Weeds are a problem for everyone who has a maintained yard. Countless hours can be spent every week going out and pulling or spraying weeds in your planter beds. Pulling weeds leaves you with a sore back for days to come, and spraying can be messy and potentially harmful to other plants if you are not careful. Thankfully, there is an alternative. Pre-emergent herbicides can help alleviate the majority of your weed problems throughout the year.
How is a pre-emergent herbicide different than a normal herbicide? Most post-emergent herbicides such as Round-Up™ kill a plant by absorbing the herbicide through the leaves and working systemically. A pre-emergent herbicide kills the seedlings before they have a chance to establish. Typical pre-emergent herbicides form a vapor-barrier in the top inch of soil. This vapor-barrier is the key to control. As new seedlings begin to germinate, their first little roots begin to reach out into the soil, and upon reaching the vapor barrier, are killed, preventing establishment.
Pre-emergent herbicides are available in several different chemical and organic based varieties. The organic-based pre-emergent is Corn Gluten. We have tried using corn gluten in the past with very limited results, and only recommend its use if you wish to go 100% organic.
Green Lizard Landscape strives to promote earth-friendly practices with organic-based fertilizing, low-water use and low impact landscaping. That being said, we recommend using chemical pre-emergent herbicides. The chemical Dichlobenil (the brand name is Casoron, but sold under different names as well) is what we apply to the properties we provide a maintenance service for. Dichlobenil is highly effective at preventing weeds for many months and can be used in planters that have been established for a year or more. Dichlobenil can not be used in lawn areas, as it will kill the grass. Caution should also be used in areas with bulbs.
Always read the label and follow the manufacturers’ instructions and make sure you have on proper safety gear such as goggles and gloves.
Please contact us if you have any questions regarding the use of pre-emergent herbicides or any other landscape questions.
