Pre-Emergent Guides by State
When to apply pre-emergent herbicide depends on where you live. Find your state below for local timing, recommended grass types, and expert resources.
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Warm-Season States
Apply pre-emergent early (Jan-Mar). Warm-season grasses dominate.
Alabama Late January to early March Arizona Late January to mid-February Arkansas Late February to mid-March California January to March (varies by region) Florida January to mid-February Georgia Mid-February to early March Hawaii Year-round management (apply every 3-4 months) Louisiana Late January to late February Mississippi Late February to early March South Carolina Mid-February to mid-March Texas Late January to mid-March (varies by region)
Cool-Season States
Apply pre-emergent later (Apr-May). Cool-season grasses dominate.
Alaska Late May to early June (if needed) Connecticut Mid-April to early May Delaware Late March to mid-April Illinois Mid-April to early May Indiana Mid-April to early May Iowa Late April to early May Maine Late April to mid-May Maryland Late March to mid-April Massachusetts Mid-April to early May Michigan Late April to mid-May Minnesota Late April to mid-May Nebraska Mid-April to early May New Hampshire Late April to mid-May New Jersey Early April to late April New York Mid-April to early May North Dakota Early May to late May Ohio Mid-April to early May Pennsylvania Early April to late April Rhode Island Mid-April to early May South Dakota Late April to mid-May Vermont Late April to mid-May West Virginia Early April to late April Wisconsin Late April to mid-May
Transition Zone States
Both warm and cool-season grasses grow. Timing varies by grass type.
Kansas Mid-March to mid-April Kentucky Late March to mid-April Missouri Late March to mid-April New Mexico Late February to April (varies by elevation) North Carolina Late February to early April Oklahoma Late February to late March Tennessee Early March to early April Virginia Late February to mid-April
Dry / Western States
Dry climate with lower weed pressure. Timing varies by elevation.
Colorado Mid-April to early May Idaho Late April to mid-May Montana Late April to late May Nevada Late February to mid-March (south), April (north) Oregon Late March to mid-April (west), April-May (east) Utah Mid-April to early May Washington Late March to early May (varies by region) Wyoming Late April to late May
Get Precise Timing
State-level guides give you a general window, but your exact timing depends on local weather conditions. Use our GDD tracker with your ZIP code for the most accurate recommendation.
Check Your ZIP Code