Keeping your lawn and garden free from persistent weeds like spurge requires effective pre-emergent herbicides designed to prevent weed seeds from germinating. This guide reviews top-rated pre-emergent products that target spurge and a variety of other broadleaf and grassy weeds, suitable for different turf types and application seasons.
| Product | Brand | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Quali-Pro Prodiamine 5 lbs | Quali-Pro | Season-long crabgrass control, flexible spring/fall application, tank mixable |
| The Andersons Barricade 18 lbs | The Andersons | Professional-grade, early spring/fall application, controls multiple weeds |
| Monterey Spurge Power 1 Pint | Monterey | Selective post-emergent control, targets spurge and multiple broadleaf weeds |
| Prodiamine 65 WDG 5 lbs (Generic Barricade) | Quali-Pro | Grass and broadleaf weed control, suitable for turf and ornamentals |
| 0-0-7 Granular Prodiamine 18 lbs | Yard Mastery | Prevents crabgrass and annual bluegrass, suitable for all grass types |
Quali-Pro Prodiamine 5 lbs Pre-Emergent Herbicide
The Quali-Pro Prodiamine 65 WDG provides robust pre-emergent weed control for both grass and broadleaf weeds. Its application flexibility allows it to be used effectively in both spring and fall, offering season-long crabgrass prevention. This product is highly useful in landscapes, turf, nurseries, trees, and golf courses. It can be mixed easily with fertilizers and iron for enhanced turf management.
- Pre-emergent control targeting crabgrass and other annual weeds
- Suitable for multiple use sites including turf and ornamentals
- Available in a 5-pound granule form for widespread coverage
The Andersons Barricade 18 lbs Granular Pre-Emergent Weed Control
This professional-grade pre-emergent herbicide contains 0.48% prodiamine and is designed to prevent the growth of grassy and broadleaf weeds, such as crabgrass, goosegrass, henbit, and poa annua. It is best applied early in spring and fall to protect large lawn areas effectively. While effective in preventing weed germination, it won’t eliminate existing weeds.
- Professional strength for long-lasting weed prevention
- Targets a broad spectrum including hard-to-control winter and summer annuals
- Covers up to 5,800 square feet per application
Monterey Spurge Power Post-Emergent Herbicide Concentrate
Unlike traditional pre-emergents, Monterey Spurge Power offers a post-emergent selective control that targets broadleaf weeds such as spurge, dandelion, creeping charlie, clover, and wild violet. This herbicide is effective on warm and cool-season lawns including bluegrass, fescue, ryegrass, and bermuda grass. It comes in a convenient 1-pint concentrate bundled with a measuring spoon for precise application.
- Selective broadleaf weed control for established lawns
- Active formula with three ingredients for comprehensive weed management
- Safe for various grass species, both warm and cool season
Prodiamine 65 WDG 5 lbs Generic Barricade Pre-Emergent
This Prodiamine 65 WDG provides effective pre-emergent control for annual grasses and broadleaf weeds commonly found in turf, such as crabgrass, henbit, chickweed, and Johnsongrass seedlings. It can be safely used on a variety of established turfgrasses, container and landscape ornamentals, perennials, and wildflower plantings. It’s also suitable for use in Christmas tree farms.
- Targets a wide range of weed species
- Applicable on turf as well as ornamental plants
- Water-dispersible granules for ease of mixing
Yard Mastery 0-0-7 Granular Prodiamine Pre-Emergent Herbicide Fertilizer
This granular pre-emergent combines 0.37% prodiamine with a fertilizer blend to help prevent crabgrass and poa annua across different turf types such as bermudagrass, bahiagrass, centipedegrass, and tall fescue. It covers up to 6,000 square feet and offers versatility for a wide range of grass varieties, promoting healthy turf while inhibiting weed seed germination.
- Effective weed prevention with added nutrient support
- Compatible with most warm and cool season grasses
- Granular formula designed for easy application
Buying Guide for Choosing the Best Pre Emergent Herbicide for Spurge
When selecting a pre-emergent herbicide to control spurge and other weeds, several important factors should be considered to ensure effectiveness and compatibility with your lawn or landscape.
Type of Weed Control: Pre-Emergent vs Post-Emergent
Pre-emergent herbicides prevent weed seeds from germinating, making them ideal for managing spurge before it appears. Post-emergent herbicides, like the Monterey Spurge Power, treat existing broadleaf weeds but are not preventive. Choose based on whether you are treating current weed growth or preventing future infestations.
Active Ingredient and Spectrum
Prodiamine is a widely-used active ingredient in pre-emergents that target annual grasses and many broadleaf weeds including spurge. Check product labels for coverage of spurge and confirm application timing. Some formulas combine prodiamine with fertilizer for dual benefits.
Application Timing and Coverage Area
Apply pre-emergents before soil temperatures reach the germination threshold (typically before 55°F in spring). Coverage per container varies, so select a product based on the size of your lawn or garden. Granular forms are easy to spread evenly, while concentrates allow for precise mixing and spraying.
Compatibility With Lawn Type and Other Treatments
Ensure the product is safe for your grass species—different herbicides suit warm or cool-season lawns differently. Also consider if you’re mixing with fertilizer or iron treatments. Some brands highlight compatibility with turf care routines for better overall results.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
Look for products with minimal odor and staining for ease of use, and check if they are pet-safe or contain low toxicity to non-target plants. Using protective equipment and following label instructions is critical for safe application.