Preen Garden Herbicide Was Put On Our Lawn Accidentally: Is…
Ellen Asked
Preen garden herbicide was put on our lawn accidentally: is there something we can put down to either neutralize or reverse its effects?
The Gardener’s Answer
Hello, Ellen in North Carolina: Preen is a pre-emergent herbicide that is used to prevent unwanted seedlings from sprouting. It is nonselective so it will also prevent any seeds that you intentionally planted from growing. The only reason that Preen would have a negative effect on your lawn is if you just seeded it and then applied this herbicide. If this is the case then unfortunately the seed will not take root or germinate. There is nothing that can be done to reverse the outcome and you will have to wait until the fall to reseed. The product has a three-month lifespan so it will prevent any seeds from germinating for a maximum of three months. This puts us right in the middle of the summer and this is not the best time to seed your lawn. Spring and fall are ideal times of the year to do this when the daytime temperatures are warm but the nights are cooler. If you already have a healthy lush lawn then Preen is not going to harm it but it will prevent any weeds from popping up through it for the next few months
