When to Apply Pre-Emergent in North Texas (Timing Guide)

A Sherman, TX Homeowner’s Guide to Stopping Weeds Before They Start

If you live in Sherman, TX, you know that one week your lawn looks fine, and the next, it’s a sea of crabgrass and dandelions. In North Texas, the secret to a clean lawn isn't pulling weeds—it's stopping them from ever appearing.

That is the job of Pre-Emergent Weed Control.

What is Pre-Emergent? (And What It Isn’t)

Pre-emergent is a preventative barrier applied to your soil.

• What it does: It interrupts the germination process of weed seeds.
• What it doesn't do: It does not kill weeds that are already visible.

If you see the weed, the "pre-emergent window" has already closed for that specific plant.

The Sherman Timing Guide: Spring & Fall

Weeds in North Texas follow soil temperatures, not calendar dates.

1. Spring Window (Summer Weed Prevention)

Targets: Crabgrass, Spurge, Foxtail.

• Target Soil Temp: 55°F (and rising).
• Sherman Window: Late February to Early March.
• The Risk: If you wait until you see the first yellow bloom of a weed, the soil is already too warm, and germination has begun.

2. Fall Window (Winter Weed Prevention)

Targets: Henbit, Chickweed, Annual Bluegrass (Poa Annua).

• Target Soil Temp: 70°F (and falling).
• Sherman Window: Late September to Early October.
• The Risk: Skipping this application leads to a yard full of "purple flowers" (Henbit) in February.

Why Soil Temperature is the Only Metric That Matters

Sherman weather is famously unpredictable. A warm "false spring" in February can trigger weed germination weeks earlier than expected.

Expert Tip: Don't watch the calendar; watch the soil. In Grayson County, we aim to have our spring barrier down before the soil consistently hits 55°F.

Common Pre-Emergent Mistakes

• Applying Too Late: This is the #1 mistake. Once the seed has sprouted its first root, the barrier is useless.
• Skipping the Fall: Winter weeds compete with your grass during the spring "green-up," weakening your lawn for the whole year.
• Disturbing the Barrier: Aerating or heavy raking immediately after applying pre-emergent can "break" the chemical shield.
• Seeding Coordination: Pre-emergent stops all seeds—including your Bermuda or Zoysia grass seed. Never seed and apply pre-emergent at the same time.

How it Fits into a Structured Program

In Sherman’s aggressive weed environment, a single application isn't enough. A successful lawn follows a preventative rhythm:

1. Late Feb: Spring Pre-Emergent (The "Crabgrass Shield").
2. April: Fertilization to thicken turf.
3. June: Spot treatments for "breakthrough" weeds.
4. Oct: Fall Pre-Emergent (The "Winter Shield").

Take Control of Your Sherman Lawn

Stop fighting a losing battle against established weeds. By timing your applications correctly, you can enjoy a thicker, healthier lawn with less work.

Ready to get ahead of the weed cycle? North Texas Turf and Lighting specializes in precision-timed applications for Sherman homeowners.

Request Your Free Estimate Today

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