Is it really necessary to put down granular pre-emergent before it rains? What about after?

Question

I just hate having to revolve my schedule around "Is it going to rain or not going to rain?"

What if I just wait until IT DOES RAIN and then put out the pre -emergent.

I cant afford to water my whole yard.

Answer 1

I have used granular Team and Dimension pre emergent herbicides on lawns for years with comparable results. As for the question of timing around precipitation, I don't believe that the end result will vary, but ease of application may be an issue. If attempting to apply when grass is already wet you may encounter problems with clumping in the drop holes if you use a drop spreader. Typically a push broadcaster type spreader will disperse the granules at a higher above the turf and clumping will not be an issue. Please keep in mind that many pesticides are incorporated into fertilizer combination products. Products such as this have a tendancy to absorb moisture readily(actually out of the air). This can also result in uneven dispersal of the product due to clumping. Try to avoid application when the humidity is very high.
Finally applying when it is dry allows for easier clean up. It's easier to sweep or blow particles from dry pavement. Please note also that some pre emergents can stain concrete if not cleaned off. Even coverage of pre emergents is also essential. I have seen very narrow rows of crabgrass in lawns later in the summer on lawns that were treated with a drop spreader and adequate care was not taken in row overlap.

Answer 2

If you want to apply your granular pre-emergent in the rain go ahead, but I'd think it'd be an unpleasant experience.

Answer 3

Roboguy has given you the best advice. You are using a granular form, so water is important. Have you looked into what the farmers use for their fields? Granted you might not need the quantity, but just getting another option about what you can do might just give you a simpler idea about how to go about it. Good luck!

Answer 4

You don't have to wait until it rains, most of the time in early spring there is dew on the ground in the morning. This is enough moisture to start your pre-emergent to break down. Moisture is a key element to get your lawn app to work

Answer 5

How about putting the pre-emergent down right before it rains. Check your local weather forecast and if it's above a 70% chance of rain, chances are - you'll get rain.

It's how I "watered" mine. :-)

Answer 6

It is ok, especially if more rain is predicted soon. If the forecast is for dry weather, water-in the pre-emergent. Otherwise, exposure to the air may cause it to lose its effectiveness before the next rain.

Answer 7

no al long as it go down close to the right time of year