Centipedegrass requires careful lawn care, especially when selecting pre-emergent herbicides. The right product helps prevent common weeds like crabgrass and annual bluegrass without harming delicate centipede turf. This article reviews five targeted pre-emergents favored for centipede lawns, highlighting coverage, active ingredients, and how they work with your soil moisture. Use the buying guide to compare options and choose the best fit for your yard’s size and seasonal needs.
| Product | Coverage (approx.) | Active Ingredient | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Andersons Barricade Professional-Grade Granular Pre-Emergent Weed Control (5,800 sq ft) | Up to 5,800 sq ft | Prodiamine (0.48%) | Small to mid-size centipede lawns; early spring and fall applications |
| The Andersons Barricade Professional-Grade Granular Pre-Emergent Weed Control (12,880 sq ft) | Up to 12,880 sq ft | Prodiamine (0.48%) | Medium to large lawns; long-duration weed prevention |
| Yard Mastery 0-0-7 Dimension Pre-Emergent Herbicide – 18 lb | Up to 6,000 sq ft | Dithiopyr | Early-season crabgrass and broadleaf control; lawn-friendly |
| Yard Mastery 0-0-7 Dimension Pre-Emergent Herbicide – 45 lb | Up to 15,000 sq ft | Dithiopyr | Larger properties; fewer applications per season |
| Quali-Pro Prodiamine, Pre-Emergent Herbicide, 5 lbs | Various sizes depending on application | Prodiamine | Season-long control in lawns, nurseries, and ornamentals |
The Andersons Barricade (5,800 sq ft)
The Andersons Barricade is a granular pre-emergent designed to prevent germination of grasses and broadleaf weeds. It targets crabgrass, poa annua, goosegrass, henbit, and similar species. It contains 0.48% prodiamine, offering professional-grade weed control for early spring and fall applications. The product uses patented DG Technology (dispersible granule) to dissolve rapidly with watering, delivering control directly into the soil for maximum impact. It is intended to prevent weeds and does not eliminate existing ones.
The Andersons Barricade (12,880 sq ft)
Designed for larger properties, this Barricade option provides the same prodiamine-based prevention with extended coverage. It safeguards newly sprouted weeds by keeping the soil environment hostile to germination. As with other Barricade formulations, it does not cure existing weeds but creates a protective barrier for upcoming growth cycles, making it suitable for ongoing maintenance on centipede lawns that require fewer applications per season.
Yard Mastery Dimension Pre-Emergent – 18 lb
This 18-pound bag uses Dithiopyr to prevent weeds before germination, covering up to 6,000 square feet. It’s ideal for small to medium centipede lawns and aligns with a maintenance plan that avoids pushing growth while still protecting against crabgrass and select broadleaf species. The fertilizer base helps support potassium uptake without encouraging excessive shoot growth, balancing lawn health and weed prevention.
Yard Mastery Dimension Pre-Emergent – 45 lb
For larger properties, this 45-pound bag delivers extended coverage—up to about 15,000 square feet—using the same Dithiopyr-based formulation. It’s suitable for homeowners seeking fewer applications while maintaining effective pre-emergence in centipede lawns. The product also features a 0-0-7 fertilizer blend that contributes potassium and turf health, supporting overall lawn resilience when applied as part of a seasonal program.
Quali-Pro Prodiamine 65 WDG (5 lbs)
Quali-Pro Prodiamine 65 WDG offers broad-spectrum pre-emergent control with a focus on Poa annua and crabgrass among other pests. It is labeled for established turf and landscapes, including lawns and ornamental areas. The product’s versatile application supports spring and fall use, providing season-long protection. It’s suitable for centipede and other turf types when used according to label directions, making it a flexible option for varied yard conditions.
Quali-Pro Prodiamine, 5 lbs (Yellow Granules)
This 5-pound bottle of Prodiamine 65 WDG by Quali-Pro provides pre-emergent control for crabgrass, annual bluegrass, and other broadleaf weeds. The yellow granules signify a fast-dissolving formulation that works well when watered in and applied as part of a broader lawn care program. It is suitable for use across multiple sites, including lawns and landscape plantings, with attention to label instructions for centipede turf compatibility.
Buying Guide
- Active ingredient and spectrum: Prodiamine-based products (Barricade) excel at longer-lasting prevention, while Dithiopyr-based products (Dimension) offer early season control. Consider your most common target weeds and the season you plan to apply.
- Coverage and bag size: For smaller centipede lawns, choose 5,800 sq ft or smaller bags to avoid waste. Larger properties benefit from 12,880 sq ft or bigger bags to minimize application frequency.
- Soil and weather conditions: Pre-emergents rely on soil moisture to activate. Apply after watering or rainfall and avoid applying during extreme drought or heavy rainfall to maintain uniform distribution.
- Lawn health and compatibility: Look for formulations with a balanced fertilizer (such as 0-0-7) to support potassium uptake and turf resilience without promoting excessive growth in centipede lawns.
- Timing: Apply pre-emergents in early spring and/or fall, depending on your climate and weed pressure. Centipede grass generally benefits from spring and fall preventive windows.
- Application method: Granular products are common for homeowner use; ensure even spread with a broadcast or drop spreader and water in according to product instructions.
- Safety and labeling: Always read the product label for site restrictions, compatible grasses, and application rates. Some products are suitable for ornamentals and nurseries as well as lawns, but check centipede compatibility specifically.
When choosing a pre-emergent for a centipede lawn, align the product with lawn size, expected weed pressure, and preferred application window. The options above cover a range of coverage levels, from compact 5,800 square feet to expansive 15,000 square feet, and include both prodiamine and dithiopyr formulations to fit different weed prevention strategies. Always follow label directions and adjust for local climate patterns to maintain a healthy centipede turf.