What are weed Pre-emergents?

Keep Your Lawn Weed-Free: Pre-Emergents explained

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:

  • Early autumn (to target winter weeds)
  • Early spring (to target summer weeds)

 

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: Weed Control + Fertiliser

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:

  • Controls both broadleaf and grassy weeds (bindii, oxalis, wintergrass, summergrass)
  • Includes fertiliser to improve lawn colour and health
  • Easy-to-apply granular format (no sprayer required)
  • Typically lasts up to 3 months

Best for:

Oxafert is ideal for those wanting a simple, all-in-one solution that feeds the lawn while preventing weeds.

Barricade: Long-Lasting Protection

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:

  • Long-lasting control for up to 6 months
  • Excellent for wintergrass and summer grass prevention
  • Ideal for large areas and professional applications
  • Flexible application windows due to extended residual life

Best for:

If you’re looking for maximum, long-term weed prevention with fewer applications, Barricade is the go-to option.

Barricade vs Oxafert: What’s the Difference?

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

How to Apply Pre-Emergents for Best Results

To get the most out of your pre-emergent weed control, follow these simple steps:

  • Remove any existing weeds beforehand
  • Water in immediately after application
  • Avoid disturbing the soil after application
  • Re-apply seasonally to maintain protection

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