishment, El Toro thrives in full sun. Early pre-emergent application ensures that weeds don’t compete during active growth periods.
Meyer Zoysia: Meyer’s thick, carpet-like lawn requires consistent care. Pre-emergent herbicides maintain its smooth appearance by preventing common broadleaf weeds.

Common Weeds Controlled by Pre-Emergent Herbicides

Grassy Weeds: Crabgrass, goosegrass, foxtail
Broadleaf Weeds: Spurge, chickweed, henbit
Winter Annuals: Poa annua, shepherd’s purse, annual bluegrass

Keep Your Zoysia Lawn Weed-Free with Proper Timing

Applying pre-emergent herbicides is one of the best ways to maintain the beauty and health of Zoysia lawns. By selecting the right products and applying them at key times in spring and fall, you can enjoy a weed-free lawn year-round.

For expert advice or to purchase premium Zoysia sod, contact NG Turf today. Our certified Zeon, El Toro, and Meyer Zoysia sod ensures a healthy, vibrant lawn from the start!