The Answers to Your Weed Control Questions in Surprise, AZ

Q: What is a pre-emergent?

A: A pre-emergent is a type of herbicide that when applied to the requested area will help prevent weeds in that area by preventing germination of the weed seed. We apply the pre-emergent in most cases from a power sprayer, using water as the carrier. A pre-emergent can be safely applied around plants and trees, since it works on seed and not foliage or an existing root system.

Q: What is a post-emergent?

A: A post-emergent is a type of herbicide that is applied to existing weeds that are to be killed. There are many different types of post-emergent herbicides. Generally, a post-emergent is a contact herbicide or a systemic herbicide. We usually always use a systemic herbicide because it translocates the herbicide into the root system of the weed to do a more complete kill, but sometimes can take 10 days to up to two weeks to work. A contact killer can chemically burn out a weed very quickly, but does not always do a complete kill since it is not absorbed into the root system. Also, post-emergent herbicides can be non-selective or selective. For example, you can use a non-selective herbicide, such as Roundup, which can kill both grass and weeds. Another example would be using a broadleaf herbicide, such as Speedzone Southern, in a grass lawn to kill a variety of broadleaf weeds without killing the grass.

Q: What about the color?

A: First it is temporary, and usually is gone within 10 days. There is usually color associated with a weed control service. Many of the pre-emergent herbicides used have a color in them, as it was manufactured that way. It is helpful as an indicator for the tech that applies the herbicide as well as letting the customer them know it was applied. We receive many requests to try to keep the color at a minimum, and we try to do that as much as possible. The color can vary by the type of product used. Some of the pre-emergent herbicides used can have a light yellow, yellow, brownish yellow or orange color to them. For post-emergent herbicides, they may have color if a dye is used, and can have a yellow, blue, green, or possible purple color.

Q: Is it safe for my pets?

A: We always refer to the label of the product, and in general for the products we use, the manufacturers state it is safe for humans and pets, but to keep both pets and children off the treated areas until dry and dissipated. We always recommend keeping them off for at least 4 hours. If products are used with further restrictions, we will inform that customer.

Q: Why do I still get weeds sometimes?

A: When we apply a pre-emergent to a property, our goal is to get a 100% control. However, this is an imperfect science since there is so many variables. What you should expect is about 95% or better control, and if you do have a problem, in most cases, it will be under warranty and there is no charge to come back out to take care of the problem.

Q: What does my warranty cover?

A: The warranty will cover all annual weeds if they come back in desert landscapes or dirt areas of your property. We do not warranty weeds that are sprayed in grass lawns, since those areas receive more water as well as sometimes the yard may need to be sprayed twice to kill the existing weeds in the grass. This warranty does not cover some perennial weeds: weeds or plants that can reproduce under the soil and or have a longer life span of more than one year. Examples of non-warranted weeds or plants include Bermuda grass, nutsedge, silver leaf nightshade, desert broom, mesquite trees, Palo Verde trees, palm, and brittlebush.

Q: Do I need to water the pre-emergent in?

A: It is important to water the pre-emergent herbicide in so that it will be incorporated into the soil and the herbicide will do its job of preventing germination of the weed seeds. The watering ideally should be done within two weeks after an application, unless there is rain during that time and it does the job for you.