Pre-Emergent – Will Halt Grass Growth

Q: When the label on a pre-emergent bag says it will prevent seeds from growing does that also mean it will keep bermudagrass from spreading into bare areas?

A: Yes: common weed preventers can cause “clubbed” rooting of bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, centipede, or St. Augustine. With clubbed roots, the warm-season stolons are not able to peg down and may prevent recovery of thin or damaged turf. Pre-emergents are best for healthy lawns, not those that are struggling.