
What are Weed Pre-Emergents?
What are Weed Pre-Emergents? Discover how Barricade and Oxafert pre-emergents work, when to apply them, and which is best for
A lush, weed-free lawn starts long before weeds ever appear. The key to achieving a thick, healthy lawn is using a pre-emergent herbicide – two of the most effective options are Barricade and Oxafert.
Let’s break down the difference between these two popular pre-emergent weed control products, how they work, and which one is best for your lawn.
What is a Pre-Emergent Herbicide?
Pre-emergents are designed to stop weeds before they grow. Instead of killing visible weeds, they create a barrier in the soil that prevents weed seeds from germinating.
This means timing is everything – pre-emergents need to be applied before weeds emerge, typically:
It’s important to note: pre-emergents won’t kill existing weeds – you’ll need a post-emergent herbicide or manual removal for those.
Oxafert is a granular pre-emergent that combines weed prevention with a fertiliser boost, making it a popular choice for homeowners.
How it works:
Oxafert creates a protective barrier at the soil surface that stops weed seeds from germinating, while feeding your lawn with essential nutrients.
Key benefits:
Best for:
Oxafert is ideal for those wanting a simple, all-in-one solution that feeds the lawn while preventing weeds.
Barricade is a professional-grade pre-emergent herbicide for lawns, widely used across residential, commercial, and sports turf.
How it works:
It forms a barrier in the top layer of soil, stopping weeds before they establish- without affecting established turf roots.
Key benefits:
Best for:
If you’re looking for maximum, long-term weed prevention with fewer applications, Barricade is the go-to option.
Feature | Barricade | Oxafert |
Type | Liquid pre-emergent | Granular pre-emergent |
Longevity | Up to 6 months | Up to 3 months |
Fertiliser included | No | Yes |
Application | Spray | Spreader |
Best suited for | Long-term weed control | Easy DIY + lawn boost |
To get the most out of your pre-emergent weed control, follow these simple steps:

What are Weed Pre-Emergents? Discover how Barricade and Oxafert pre-emergents work, when to apply them, and which is best for

Every lawn variety has its own strengths, and the best choice for your home will depend on factors such as