Many homeowners apply pre-emergent herbicides only after they notice weeds sprouting in their yard. This timing is like trying to lock a door after the burglar has already walked inside.
Success requires catching weeds before they germinate. Identifying the Best Pre Emergents for Bermuda Grass early prevents the headache of manual removal later. Read on to see which options fit your lawn maintenance schedule.
Key Takeaways
- Match your active ingredient to the specific weeds you want to control, as prodiamine and dithiopyr provide different strengths.
- Granular formulas offer easier application for larger lawns, while liquid concentrates allow for more precise dosage in smaller, complex areas.
- Check the application rate on the label to ensure the product covers your total square footage without exceeding safety limits.
- Time your application based on soil temperature rather than the calendar, usually when the ground hits 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Consider whether you need a standalone preventative or a product that includes fertilizer to feed the lawn while stopping seeds.
| Top Liquid Choice |  |
Barricade 4FL Herbicide Concentrate | Excellent broadleaf weed prevention | High coverage efficiency | Professional level performance | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Best Granular Professional |  |
The Andersons Barricade Granular | Simple broadcast application | Professional grade formulation | Consistent granule size | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Bulk Value Leader |  |
Prodiamine 65 WDG Herbicide | Extremely cost effective | Concentrated professional strength | Broad spectrum weed control | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Precision Application Expert |  |
Quali-Pro Prodiamine Granules | Uniform granule size | Prevents seasonal weeds | Professional grade results | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Best Weekend Warrior |  |
Scotts WeedEx Prevent Halts | Convenient for homeowners | Easy to find | Reliable lawn brand | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Large Area Solution |  |
Scotts Halts Crabgrass Preventer | Ideal for large lawns | Reputable brand quality | Effective against chickweed | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| All In One |  |
Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action | Fertilizes while preventing weeds | Simplifies lawn maintenance | Easy application process | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Tough Weed Specialist |  |
BASF Drive XLR8 Concentrate | Kills established weeds | Provides residual protection | Fast acting formula | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Ornamental Bed Specialist |  |
DOW Snapshot Granular Herbicide | Superior landscape protection | Long lasting residual | Easy granule application | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Commercial Grade Bulk |  |
The Andersons Barricade 50lb | Massive coverage capacity | Professional grade efficacy | High value per pound | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Barricade 4FL Herbicide Concentrate
This liquid concentrate is the gold standard for homeowners who want precise control. It acts as a barrier that prevents crabgrass and other stubborn weeds from gaining a foothold.
Because it is a concentrate, you get excellent coverage for large areas. Just remember that you need a pump sprayer to apply it evenly, so be prepared to put in a little extra work during setup.
- Brand:Barricade
- Formulation:Liquid concentrate
- Active Ingredient:Prodiamine
- Product Type:Pre-emergent herbicide
- Container Size:4 fluid ounces
- Additional Feature:Prevents crabgrass germination
- Additional Feature:Suitable for ornamental beds
- Additional Feature:Long lasting residual control
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The Andersons Barricade Granular
If you prefer a spreadable option over liquids, this is the most reliable choice. It uses the same active ingredient as the liquid version but in an easy-to-apply granular form.
You simply load your spreader and walk the lawn. It is perfect for those who want to avoid mixing chemicals or dealing with spray equipment calibration.
- Brand:The Andersons
- Formulation:Granular
- Coverage Area:5,800 sq ft
- Active Ingredient:Prodiamine
- Product Type:Pre-emergent herbicide
- Container Size:18 lbs
- Additional Feature:Easy to see application
- Additional Feature:Consistent nutrient distribution
- Additional Feature:Prevents grassy weeds
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Prodiamine 65 WDG Herbicide
This water dispersible granule is a heavy hitter for anyone managing a large property. It is essentially the generic version of the industry standard, meaning you get the same effectiveness without the premium brand name.
It requires a bit of math to calculate your mixing ratios correctly. Once you master the measurement, it is the most efficient way to treat massive areas.
- Brand:Prodiamine
- Formulation:Water dispersible granule
- Active Ingredient:Prodiamine
- Product Type:Pre-emergent herbicide
- Container Size:5 lbs
- Additional Feature:Mixes easily in water
- Additional Feature:Controls crabgrass and poa
- Additional Feature:Long term soil barrier
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Quali-Pro Prodiamine Granules
These yellow granules are engineered for uniform distribution across your lawn. If you have a high-quality spreader, this product ensures every square inch of your Bermuda grass receives the same protection.
It is a straightforward, reliable product that does exactly what it promises. It might be less familiar to the average consumer than big-box brands, but the results are reliable.
- Brand:Quali-Pro
- Formulation:Granular
- Active Ingredient:Prodiamine
- Product Type:Pre-emergent herbicide
- Container Size:5 lbs
- Additional Feature:Low staining potential
- Additional Feature:Effective crabgrass suppression
- Additional Feature:Easy to calibrate spreader
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Scotts WeedEx Prevent Halts
If you are already a fan of the Scotts system, this fits perfectly into your routine. It is designed for quick application during your Saturday morning lawn chores.
It works best when applied early in the spring before the soil warms up. Keep in mind that it is strictly preventative, so it will not kill weeds that are already visible in your grass.
- Brand:Scotts
- Formulation:Granular
- Coverage Area:5,000 sq ft
- Product Type:Pre-emergent herbicide
- Container Size:10.06 lbs
- Additional Feature:Stops crabgrass growth
- Additional Feature:Simple spreader settings
- Additional Feature:Effective seasonal prevention
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Scotts Halts Crabgrass Preventer
This is essentially a scaled-up version of the standard preventer. If you have a larger yard, the bigger bag saves you from making multiple trips to the store.
It is designed to be applied in early spring to create a protective shield for your Bermuda grass. Just be sure to water it in lightly after spreading to activate the ingredients.
- Brand:Scotts
- Formulation:Granular
- Coverage Area:10,000 sq ft
- Product Type:Pre-emergent herbicide
- Container Size:20.12 lbs
- Additional Feature:Works on various weeds
- Additional Feature:Simple to apply
- Additional Feature:Large bag capacity
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Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action
Why do three jobs when you can do one? This product combines weed prevention, lawn fertilizer, and weed control into a single application.
It is a fantastic choice if you want to save time and streamline your lawn care. Just check your local regulations, as these multi-purpose products are not permitted in every region.
- Brand:Scotts
- Formulation:Granular
- Coverage Area:4,000 sq ft
- Product Type:Combo herbicide and fertilizer
- Container Size:11.31 lbs
- Additional Feature:Feeds grass roots
- Additional Feature:Prevents future weeds
- Additional Feature:Kills existing broadleaf weeds
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BASF Drive XLR8 Concentrate
This is a post-emergent powerhouse that also offers residual control. If you have already missed the window for a standard pre-emergent, this can help you clean up the mess.
It is particularly effective against stubborn grassy weeds that have already started to emerge. It is a bit more aggressive, so use it carefully on your turf.
- Brand:BASF
- Formulation:Liquid concentrate
- Active Ingredient:Quinclorac
- Product Type:Post-emergent and residual
- Container Size:64 ounces
- Additional Feature:Controls crabgrass effectively
- Additional Feature:Works on broadleaf weeds
- Additional Feature:Professional grade results
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DOW Snapshot Granular Herbicide
While many products focus on turf, this one excels in the areas surrounding your grass. It is designed to keep your landscape beds free of weeds without harming your shrubs.
It provides a long-lasting barrier that stays active for months. Be careful not to apply this directly onto your Bermuda grass, as it is specifically formulated for landscapes.
- Brand:DOW
- Formulation:Granular
- Product Type:Pre-emergent herbicide
- Additional Feature:Safe for many ornamentals
- Additional Feature:Prevents wide weed spectrum
- Additional Feature:Resists breakdown
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The Andersons Barricade 50lb
If you own a large property or manage multiple lawns, this massive bag is your best bet. It is the same high-quality Barricade formula but in a volume that makes financial sense for frequent users.
Because it is a 50-pound bag, it is quite heavy to move around. You will want a commercial spreader to handle this volume effectively, but it will keep your weeds at bay for a long time.
- Brand:The Andersons
- Formulation:Granular
- Active Ingredient:Prodiamine
- Product Type:Pre-emergent herbicide
- Container Size:50 lbs
- Additional Feature:Commercial durability
- Additional Feature:Long lasting soil barrier
- Additional Feature:Proven weed control
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need to apply pre-emergent to my Bermuda grass?
You should typically apply these treatments twice a year. The first application happens in early spring to stop summer weeds, and the second occurs in late summer or early fall to prevent winter annuals like poa annua.
Can I apply pre-emergent and fertilizer at the same time?
Yes, you can use a combination product that includes both a pre-emergent and a starter fertilizer. However, keep in mind that your grass might need a different nutrient ratio than what is included in those pre-packaged bags. Separate applications often give you more control over your lawn health.
Will pre-emergent kill my existing Bermuda grass?
No, these products are designed to be selective herbicides. They stop seeds from developing roots but do not harm established Bermuda grass that has already formed a healthy root system. Just make sure you wait until your grass has fully greened up in the spring before applying.
What happens if I miss the application window?
If you miss the window, the pre-emergent will not be effective against weeds that have already sprouted. Your best bet is to switch to a post-emergent herbicide to kill the weeds that have appeared. You can then plan to apply your pre-emergent earlier next season to regain control.
Do I need to mow before applying these chemicals?
It is usually best to mow your lawn at a low height before applying granular products. This helps the granules reach the soil surface rather than getting caught on top of tall grass blades. A clean, short lawn ensures the product reaches the dirt where it needs to work.
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