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Is It OK to Apply Crabgrass Preventer Before Rain?

Crabgrass (Digitaria ischaemum and Digitaria sanguinalis) is a nasty weed that can take over a lawn or garden if left on its own. Although it is an annual, seeds from previous years stay viable in the ground and sprout in late winter or spring, creating a cycle that will last until you take charge to stop it. One way is with a crabgrass preventer, also known as a pre-emergent herbicide. While some herbicides are washed away when it rains, this is not the case with crabgrass preventers.

  1. When to Apply

    • You must apply crabgrass preventers two to four weeks before the seeds germinate. You can use a soil thermometer to help you determine when that is likely to occur in your area. Crabgrass seeds germinate when the soil at a 4-inch depth reaches a temperature of 53 to 58 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, when the soil at that depth reaches 48 to 50 F, it’s time to apply the herbicide. In absence of a soil thermometer, apply when your spring-blooming trees and shrubs begin to bud.

    What About Rain?

    • Yes, you can apply crabgrass preventers before a rain is expected. In fact, the herbicide needs to be pushed into the soil with water to work effectively. You have a week to do this. If it doesn’t rain at least 1/2 inch within the week, you’ll need to supplement with your garden hose. Use an empty pie pan or tuna can to help you determine how much rain and water the treatment area receives. Do not mow your grass until after the rain or watering to prevent herbicide loss.

    How to Apply

    • All herbicides are different and must be applied in a manner consistent with the label instructions. If you use a ready-to-use formula, you will not need to dilute the product, eliminating a step in the application process. Applying the product uniformly is a must, according University of Georgia, so spray herbicides are often easiest for this task. You can also use a granular formula, spreading it as evenly as possible by hand or with a granular herbicide spreader.

    Crabgrass Prevention Tips

    • Crabgrass seeds need light to germinate. If you mow your grass at the highest recommended setting for its variety, the space between the grass blades is shadier than it would be had you cut the grass at a shorter height. Proper care of your lawn, including a good fertilization program, is essential. The thicker and lusher your grass grows, the less likely crabgrass and other weeds will take root in the space. Watering deeply and less frequently with 1 inch of water per week helps keep crabgrass at bay. Crabgrass has shallow roots, so if you water your landscape several times a week with just a little bit of water, you will encourage crabgrass growth.

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