From previous research, we know that crabgrass germinates with 24-hour mean soil temperatures average about 53-55 degrees at a 2 to 4 inch depth for several consecutive days.  Because the climate in NC is quite varied (ski resorts in western NC and palm trees in eastern NC), the actual date of the critical soil temperature varies significantly.  Traditionally, in the southeastern part of the state, we know that PRE herbicides should be applied and watered in by about March 1, in the Piedmont about March 15, and in western NC about early April (depending on the elevation).  Based on observations of crabgrass emergence and data from NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association), my recommendation for 2023 is for turfgrass managers to apply PRE herbicides at least two weeks earlier than previous recommendations.

Why the change?  In 3 of the last 4 years, I have found crabgrass emergence in late February (see photo).  In the previous 30 years of my career, I have never seen crabgrass emergence in February. January of 2023 was the third warmest ever recorded in NC. The average soil temperature at our Turf Field Lab in Raleigh averaged 51 degrees for the month of January. The bottom line is, apply your PRE herbicides now.

Is there a penalty for applying PRE herbicides too early? The answer is:  not much.  PRE herbicides are degraded (primarily) by soil microorganisms.  When soil temperatures are in the 40s and 50s, microorganism activity in soil is low.  Therefore, minimum degradation of PRE herbicides occur when applied in January and February.