Pre-Emergent Herbicides
Pre-emergent herbicides form a chemical barrier in the soil that prevents weed seeds from germinating. Timing is everything — apply when soil temperatures reach 50-55°F in spring.
Pre-Emergent Comparison
| Product | Active Ingredient | Tier | Best For | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimension 2EW (Dithiopyr) | Dithiopyr 24% | Community Gold | Split-app first pass, late starters, or anyone planning fall overseeding | $160 for 64 oz | Found at: Amazon · DoMyOwn |
| Mesotrione (Tenacity / Torocity / MESO 4SC) | Mesotrione 40% | Seeding Safe | Pre-emergent protection during new seeding or overseeding. Also post-emergent on select broadleaf and grassy weeds. | $50-70 brand name (Tenacity); $30-45 generics (Torocity, MESO 4SC) | Found at: Amazon · DoMyOwn |
| Quali-Pro Prodiamine 65 WDG | Prodiamine 65% | Community Gold | Single-application season-long crabgrass and broadleaf weed prevention | $80-110 for 5 lb jug; pennies per 1,000 sq ft | Found at: Amazon · DoMyOwn |
| Scotts Halts Crabgrass Preventer | Pendimethalin | Strong Pick | Homeowners who want a simple granular application without spray equipment | $25-35 per bag | Found at: Amazon · DoMyOwn |
| Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food + Weed Preventer | Mesotrione (granular) + starter fertilizer | Seeding Safe | Beginners doing their first overseeding who want a simple one-product solution | $25-35 per bag | Found at: Amazon · DoMyOwn |
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Individual Product Reviews
Dithiopyr 24%
Split-app first pass, late starters, or anyone planning fall overseeding
$160 for 64 oz
Mesotrione 40%
Pre-emergent protection during new seeding or overseeding. Also post-emergent on select broadleaf and grassy weeds.
$50-70 brand name (Tenacity); $30-45 generics (Torocity, MESO 4SC)
Prodiamine 65%
Single-application season-long crabgrass and broadleaf weed prevention
$80-110 for 5 lb jug; pennies per 1,000 sq ft
Pendimethalin
Homeowners who want a simple granular application without spray equipment
$25-35 per bag
Mesotrione (granular) + starter fertilizer
Beginners doing their first overseeding who want a simple one-product solution
$25-35 per bag
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